According to the latest statistics released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration, the country\'s hand-woven carpet exports rose 0.8 percent in value last year. The country exported handmade carpets to more than 80 countries last year. Iran is the leading exporter of hand-woven carpets. Persian rugs are highly sought out for their intricate design and skilled craftsmanship, and that\'s why Iran exports carpets to more than 100 countries in the world. Carpet-weaving is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished manifestations of the Persian culture and art, and dates back to ancient Persia. There is an estimated population of 1.2 million weavers in Iran producing carpets for domestic markets and international export. The country produces about five million square meters of carpets annually of which 80 percent are sold in international markets. The United States, Europe (specially Germany and Italy), China, Brazil, South and Central Africa, along with neighboring countries are the most important markets for Iranian made Persian Carpets.