Bandar Abbas

Iran, Iran

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Bandar Abbas is a major port city on the Strait of Hormuz serving as Iran's premier maritime gateway and the capital of Hormozgan province, located on the northern shore of Hormuz Bay opposite the islands of Qeshm, Lārak, and Hormuz.

Established in 1623 by Shah ʿAbbās I to replace the city of Hormuz captured by the Portuguese around 1514, it was the main port of Persia during the 17th century but lost this status to Bushehr in the 18th century. The city has a population of 526,648 (2016 census) and experiences oppressively hot and humid summers that drive many inhabitants to cooler places, while winters are pleasant.

Bandar Abbas serves as Iran's main naval base and hosts a strategic military complex with missile sites, air-defense systems, and Iran's fleet of Chinese-made fast missile boats, protected by the Revolutionary Guard Corps. The port's imports consist mainly of manufactured goods while exports include Kermān rugs, petroleum products, and agricultural produce, with the city housing a cotton mill, fish cannery, and oil and gas refineries.