The former country known as Persia is modern-day Iran. Historically, Persia has a rich cultural heritage, with its roots tracing back to the Achaemenid Empire founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE. The term "Persia" was used in the Western world until the early 20th century when the Persian Empire ceased to exist and was officially renamed Iran in 1935. The country's history encompasses various dynasties, significant contributions to art, science, and literature, and a complex relationship with the rest of the world. Iran remains a pivotal nation in contemporary geopolitical matters.