Country Profile: Iran

Iran, once known as Persia, is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Iraq, Pakistan, and water bodies such as the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea. Covering an area of 1,648,195 square kilometers, it has a population of approximately 89 million people, primarily of Persian, Azeri, and Kurdish descent. Iran's economy is predominantly state-controlled, with significant contributions from the oil and gas sector; however, it has been struggling with inflation and international sanctions impacting economic stability. Governance in Iran is characterized by a theocratic republic system where the Supreme Leader holds significant power, and the political landscape has been shaped by historical events such as the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Geography

Iran's geographical position is strategic, situated in the Middle East and featuring rugged mountains and vast deserts. The nation's terrain includes the rugged, mountainous rim surrounding a high central basin, with harsh desert regions in the east. Its diverse climate ranges mostly from arid or semiarid to subtropical along the Caspian coast.

Total Area: 1,648,195 sq km
Land Boundaries: 5,894 km with Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan
Coastline: 2,440 km, with significant maritime claims in the Persian Gulf
Natural Resources: Rich in petroleum, natural gas, coal, and various minerals
Population Distribution: Concentrated in the north and northwest, less dense in the dry central areas

People and Society

Iran has a diverse population of approximately 89 million, with a rich cultural tapestry consisting of various ethnic groups and languages, primarily Persian (Farsi). The country is predominantly Muslim, with a small percentage adhering to other faiths. Urbanization has increased significantly, with over 77% of the population residing in urban areas.

Population: 89,177,357 (2025 est.)
Ethnic Groups: Includes Persians, Azeris, Kurds, and Arabs
Urbanization: 77.3% of the population live in urban areas (2023)
Languages: Persian (Farsi), Azeri, and other regional dialects
Life Expectancy: 75.6 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Iran's economy is traditionally state-controlled but is undergoing reforms to promote a more market-oriented system. The nation faces significant challenges, including inflation and poverty exacerbated by international sanctions. The economy relies heavily on oil and gas, alongside agriculture and services sectors.

GDP (PPP): $1.486 trillion (2024 est.)
Real GDP Growth Rate: 3% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 9.2% (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate: 32.5% (2024 est.)
Main Industries: Oil, petrochemicals, agriculture, textiles

Government

Iran operates as a theocratic republic, with a political system that blends elements of Islamic and secular law. The Supreme Leader wields significant power over all branches of government, including the military and judiciary. Iran's legislative body, the Majles, is unicameral and directly elected by the people.

Founded: The Islamic Republic was proclaimed on 1 April 1979
Supreme Leader: Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 1989)
Parliament: Islamic Parliament (Majles) with 290 members
Voting Age: 18 years
Administrative Divisions: 31 provinces

Military and Security

Iran has a dual military structure comprising the regular armed forces (Artesh) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has substantial political and economic influence. The country maintains a military presence in various regional conflicts and has developed its defense capabilities domestically and through foreign partnerships.

Total Armed Forces Personnel: Approximately 600,000
Military Expenditure: 2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Conscription Age: 18 years for men, women may volunteer
Military Deployments: Active presence in Syria and support for various military groups
Defense Industry: Capable of developing and producing a range of military equipment

Energy

Iran is endowed with vast energy resources, being one of the world's largest producers of oil and natural gas. The energy sector plays a critical role in the economy, though there are challenges related to infrastructure and international sanctions affecting exports.

Oil Production: 4.112 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural Gas Production: 265.088 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Electricity Access: 100% of the population (2022 est.)
Primary Energy Source: 94.6% fossil fuels for electricity generation
Renewable Energy: Limited contributions from solar and wind (0.4% total capacity)

Environment

Iran faces various environmental challenges, including air pollution, water scarcity, and desertification. The government is part of several international environmental agreements but struggles with the implementation and enforcement of environmental laws.

Major Issues: Air pollution, deforestation, and water resource management
Renewable Water Resources: 137 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon Emissions: 823.364 million metric tonnes CO2 (2023 est.)
Protected Areas: 6.6% forest cover (2023 est.)
Waste Recycling: 16.8% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)

Transportation

Iran has a diverse transportation network that includes railways, airports, and maritime infrastructure. The country has an extensive road network and a growing aviation sector, although some areas require modernization.

Airports: 177 (2025)
Railways: 8,483.5 km (2014)
Merchant Marine Fleet: 965 vessels (2023)
Total Ports: 18 (2024), including key ports like Bandar Abbas and Khorramshahr
Civil Aviation: Growing sector but facing challenges due to sanctions

Communications

Iran's communications landscape is marked by state-controlled media and high mobile and internet penetration rates. The telecommunications sector is evolving, though restrictions on media and internet freedom remain an issue.

Internet Users: 80% of the population (2023 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 159 million (2024 est.)
Fixed Telephone Subscriptions: 29.02 million (2023 est.)
Broadcast Media: Dominated by state-run outlets; private broadcasting is restricted
Broadband Access: 10.9 million fixed subscriptions (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	89,177,357	(2025 est.)
Total Area	1,648,195 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.486 trillion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	9.2%	(2024 est.)
Inflation Rate	32.5%	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	75.6 years	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	160.779 million Btu	(2023 est.)
Military Expenditure	2% of GDP	(2024 est.)
Urban Population	77.3%	(2023)
Total Renewable Water Resources	137 billion cubic m	(2022 est.)