Until 1977, the province was known as Khalij-e Fars (Persian Gulf).[6] Chahar Mahaal and Bakhtiari Shahrekord 16,332 km2 (6,306 sq mi) 947,763 54.8/km2 (142/sq mi) 6 70.2 75 Until 1973 was part of Isfahan province.[9] Fars Shiraz 122,608 km2 (47,339 sq mi) 4,851,274 37.5/km2 (97/sq mi) 23 72.1 76.3 Gilan Rasht 14,042 km2 (5,422 sq mi) 2,530,696 176.7/km2 (458/sq mi) 16 72.1 76.5 Golestan Gorgan 20,195 km2 (7,797 sq mi) 1,868,819 88.0/km2 (228/sq mi) 11 70.8 74.2 On the 31 May 1997, the shahrestans of Aliabad, Gonbad-e-kavus, Gorgan, Kordkuy, Minudasht, and Torkaman were separated from Mazandaran province to form Golestan province.