Irans size compared to all 50 US states visually mapped

March 5, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Irans size compared to all 50 US states visually mapped

US and Israeli Forces Continue Bombardment of Iran

The United States and Israel have continued their military operations against Iran, resulting in at least 1,045 reported fatalities since Saturday. Tehran has responded with drone and missile attacks on Israel and several Gulf countries.

According to recent polling data, public opinion on the US strikes is divided. Among Republicans who support President Donald Trump, 55% approve of the strikes, while 13% disapprove and 32% are unsure. In contrast, 74% of Democrats disapprove of the strikes, with 7% approving and 19% unsure.

Iran is a country located in Western Asia, bordering seven countries, including Iraq, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Armenia. It covers an area of approximately 1.65 million square kilometers (636,000 sq miles), making it the 17th largest country globally.

To put its size into perspective, Iran is roughly equivalent in size to Alaska, about two-and-a-half times larger than Texas, and spans one-sixth of the US land area. The country’s population is approximately 92 million people, representing around a quarter of the US population.

Iran is rich in oil and gas resources, ranking as the world’s ninth largest oil producer and third largest natural gas producer. Its gross domestic product (GDP) is $375 billion, placing it 43rd globally. The country also experiences diverse climates, ranging from cold winters in the north to intense summer heat in the central and southern provinces.

The capital city of Tehran has a population of around 9.6 million people, making it comparable to New York City in terms of size and cultural significance. Other major cities in Iran include Mashhad, with a population of approximately 3.4 million, and Isfahan, which is home to around 2.3 million people.

The country’s history dates back over 6,000 years, with Tehran serving as the capital since 1795. The city is known for its cultural and economic importance, as well as being a major center for textiles, steel, manufacturing, and the nuclear and aerospace industries.

Source: Al Jazeera