Iran is located in the Middle East, bordering several bodies of water. It has a population of over 65 million and a long history dating back thousands of years. Traditions in Iran include observing a month-long fast in December and removing shoes when visiting someone's home. Weather varies by season, with hot summers and mild, rainy springs. Iran has also been involved in significant wars, such as the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, and is home to diverse wildlife including the endangered Asiatic Cheetah and Persian Leopard. Notable mountains include Mount Damavand, the highest peak in the Middle East.