Iran has many ethnic, linguistic and tribal groups

 

Iran is a highly diverse country composed of numerous ethnic, linguistic, and tribal groups. While Persians are the largest group, approximately 40–50% of the population belongs to various ethnic minorities. 

Major Ethnic Groups

• Persians (approx. 61%): The predominant group, concentrated in the central plateau and major cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. They speak Persian (Farsi).
• Azerbaijanis (Azeris) (approx. 16%): The largest minority group, primarily inhabiting the northwestern provinces of East and West Azerbaijan. They are a Turkic-speaking people.
• Kurds (approx. 10%): Residing mainly in the western mountainous regions (Kordestan, Kermanshah). They speak Kurdish and have a distinct cultural identity.
• Lurs (approx. 6%): Inhabiting the central and southern Zagros Mountains, particularly in Lorestan. They are closely related to Persians and speak Luri.
• Balochis (approx. 2%): Located in the southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province near the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• Arabs (approx. 2%): Concentrated in the southwest Khuzestan province (near Iraq) and along the Persian Gulf coast.
• Turkmen (approx. 1-2%): Primarily found in the northeast (Golestan province) near the Turkmenistan border. 

Smaller Minorities and Tribal Groups

• Caspian Peoples: Including the Gilakis and Mazandaranis who live along the southern shores of the Caspian Sea.
• Tribal Confederations: Such as the Qashqai (Turkic-speaking nomads in the south) and Bakhtiari (part of the Lur group).
• Ethno-Religious Groups: Including Armenians, Assyrians, Georgians, Jews, and the Mandaean community.
• Talysh and Tats: Smaller Iranian groups living in the northern and Alborz regions.