Gilan

Province in northern Iran; area 14,709 sq km/5,679 sq mi; population (1991) 2,204,000. The capital is Rasht. Gilan is bounded by the Caspian Sea on the north, Mazandaran on the east, East Azerbaijan on the west, and Zanjan on the south. The fertile coastal plain includes the large Safid Rud delta. There are large forests in the Elburz Mountains to the south. Rice, tea, citrus fruits, and tobacco are grown. Fishing is an important industry, with substantial exports of caviar. The main port is Bandar-e Anzali.