Population.—The inhabitants of Kerman are described in general as of a dark brown colour and slight physique. As regards the settled population, it seems to be mainly of Iranian stock, while the nomads, who form a strong minority are probably the descendants of the Arab, Turkish and Kurd invaders. The total population of the province was estimated at 750,000 in 190o among whom is a numerous community of Zoroastrians. The total rev enue of the province amounted to 4,957,887 krans (L St.=45 krans) in 1926-27.
Kerman, the administrative headquarters, 30° I 7' N., 56° 59' E., is situated at the meeting point of three valleys at an altitude of 5,68o ft. The surroundings of the town consist almost exclu sively of steppe with very little cultivated land. The population was estimated at 41,170 in 1878, in 190o and 6o,000 in 1914. The majority are Shi'is, next come Shaikhis (6,000), Babis (3,000), Zoroastrians (1,600) and a small community of Jews.
Town of Kerman.—The town is surrounded by a wall of baked clay 3o ft. high still in fair repair, with four gates, and there is a quarter outside the town known as Mahalla-i-Gabr peopled by Zoroastrians. The citadel is situated on the western side and the most ancient mosque, the Masjid-i-Malik built by the Seljuk Turan Shah (1084-1096), has been recently restored. In
the plain to the east and south are large numbers of remains of buildings of archaeological interest. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1794, Kerman was rebuilt by Fath Ali Shah, but only began to prosper towards the middle of the 19th century. It owes its industrial reputation to its shawls, but this industry has been surpassed by that of carpet making in wool and silk, the annual output of which was estimated at not less than £120,000. Other important industries are the manufacture of felt and brass-work.
There is a British consulate at Kerman, an agency of the Imperial Bank of Persia was opened in 1904, and there is a tele phone service. The town is connected by a road suitable for motor traffic with Yazd and Isfahan (400 m.). Another important road is that to Duzdab which is practicable for wheel traffic in 25-30 days and by this route are exported nearly all the Kerman carpets. The average maximum temperature in June is recorded at 100.8° F and the average minimum in January 26° ; the annual rainfall as far as records are available is 4.7 inches, the wettest month being December.