Karaj is the name of both the county and the county's capital. With a population of 1,732,275 as of the 2006 census, Karaj is a thriving city on its way to joining the Tehran metropolitan. It serves as the bridge between the Iranian capital and the Caspian Sea, providing necessary transportation. Karaj also manufactures chemicals, fertilizers and grows agricultural produce. It shares Iran's historical background as well, making it not just a city of business and trade, but of interest and learning