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. With a population of approximately 88 million, it is a country rich in diverse ethnic groups and cultures, predominantly Persian. The economy is largely state-controlled, driven by robust oil and gas sectors, though it faces challenges from high inflation and international sanctions. Governance is marked by a theocratic republic system, where political authority resides with religious leaders and the Supreme Leader.

Geography

Iran's geographic coordinates place it strategically between Iraq and Pakistan, covering an area of 1,648,195 square kilometers. The terrain is characterized by rugged mountains, deserts, and limited plains along its coasts. The country experiences a mostly arid climate, with coastal subtropical regions along the Caspian Sea. Its natural resources include significant petroleum and natural gas reserves, vital to its economy.

5,894 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.
2,440 km: Total coastline, including the Caspian Sea.
29%: Agricultural land as of 2023.
1,305 m: Mean elevation of the country.
Kuh-e Damavand: Highest point at 5,625 m.

People and Society

Iran's population is estimated at 88,386,937 as of 2024, comprised mainly of Persians, with significant ethnic minorities including Azeris and Kurds. The official language is Persian (Farsi), and Islam is the predominant religion, practiced by 98.5% of the population. The country has a youthful demographic, with a median age of 33.8 years and a birth rate of 14.3 births per 1,000 people in 2024.

77.3%: Urban population as of 2023.
0.88%: Population growth rate estimated for 2024.
75.6 years: Life expectancy at birth for the total population in 2024.
86%: Literacy rate estimated for 2016.
16 deaths/100,000 live births: Maternal mortality ratio as of 2023.

Economy

Iran's economy, while traditionally state-controlled, has seen attempts at reform, especially in the oil and gas sectors. The estimated real GDP (purchasing power parity) for 2024 is $1.486 trillion, with a GDP growth rate of 3%. Key economic challenges include high inflation, projected at 32.5% for 2024, and significant external debts.

9.2%: Unemployment rate projected for 2024.
47.9%: Contribution of services to GDP in 2024.
2.8%: Industrial production growth rate estimate for 2024.
$100.031 billion: Exports estimate for 2024.
$117.176 billion: Imports estimate for 2024.

Government

Iran operates as a theocratic republic, with a Supreme Leader holding ultimate authority. The President, elected for a four-year term, oversees the executive branch. The latest presidential election was held in June 2024, with Masoud Pezeshkian assuming office. The legislative body, the Islamic Parliament of Iran, consists of 290 members.

31: Total provinces in Iran.
4.9%: Percentage of women in the legislative chamber as of 2024.
18 years: Minimum voting age for citizens.
1 April 1979: Independence date marking the establishment of the Islamic Republic.
290: Total seats in the unicameral legislature.

Military and Security

Iran's military is characterized by a dual structure comprising the Artesh (regular forces) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The total military personnel estimates range up to 600,000, with military expenditures at about 2% of GDP for 2024. The IRGC plays a significant role in both internal security and regional influence.

600,000: Estimated total active armed forces personnel.
24 months: Conscription term for military service.
2%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for 2024.
37,000: Estimated Basij Paramilitary Forces as of 2025.
Control of Strategic Missiles: Conducted by the IRGC Aerospace Force.

Energy

Iran has substantial energy resources, with oil production estimated at 4.112 million barrels per day in 2023 and natural gas production at 265.088 billion cubic meters. The country's electricity generation is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels.

94.6%: Share of fossil fuels in total electricity generation capacity.
100%: Electrification of the total population as of 2022.
335.175 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption in 2023.
1.6%: Contribution of nuclear energy to installed capacity in 2023.
33.987 trillion cubic meters: Proven natural gas reserves estimated in 2021.

Environment

Iran faces significant environmental challenges, including air pollution, desertification, and water scarcity. The government is party to several international environmental agreements but struggles with effective implementation.

77.3%: Urban population contributing to pollution concerns as of 2023.
36.4 micrograms/m³: Particulate matter emissions estimated for 2019.
6.2 billion cubic meters: Municipal water withdrawal observed in 2022.
29%: Land designated for agriculture in 2023.
17.885 million tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually as of 2024.

Transportation

Iran has a comprehensive transportation network, including 177 airports and over 8,483 km of railways. The country has a significant merchant marine fleet, primarily for cargo transport.

965: Total vessels in the merchant marine fleet as of 2023.
177: Airports projected by 2025.
8,483.5 km: Total railway length established in 2014.
90: Heliports projected by 2025.
12 nm: Territorial sea maritime claim.

Communications

Iran's communication infrastructure includes a high number of mobile subscriptions and state-controlled broadcast media. Internet penetration is approximately 80%, indicating a growing digital landscape.

151 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2023.
29.02 million: Fixed line subscriptions reported in 2023.
80%: Percentage of the population using the internet as of 2023.
10.9 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions estimated in 2023.
32: Fixed line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants as of 2023.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	88,386,937	2024 estimate
Area	1,648,195 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$1.486 trillion	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	160.779 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	14.3 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	9.2%	2024 estimate
Electric Power Consumption	335.175 billion kWh	2023 estimate
Military Expenditures	2% of GDP	2024 estimate
Urban Population	77.3%	2023 estimate
Total Energy Production	4.112 million bbl/day	2023 estimate