Mahabad County (Persian: شهرستان مهاباد) is a county in West Azerbaijan Province in Iran. The capital of the county is Mahabad. Because of its strategic position and its proximity with the border the city is a stop for many travelers. At the 2006 census, the county's population was 197,441 (100,085 men and 97,358 women), in 42,493 families. The county is subdivided into two districts: the Central District and Khalifan District. The county has one city: Mahabad. According to the national 2006 census, the county is divided as follows: The county, with an area of 2591 km², is approximatively located at 36°46'N,45°43'E. The climate is mountainous with cold winters and temperate summers. Mahabad river flows through the capital.
