Iran
Region
🌍 Asia
Population
👥 87
Currency
💱 Iranian rial
Languages
🗣️ Persian
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Islamic Republic of Iran
Continent
Asia
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Iranian
Independence
This country has a complex history and does not have a single, universally recognized date of independence.
Top-Level Domain
.ir
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+98
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+03:30
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Tehran
ISO Alpha-2
IR
ISO Alpha-3
IRN
UN Code
364
Geographic Coordinates
32,53
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
1,648,195#19 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
87,134,000#17 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
55.85
Highest Point (m)
5,604 (Mount Damavand)
Lowest Point (m)
-28 (Caspian Sea)
Land Use
Approximately 9% arable land, 29% other.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 88,000 square kilometers.
Coastline Length
2,440 kilometers.
Climate
Varies, with arid to semiarid climates; subtropical along the Caspian Sea; cold winters and hot, dry summers.
Natural Resources
Petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead, manganese, zinc, sulfur.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan
Major Rivers
Karun, Karkheh, Zayanderud.
Major Lakes
Lake Urmia, Caspian Sea.
Government Type
Theocratic republic.
Administrative Divisions
31 provinces (ostans).
Legal System
Based on a combination of civil law and Islamic law.
Chief of State
Supreme Leader.
Head of Government
President.
Cabinet
The Cabinet of Ministers is appointed by the President.
Elections
President elected by popular vote; Assembly of Experts elected by popular vote; Parliament (Majlis) elected by popular vote.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis) and Guardian Council.
Major Political Parties
Political parties operate, but are subject to limitations.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Iranian rial
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
362.68#44 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,820.56#24 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3,924.38#150 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
10.59
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
39.64
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
47.09
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
42.17#6 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
29,521,716
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
8.3#53 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Iran's public debt is estimated at around 40% of GDP.
Budget
Iran's annual budget is substantial, primarily funded by oil revenues and taxes.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
93.41#50 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
125.08#44 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Iran's foreign reserves are subject to fluctuations and sanctions, estimated to be around $100 billion.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found on major financial websites.
GDP by Sector
The Iranian economy is primarily driven by services, industry, and agriculture.
Major Industries
Major industries in Iran include oil and gas, petrochemicals, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include China, India, and Turkey.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include China, UAE, and Germany.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
88.92#102 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
12.6
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
4.8
Net Migration Rate
Iran has a net migration rate that fluctuates, and is currently slightly negative.
Median Age
The median age in Iran is approximately 33 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
77.38#69 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Iran's urbanization rate is relatively slow, at around 0.7% annually.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
77.9#70 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence in Iran is estimated to be relatively low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
6.03
Ethnic Groups
Iran's population consists of Persian, Azeri, Kurdish, and other ethnic groups.
Religions
Islam is the dominant religion in Iran, with a significant Shia Muslim majority.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Persian
Education
Education System
Centralized, Islamic-influenced; public and private schools exist. Includes primary, secondary, and higher education.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2017)Checked September 29, 2026
14.8
Government Education Spending
Around 3-4% of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University of Tehran, Sharif University of Technology, Isfahan University of Technology.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Rich and ancient civilization; diverse, influenced by Persian, Islamic, and various regional cultures.
National Holidays
Nowruz (Persian New Year), Islamic holidays (e.g., Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha), Revolution Day.
Popular Music
Diverse genres; traditional Persian music, pop, rock, and rap.
Traditional Food
Kebabs, stews (e.g., Ghormeh Sabzi), rice dishes (e.g., Polo), and various breads.
Sports
Football (soccer), wrestling, weightlifting, and volleyball are popular.
Major Festivals
Nowruz, Chaharshanbe Suri, and religious festivals.
Famous People
Rumi (poet), Khayyam (poet, mathematician), Abbas Kiarostami (filmmaker), Golshifteh Farahani (actress).
Cultural Heritage Sites
Persepolis, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Bam Citadel.
UNESCO Sites
27 total: Persepolis, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Pasargadae, and others.
Annual Tourist Visits
Variable, impacted by geopolitical factors and restrictions.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is present, but subject to restrictions and political considerations.
Top Tourist Attractions
Historical sites, mosques, museums, natural landscapes (mountains, deserts).
Famous Cities
Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, Mashhad.
National Parks
Significant number of national parks, offering diverse ecosystems.
Protected Areas
Numerous protected areas.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary by nationality; often required.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Travel advisories exist, often cautioning against certain areas and activities.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index for Iran is moderate.
Medical Cost
Medical costs in Iran vary, with both public and private options available.
Number of Hospitals
Iran has a large number of hospitals throughout the country.
Universal Healthcare
A mixed system; public healthcare is provided through a social insurance system, but private healthcare is also available.
Medical Services Overview
Iran offers a mix of public and private healthcare services.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available in urban areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
110
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
115
Emergency Number (Fire)
125
Crime Rate
Moderate.
Safety Index
Moderate.
Military Expenditure
Significant.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are available, but response times may vary.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Army, Navy, Air Force, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Near universal electricity access.
Water Access
Access to improved water sources is widespread.
Sanitation Access
Access to improved sanitation is generally available in urban areas.
Railways
Extensive rail network connecting major cities.
Roadways
Road network consists of paved and unpaved roads, with ongoing expansion.
Transportation System
Road network, rail network, and air transport are available.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Abadan Ayatollah Jami International Airport (ABD), Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani International Airport (KER), Bandar Abbas International Airport (BND), Birjand International Airport (XBJ), Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Isfahan Shahid Beheshti International Airport (IFN)
Ports
Major ports include Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, and others along the Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea.
Public Transit
Public transit includes buses, metro systems in major cities (Tehran, Mashhad), and taxis.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
85.34#85 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
High.
Tech Startups
Growing, with a focus on specific sectors.
Innovation Index
Moderate.
ICT Development Index
Moderate.
TV Broadcast Stations
State-controlled.
Radio Broadcast Stations
State-controlled.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
9.05#23 of 202
Air Quality Index
High air pollution levels, especially in urban areas like Tehran.
Water Pollution Level
Significant water pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Growing, but still limited renewable energy usage, primarily solar and wind.
Environmental Issues
Air and water pollution, deforestation, desertification, and soil erosion.
Natural Hazards
Earthquakes, floods, droughts, and sandstorms.
Waste Management
Inadequate waste management infrastructure, leading to open dumping and landfills.
Environmental Agreements
Party to major international environmental agreements.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions worldwide.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
BRICS, OPEC
Major Treaties
Signed and ratified various international treaties.
Visa-Free Countries
Limited number of visa-free countries.