Neka

Neka is a city in and the capital of Neka County, Mazandaran Province, Iran.At the 2006 census, its population was 46,152, in 11,941 families.GeographyNeka is located at the foot of and up into the northern Alborz (Elburs) mountain range, south of and near the Caspian Sea coast. It is close to the city of Behshahr, and 20km southeast of the coastal city of Sari.It is noted for its destination spas at natural hot springs, and the nearby Caspian coastline and Peninsula of Miankaleh. It is a tourist destination of Mazandaran Province.HistoryNot much is known about this area in geographical or historical accounts of the past, until the Qajar dynasty. However, in the geographical records of the early Islamic period, the name Mirdan of a city near the current city of Neka has been mentioned. Deh Khoda has mentioned the River Neka in his encyclopedia. It seems that Neka was a vicinity or 'block' comprising various rural settlements.The present Neka has sprung up from the village of 'Naranj', alongside a bridge on Neka River within the past 70 years.EconomyDue to the railway line running across this area, and suitable network of communications, together with the establishment of the wood industry, oil reservoirs and an electric power plant, the area is one of the important developing centers of the province. The said city is also considered as an industrial locality in the northern region