Masal

37:15” to 37:35” north geographical latitude on the equator, and 48.43 to 49:14 geographical longitude of Greenwich meridian, Masal is located 50 kilometers outside Rasht to north. This county is bounded northwards to Rezvanshahr, southwards to the counties of Fouman and Somesara, eastwards to Somesara and westwards to the county of Ardebil (Khalkhal County, Shahroud districts). With a longitude of 38 km and a width of between10 to 13 km, Masal covers an area of 633 sq. km and is placed 20m above geoid seas. Geomorphologically, the county covers mountains, mountainsides and plains. The most important heights are: Torushom, Shahmoalem and Risband. The most important rivers are: Aras nik, Daranbar and Milesara. Due to the mountainous type of land, the winters in the region are hot and humid. Shahrivar sees the highest level humidity. Masal used to be a part of the vast region of Talesh and got independent in 1376 to become a County containing two districts: Central and Shanderman. Masal hast 4 agglomerations: Shanderman, Sheikhneshin, Houme, and Masal. There are 98 villages, 12 of which are vacant. According to the survey of 1385 the population is about 48091 out of whom 16000 live in the urban areas and the rest in the rural ones.  The name Masal comes from “Mazal” meaning mountain or hill. The residents are Taleshes and speak Taleshi. The economy of the county is based on agriculture and farming. Activities like rice farming, poultry farming, silkworm farming, and cow and sheep farming are common. Shawl making and woodcrafts are considered of the handicrafts of the county. Like in all other counties in Gilan, weekly markets play an important role in the economy of the region.