There are currently nine countries in the world with names that begin with the letter ‘I’. The following table lists them all. You can find some general information about each below.
| Country | Flag | Population | Capital | Foundation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iceland | 🇮🇸 | 366,425 | ReykjavÃk | 1944 |
| India | 🇮🇳 | 1,380,004,385 | New Delhi | 1947 |
| Indonesia | 🇮🇩 | 273,523,615 | Jakarta | 1945 |
| Iran | 🇮🇷 | 83,992,949 | Tehran | 1979 |
| Iraq | 🇮🇶 | 40,222,493 | Baghdad | 1932 |
| Ireland | 🇮🇪 | 4,937,786 | Dublin | 1922 |
| Israel | 🇮🇱 | 8,655,535 | Jerusalem | 1948 |
| Italy | 🇮🇹 | 60,461,826 | Rome | 1861 |
| Ivory Coast | 🇨🇮 | 26,378,274 | Yamoussoukro | 1960 |
🇮🇸 Iceland
Iceland is a Nordic island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It features a subarctic climate with cool summers and mild winters influenced by the Gulf Stream. The country is known for its dramatic landscape of volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. Its name, literally meaning “land of ice” in Old Norse, was given by Norse explorer Hrafna-Flóki Vilgerðarson due to the abundance of drift ice in its fjords.
🇮🇳 India
India is a vast country in South Asia, known for its cultural diversity and rich history. It features a variety of climates, from tropical in the south to temperate in the north. The country’s name derives from the Indus River, with the Sanskrit term “Sindhu” evolving into “Hindu” in Old Persian, then “Indos” in Greek, and finally “India” in Latin. India is the world’s largest democracy and second-most populous country.
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Indonesia is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, comprising over 17,000 islands. It has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry and monsoon. The country’s name comes from the Greek “Indos” (Indian) and “nesos” (islands), reflecting its location in the Indian archipelago. Indonesia is known for its biodiversity and is the world’s largest island country.
🇮🇷 Iran
Iran, formerly known as Persia, is a country in Western Asia. It has a diverse climate ranging from arid to subtropical. The name “Iran” means “land of the Aryans” in Middle Persian, adopted as the country’s official name in 1935. Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a rich cultural heritage dating back to the Persian Empire.
🇮🇶 Iraq
Iraq is a country in Western Asia, known as the cradle of civilization. It has a mostly desert climate with mild to cool winters and dry, hot summers. The name “Iraq” is derived from the Arabic root “araqa,” meaning “to be deep-rooted.” It refers to the fertile land along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Iraq is home to diverse ethnic groups and has a history spanning several millennia.
🇮🇪 Ireland
Ireland is an island nation in Northwestern Europe, known for its lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It has a temperate maritime climate, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The name “Ireland” comes from the Old Irish “Ériu,” a goddess in Irish mythology. The country is famous for its literature, music, and friendly people, often referred to as the “Emerald Isle” due to its verdant countryside.
🇮🇱 Israel
Israel is a country in the Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It has a varied climate, from Mediterranean in the north to arid in the south. The name “Israel” has deep biblical roots, derived from the Hebrew name Yisra’el, meaning “God contends” or “one who struggles with God.” Israel is known for its historical and religious significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
🇮🇹 Italy
Italy is a Southern European country, renowned for its art, cuisine, and cultural heritage. It has a predominantly Mediterranean climate, with variations due to its long peninsular shape. The name “Italy” is believed to derive from the Oscan word “VÃteliú,” meaning “land of young cattle.” Italy is home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is famous for its influential role in Western culture.
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast, officially Côte d’Ivoire, is a country in West Africa. It has a tropical climate with a dry season and a wet season. The country’s name dates back to the 15th century when it was a major trade center for ivory. Ivory Coast gained independence from France in 1960 and has since become one of the world’s largest exporters of cocoa beans and cashews.
Check out countries with names that start with different letters:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z