<P> Communities exist in Tehran, as well as in Yazd, Kerman and Kermanshah, where many still speak an Iranian language distinct from the usual Persian . They call their language Dari (not to be confused with the Dari of Afghanistan). Their language is also called Gavri or Behdini, literally "of the Good Religion". Sometimes their language is named for the cities in which it is spoken, such as Yazdi or Kermani . Iranian Zoroastrians were historically called Gabrs, originally without a pejorative connotation but in the present - day derogatorily applied to all non-Muslims . </P> <P> More recently the Zoroastrian faith has gained strength among the Kurds in Iraq . Zoroastrians currently seek official status for their religion in Iraqi Kurdistan . </P> <P> North America is thought to be home to 18,000--25,000 Zoroastrians of both South Asian and Iranian background . A further 3,500 live in Australia (mainly in Sydney). In recent years, the United States has become a significant destination of Zoroastrian populations, holding the second largest population of Zoroastrians after India . </P>

Many regard zoroastrianism as the first religion in the world