Isfahan province
Geography. The Isfahan province covers an area of approximately 107,018 square km and is situated in the center of Iran. To its north, stand the Markazi (Central) Province and the provinces of Qom and Semnan. To its south, it is bordered by the provinces of Fars, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. Aminabad is the most southern city of Isfahan province just 2 km north of the border. To the east, it is bordered by the province of Yazd. To the west, it is bordered by the province of Lurestan and to the southwest by the province of  Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiyari. The city of Isfahan is the provincial capital, and the counties of this province are as follows: Aran va Bidgol County, Ardestan County, Isfahan County, Lenjan County, Shahin Shahr and Meymeh County, Khomeyni Shahr County, Khansar County, Semirom County, Faridan County, Fereydunshahr County, Falavarjan County, Kashan County, Golpayegan County, Mobarakeh County, Nain County, Najafabad County, Dehaqan County, Shahreza County, Borkhar County, Tiran and Karvan County, Chadegan County, Buin va Miandasht County, Khur and Biabanak County and Natanz County; 18 townships, 25 counties, 93 cities, and 2,470 villages in all. According to the census in the year  2016, the population of the province was 5,120,850, of which approximately 88 percent were urban residents and 12 percent resided in the rural areas. In 2006, the literacy rate was 88.65 percent. The province experiences a moderate and dry climate on the whole, ranging between 40.6 °C (105.08 °F) and 10.6 °C (51 °F) on a cold day in the winter season. The average annual temperature has been recorded as 16.7 °C (62 °F) and the annual rainfall on average has been reported as 116.9 mm. The city of Sepahan (Esfahan) however experiences an  excellent climate, with four distinct seasons. With an elevation of 4,040 metres, the Shahankuh is the highest peak in Isfahan Province. This mountain is located about 20 kilometres southwest of the city of Fereydunshahr in the western part of Isfahan Province. Isfahan province consists of 52 rivers. They are small and temporary, with the exception of the Zāyanderud, which totals 405 km in length a basin area of 27,100 km2. Biodiversity. "Aphanius isfahanensis" (Farsi: کپوردندان_اصفهان) is a species of Cyprinodontid fish endemic to the Zayandehrud river basin (see genus Aphanius). It is known only from three sites across the province . "Allium chlorotepalum" is an endemic species of Isfahan province, "Astragalus vernaculus" is also common in the west of the province. History and culture. Historians have recorded "Espahan", "Sepahan" or "Isfahan" initially as a defense and military base. The security and protection of the gradually increasing castles and fortifications, thereby, would provide the protection of residents nearby, therefore leading to the growth of large settlements nearby. These historical castles were "Atashgah", "Sarooyieh", "Tabarok", "Kohan Dej", and "Gard Dej". The oldest of these is "Ghal'eh Sefeed" and the grounds at "Tamijan" from prehistoric times. The historic village of Abyaneh, a nationwide attraction , also has Sassanid ruins and fire temples among other historical relics. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Isfahan province enjoyed high standards of prosperity as it became the capital of Safavid Persia. While the city of Sepahan (Esfahan) was their seat of monarchy, Kashan was their place of vacation and leisure. Isfahan province encompasses various sects today. The majority of the people in the province are Persian speakers, but Bakhtiari Lurs, Georgians, Armenians, Qashqais and Persian Jews also reside in the province. The official language of the province is Persian, though different ethnic groups and tribes speak languages of their  own, including Judeo-Persian, Armenian, Georgian, Qashqai Turkic and Bakhtiari Lurish. Isfahan province is noted for the large number of cultural luminaries which it has produced, including poets, scholars, philosophers, theologians and scientists of national renown. According to the Isfahan atlas, well-known local dishes include , Kachi, Kebab Golpayegan, Samanu Shahreza, Khansar , Yokhe bread (Kaak) and Semirom. Administration. Ostandari Isfahan Language. A majority of the population speak Persian as first language with a minority of Luri, Turkic, Georgian, Biyabanaki and Armenian speakers. Education. Islamic Azad Universities. Several well-known Islamic Azad University campuses in Iran are located in the province : Economy. Nine tons of saffron are produced by this province by the year.