is a city in the Central District of Natanz County, Isfahan province, Iran, serving as capital of both the county and the district. It is south-east of Kashan.
Demographics
Population
At the time of the 2006 National Census, the city's population was 12,060 in 3,411 households. The following census in 2011 counted 12,281 people in 3,829 households. The 2016 census measured the population of the city as 14,122 people in 4,564 households.
Nuclear facility
The Natanz nuclear facility, located some 33 km NNW from the town () near a major highway, is generally recognized as Iran's central facility for uranium enrichment.
Geography
Location
Natanz is located 120 km northeast of Isfahan and on the main north-south highway of Iran. Its altitude is 1666 meters above sea level. The distance between Tehran and Natanz is 326 km, and it takes about 4 hours by car. The Karkas mountain chain (Kuh-e Karkas) (meaning mountain of vultures), at an elevation of 3,899 meters, rises above the town.
Climate
The average temperature of the city is 15.5 degrees Celsius and the average annual rainfall is 195 mm.
Agriculture
Agriculture is Natanz' major industry. Local produce includes beets, walnuts, and pomegranates. The city is noted for its pears and its saffron, most of which is exported. Natanz' climate is well-suited for saffron, and the city has produced as much as 1,600 kg of dry saffron in a year.
Historical monuments
It is known as the shrine of Abd as-Samad.