Discover the 8 Countries That Start With I

Countries that start with the letter “I” include Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, and Italy. Read on to learn more about these amazing countries!

If you’re searching for all of the countries that start with I, check out this comprehensive list! There are eight countries that begin with the letter I, from those in Europe to Asia. Let’s dive in!

Iceland

Located between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, Iceland is an island country in the Nordic region between Europe and North America. However, it shares cultural and political ties with Europe. Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital and country, home to 372,520 people, and one of Europe’s least-populated countries. 

This remote region contains many glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, and cooled lava beds. The country features a subarctic climate with cloudy, windy, and cold weather most of the year. Despite its location, winters are relatively mild, featuring an average temperature of 32 degrees.

Wildlife in Iceland: humpback whales, Icelandic sheep, reindeer, Icelandic horses, Arctic foxes, Puffins, Arctic terns, orcas, and gyrfalcons  

India

The Republic of India is in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It is also bounded by the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal. India is the most populous country in the world, with 1.429 billion people. And it’s the seventh-largest by land. New Delhi is its capital city. 

Due to its vast size, India’s geographic features vary wildly, from mountains and plains to deserts and coasts. It also has at least six climatic subtypes, ranging from hot and tropical to Arctic-like conditions in the Himalayas.

Wildlife in India: Indian elephants, Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, snow leopards, clouded leopards, rhinos, river dolphins, desert foxes, and striped hyaenas  

Indonesia

This Southeast Asian and Oceanic country lies between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Indonesia comprises more than 17,000 islands and is the largest archipelagic country in the world. The country is also the fourth most populous, with 277.5 million people, and the 14th largest by land area. Jakarta is its capital city.

Many of Indonesia’s islands are covered in volcanic mountains, dense forests, and coastal plains. This country is primarily hot and humid, featuring a tropical rainforest climate, except in the mountainous regions. 

Wildlife in Indonesia: komodo dragons, Sumatran tigers, orangutans, rhinos, Sumatran elephants, crocodiles, whale sharks, sun bears, and clouded leopards 

Iran

Also known as Persia, the Islamic Republic of Iran is a West Asian country in the Middle East. It shares borders with Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Tehran is the capital of Iran, and it has a population of 89 million people.

Iran is a mountainous country but also features deserts, forests, and sandy coastlines. And the climate is primarily arid and semiarid, featuring long, hot, dry summers and short, cool winters.

Wildlife in Iran: lions, cheetahs, Persian leopards, golden jackals, Indian wolves, striped hyenas, Persian fallow deer, and caracals  

Iraq

The Republic of Iraq is a West Asian country bordered by Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and the Persian Gulf. Baghdad is the capital and largest city in Iraq, and the country is the 14th most populous in Asia, featuring 45.5 million people.

This nearly landlocked country primarily has plains, deserts, and mountains. And it exhibits a hot, dry climate with mild, cool winters. But the mountainous regions can experience cold weather and occasionally heavy snow.

Wildlife in Iraq: wild goats, gazelles, Persian leopards, brown bears, grey wolves, osprey, wild boars, golden jackals, Bactrian camel, and fallow deer 

Ireland

In Northwest Europe, Ireland is an island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean and the second-largest of the British Isles. Dublin is the capital and largest city in the country. And there are a total of over five million people throughout the land.

The Emerald Isle, Ireland’s nickname, features lush, green fields and rugged, rocky terrain. And due to its location near the Atlantic, this country enjoys mild winters and warm summers.

Wildlife in Ireland: elk, Irish hare, puffins, red deer, red foxes, stoats, otters, hedgehogs, seals, basking sharks, leatherback sea turtles  

Israel

The State of Israel is in West Asia and bordered by Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Jerusalem is Israel’s capital city, and the country contains 9.17 million people.

This country features a diverse landscape, from flat coastal plains to rugged mountainous deserts. The southern region has an arid climate, while the northern part is more Mediterranean.

Wildlife in Israel: Caracals, Arabian leopards, mountain gazelles, Nubian ibex, Persian fallow deer, camels, ostriches, sand cats, and Arabian oryx  

Italy

The Republic of Italy is located in Southern Europe as a peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by more than 400 islands. Rome is the capital and most populous city in the country. Italy contains 58.87 million people.

This boot-shaped country features a diverse landscape comprising beaches, mountains, and valleys. Italy has a temperate Mediterranean climate with mild winters and sunny, hot summers.

Wildlife in Italy: golden eagles, red foxes, European badgers, Alpine ibex, chamois, Italian wolves, Eurasian lynx, monk seals  

Summary of 8 Countries That Start With I

The Most Populated Country That Starts With I

By far and large, India is the most populous country that starts with I, containing 1.429 billion people. In fact, India is the most populous country in the world as of 2023. 

The Largest Country That Starts With I by Area

India is also the largest country that starts with I by land area, featuring 1.269 million square miles. It is the seventh-largest country in the world by land area. 

The Oldest Country That Starts With I

Italy is the oldest country that starts with I, with the modern Italian country forming in 1861. However, some places, like Venice, didn’t become part of Italy until later. And according to legend, Rome was founded in 753 BCE.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © JavenLin/ via Getty Images