Country Profile: Iran

Iran, historically known as Persia, is located in the Middle East, bordered by the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Caspian Sea. The country has a population of approximately 89.2 million people, predominantly Persian, with a diverse range of ethnic groups. Iran's economy is traditionally state-controlled, heavily reliant on its oil and gas sectors, but is currently facing challenges due to international sanctions and inflation. Governed as a theocratic republic, Iran's leadership is centered around the Supreme Leader, who holds significant power over the country's political and religious landscape.

Geography

Iran is strategically positioned in the Middle East, sharing borders with several countries, including Iraq to the west and Pakistan to the east. Its expansive area of 1,648,195 sq km encompasses rugged mountains, arid deserts, and a diverse climate that ranges from arid to subtropical. The population is concentrated in the northern and western regions, reflecting the topography of the Zagros and Elburz Mountains.

Area: 1,648,195 sq km
Land boundaries: 5,894 km
Coastline: 2,440 km
Elevations: Highest point at Kuh-e Damavand 5,625 m and the lowest point at the Caspian Sea -28 m
Natural resources: Includes petroleum, natural gas, coal, and various minerals.

People and Society

Iran's population, estimated at 89,177,357 in 2025, is ethnically diverse, including Persians, Azeris, Kurds, and others. The majority of the population practices Islam, with 98.5% identifying as Muslim. Urbanization is notable, with 77.3% of the population living in urban areas.

Population growth rate: -0.87% (2025 est.)
Life expectancy: 75.6 years (2024 est.)
Median age: 35.2 years (2025 est.)
Literacy rate: 86% (2016 est.)
Birth rate: 11.24 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Unemployment rate: 9.2% (2024 est.)

Economy

Iran's economy features a combination of state-controlled and reformed sectors, with significant oil and gas production. The GDP (PPP) is projected at $1.486 trillion in 2024, with high inflation affecting growth. The agricultural sector is vital, contributing around 13% to the GDP, while services dominate at 47.9%.

GDP per capita: $16,200 (2024 est.)
Inflation rate: 32.5% (2024 est.)
Labor force: 28.575 million (2024 est.)
Export partners: China (35%), Turkey (16%), India (8%) (2023)
Imports: $117.176 billion (2024 est.)

Government

Iran is a theocratic republic, established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with the Supreme Leader holding ultimate authority. The country is divided into 31 provinces and operates under a legal system based on both secular and Islamic law. The political structure includes an elected president and a unicameral legislature.

Capital: Tehran
Executive branch: Supreme Leader Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI and President Masoud PEZESHKIAN (since 2024)
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
Recent election: President elected on 28 June 2024.
Legal system: Combines Islamic and secular laws.

Military and Security

Iran's military is organized into two main branches: the Artesh (regular forces) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC plays a crucial role in both military and domestic security, reflecting the theocratic nature of the government.

Military expenditure: 2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active personnel: Approximately 600,000
Conscription age: 18-19 years
Military deployments: Active presence in Syria supporting the Assad regime.

Energy

Iran has vast energy resources, particularly in oil and natural gas. The country has made substantial advancements in energy production, with fossil fuels accounting for 94.6% of its electricity generation capacity.

Total petroleum production: 4.112 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural gas production: 265.088 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Electricity consumption: 335.175 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity access: 100% of the population (2022 est.)

Environment

Iran faces several environmental challenges, including air pollution, deforestation, and water scarcity. The government is involved in various international environmental agreements pertaining to biodiversity and climate change.

Carbon dioxide emissions: 823.364 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Urban population: 77.3% (2023)
Water withdrawal: 86 billion cubic meters for agriculture (2022 est.)

Transportation

Iran boasts a comprehensive transportation network, including various modes of air travel, railways, and maritime facilities.

Airports: 177 (2025)
Railways: 8,483.5 km total (2014)
Merchant marine: 965 vessels (2023)

Communications

The communications sector in Iran is characterized by a high mobile subscription rate, with 159 million mobile cellular subscriptions recorded in 2024.

Internet users: 80% of the population (2023 est.)
Fixed-line telephone subscriptions: 29.02 million (2023)
Broadband subscriptions: 10.9 million (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	89.2 million (2025 est.)
Area	1,648,195 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.486 trillion (2024 est.)
Energy consumption	335.175 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Birth rate	11.24 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Unemployment rate	9.2% (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	75.6 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate	86% (2016 est.)
Military expenditure	2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Total fertility rate	1.53 children born/woman (2025 est.)