The Province of Kurdistan with lofty mountains, numerous river and springs, lush vegetation has splendid natural beauty and endless fascination for many visitors. Covering and area of 24998 sq. kms, it is bounded on the north by the western Azerbaijan, on the south by Kermanshah, on the east by Hamadan and Zanjan and on the west by Iraq.

Climate
    Because of winds from the Mediterranean Sean and the Atlantic Ocean, the amount of annual precipitation is comparatively high in this province. In general, the mountainous areas and plateaus have cold winter and mild summer.

Mountains
     The Zagros range, stretching from the border with Armenia in the northwest to the Persian Gulf, runs through Kurdistan. The highest mountain is Mt. Shahoo, in Marivan in the south of the province. The other considerably high mountains are Chehel Cheshmeh, Badr, Darvazeh and Panjeh Ali. There are also many mountains scattered all over the province, including Siyah Mansoor, Shahneshin, Arbaba, Owraman, Piran and Abidar.

Rivers
    Due to several snow-clad mountains, there are many rivers in Kurdistan, providing water for agriculture. The most important river is the Gezel Owzan, which originates in the Chehel Cheshmeh mountains, flowing to the Caspian Sea. The other important rivers are as follows: The Zarrineh Rood, Karkhe, Simineh Rood, Gaveh Rood, Zab-e-Koochek, Cham Saghez and Sirvan. The Sirvan is the longest river in the province.

Mineral Springs
     One of the most important mineral springs is Cheshmeh-e-Baba Gorgor, 18 kms northwest of Qorveh. The water of the spring forms a spectacular round pool. Having medicinal qualities, this spring attract a large number of people from different parts of the country every year. The hot spring of Cheshmeh-e-Govaz, 50 kms northwest of Kamyaran, being useful for skin diseases and rheumatism, attract many visitors, specially in summer. The spring of Cheshmeh-e-Ab-e-Talkh in Bijar is also useful for rheumatism.

Plant Life
     The province’s plant life is rich in variety. The mountains are covered with broad-leafed deciduous trees, such as oak, plum, pistachio, pear, walnut and maple. The northern and northwestern forests are more luxuriant than the forests in the other parts.

Agriculture
     The economy of the province, specially its eastern areas, is based on agriculture and animal husbandry. In highlands crops are mainly produced by dry farming. In different parts of the province diverse crops are cultivated. These include cereals (wheat, barley and corn), fruits (apples, cherries, peaches, pears and  apricots) and sugar beets, tobacco and sunflowers. Animal husbandry and apiculture are the main economic activities of Kurdistan’s nomadic people.

Wildlife
     Due to Kurdistan’s natural features, wildlife is rich in variety, including bears, wild boars, foxes, hyenas, jackals, weasels and sables. Birds, such as ducks, geese, partridges, sparrow hawks, eagles, herons and grouses live in most parts of the province. To protect animals, three wildlife sanctuaries have been established, which are as follows: Bijar, 15 kms northwest of Bijar; Zarrineh-e Obato, 16 kms north of Divandarreh and Chahardo, 15 kms east of Qorveh.

The People, Language and Religion
      Kurdistan is the home of the Kurds who are (as most of the Iranian Peoples) descendants of the Aryane tribes. Kurdish, a language which has seen scant modification over the centuries, is spoken in various dialects throughout the province. The vast majority of the Kurds are Muslims, of the Sunnite branch. Nomadic way of life is also found all over the province. The most significant tribes are as follows: Sheykh Esma’ili, Dorraji, Soorsoori, Lak, Soomari, Golbaghi and Qualqali.

Political Subdivisions
     Kurdistan includes eight cities. Sanandaj is the provincial capital and the following are its other cities: Baneh, Bijar, Saghez, Divandarreh, Qorveh, Marivan and Kamyaran.

Customs
     The Kurds, particularly those living in villages, have the greatest respect for their own traditions, whose clothing is a good example of this. They usually wear woolen clothes, the forms of which are dependent on the regional circumstances. The weddings and burials are taken with special ceremonies. The hospitality and bravery of the Kurds have nationwide fame.

Handicrafts
     Carpet weaving is of high significance in Kurdistan. The carpets woven in Sanandaj and Bijar have elaborate patterns and charming designs. The other handicrafts produced in this province are follows: Jajims (fine carpets made of wool or cotton), Gelims (rug made of goat’s hair), Givehs (light cotton summer shoes), regional jewelry. Each of these handicrafts is delicate and  beautiful, suitable to be kept as a souvenir.