Hormozgan

Hormozgan Province, known in Persian as استان هرمزگان, is a southern province of Iran lying along the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Its capital and largest city is Bandar Abbas. The province includes a long coastline and several islands, notably Qeshm, Hormuz, and Hengam. The Strait of Hormuz forms its southern boundary and is a major global shipping chokepoint.

Geography and environment: The region features hot, arid coastal plains with higher humidity around the islands. It includes low hills and mangrove ecosystems along the coast. Qeshm Island hosts the Hara marine forests and the Namakdan salt cave, and its geopark status has been recognized by UNESCO.

Historically, Hormozgan lay on ancient trade routes and was part of empires such as the Achaemenids and the Safavids. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Portuguese built fortifications on Hormuz Island and controlled parts of the coast before they were expelled. In the modern era, it became an Iranian provincial unit centered on Bandar Abbas for trade and transport.

Economy: The province is a major port region. Bandar Abbas serves as a key commercial and naval gateway, and the port of Jask has been developed to expand maritime capacity. Local industries include fishing, date cultivation, and petrochemical activity in coastal zones. Tourism and ecotourism, especially on Qeshm and other islands, contribute to the economy through natural and cultural attractions.

Demographics: Hormozgan has a population of around 1.8 million. It is ethnically diverse, with Bandari and Persian communities and a historical Afro-Iranian presence. The primary language is Persian, with Bandari spoken in coastal areas; the majority of inhabitants are Shia Muslims.