Pico Iyer is a British-born essayist, novelist, and travel writer known for his thoughtful reflections on culture, identity, and globalization. He was born on February 11, 1957, in Oxford to Indian parents and grew up in both England and the United States. He studied at Eton College and later at Oxford University before beginning his writing career.

Iyer is best known for his essays and books that explore the experience of living between cultures. His notable works include Video Night in Kathmandu (1988), which examines the spread of Western culture in Asia, and The Global Soul (2000), a meditation on international identity and belonging. He has also written novels and numerous articles for major publications such as Time.

In addition to his writing, Iyer is recognized for his philosophical perspective on travel—not just as movement across places, but as a way of understanding the world and oneself. He has spent many years living in Japan, which has deeply influenced his work and worldview.