Fars Province, located in southern Iran, is pronounced /fɑːrz/ in English. The word "Fars" is spelled phonetically based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which uses symbols to represent sounds in language. The first symbol, /f/, represents the voiceless labiodental fricative, similar to the "f" in "fable". The second symbol, /ɑː/, represents the open back unrounded vowel, similar to the "a" in "father". The final symbol, /r/, represents the alveolar trill, which is pronounced by rapidly vibrating the tongue against the alveolar ridge.
Fars Province is a regional administrative division in southwestern Iran. With its capital city located in Shiraz, it is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. Fars Province covers an area of approximately 122,400 square kilometers and has a population of over five million people. The province is bordered by Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province to the northwest, Isfahan Province to the north, Yazd Province to the northeast, Hormozgan Province to the south, Bushehr Province to the southwest, and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province to the west.
Fars Province has a rich historical background and is recognized for its cultural and archaeological significance. It was the heartland of the ancient Persian Empire and is home to numerous historical sites, including the ruins of Persepolis, Pasargadae, and Naghsh-e Rostam, which showcase the remnants of the Achaemenid Empire. Additionally, Fars Province is known for its lush landscapes, diverse climates, and agricultural productivity.
The province's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with products such as wheat, rice, barley, cotton, and fruits being cultivated. It is also a significant center for oil and gas production, contributing to the country's energy industry. Fars Province attracts a considerable number of tourists annually due to its historical sites, natural attractions, and vibrant culture. The local population primarily speaks Persian, the official language of Iran, and follows the dominant religion of Shia Islam.
The word "Fars" originates from the Old Persian language and refers to the historical region and modern province located in Iran. The term "Fars" is believed to have derived from the ancient Persian name for the region, "Parsa". The name "Parsa" can be traced back to the Achaemenid Empire, which was founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC. "Parsa" later evolved into "Pars" in Middle Persian and ultimately became "Fars" in Modern Persian.