Iran: The Homeland of the Laki People

Iran is geographically located in the West Asia portion of the world.  It boarders the Persian Gulf in the southwest, the Caspian Sea in the north, and the Gulf of Omen in the southern portion of the country.  The mountains of Iran are mostly located in the southwestern region and enclose broad basins, also known as plateaus. The basins support major agricultural growth and urban settlements.
The Laki culture is one of the major cultures that is known to reside in higher elevations of the mountains.  They migrate with their herds of sheep and goats between traditionally established summer and winter pastures.  Most the routes they use for transportation are through gaps and passes in the mountains.
Climate in south Iran is very hot, averaging 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, and mild in the winters.  An estimated seven percent of the country is forested, although this forested region is mostly located on the mountains.  Some shrubs and trees such as the willow, walnut and maple tree all grow on the basin regions in the spring.  During the summer, blistering heat burns away most of the shrub vegetation that has accumulated during the spring season leaving just trees standing.    
Wildlife that inhabit this region are of a wide variety, from bears, wild pigs, wolves, and panthers to more domesticated animals such as horses, sheep, and goats.  The Asiatic Cheetah is a critically endangered specie that is exclusive to Iran.  Along with the Asiatic Cheetah, Iran has 14 bird species that are classified as endangered.