Country Profile: Iran

Iran, known historically as Persia, is a vast nation in the Middle East characterized by rugged mountains, expansive deserts, and a rich history. With a population exceeding 89 million, it has a diverse ethnic makeup and a theocratic form of governance led by the Supreme Leader. Economically, Iran is heavily reliant on its abundant oil and gas resources, despite facing significant challenges due to international sanctions and economic instability.

Geography

Iran is located in the Middle East, bordered by the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Caspian Sea, sharing land boundaries with several countries including Iraq and Pakistan. The country's total area is approximately 1,648,195 sq km, making it almost 2.5 times the size of Texas. Its terrain is predominantly rugged and mountainous, featuring a mostly arid climate.

Highest point: Kuh-e Damavand at 5,625 m.
Lowest point: Caspian Sea at -28 m.
Natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, coal, and various minerals.
Coastline: 2,440 km, including a border along the Caspian Sea.
Major lakes: Caspian Sea (374,000 sq km) and Lake Urmia (5,200 sq km).

People and Society

Iran has an estimated population of 89,177,357 as of 2025, with a high urbanization rate of 77.3%. The population is diverse, encompassing ethnic groups such as Persians, Azeris, Kurds, and Balochs, and predominantly practices Islam (98.5%). The nation faces demographic challenges, including a declining birth rate and significant net migration losses.

Median age: 35.2 years (2025 est.).
Life expectancy at birth: 75.6 years (2024 est.).
Literacy rate: 86% (2016 est.).
Total fertility rate: 1.53 children per woman (2025 est.).
Urban population growth rate: 1.32% annually (2020-2025 est.).

Economy

Iran's economy is traditionally state-controlled but has been undergoing reforms amid challenges from international sanctions, leading to inflation and rising poverty. The GDP is projected at $1.486 trillion (2024 est.), with a significant portion derived from oil and natural gas exports.

Real GDP growth rate: 3% (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate: 9.2% (2024 est.).
Inflation rate: 32.5% (2024 est.).
GDP composition by sector: 47.9% services, 36.4% industry, 13% agriculture (2024 est.).
Exports valued at: $100.031 billion (2024 est.).

Government

Iran is an Islamic Republic with a theocratic governance system, where authority is wielded by the Supreme Leader, currently Ali Hoseini-Khamenei. The political framework features a unicameral legislature and a complex legal system leveraging both Islamic and secular law.

Capital: Tehran.
Citizenship: By descent; no dual citizenship recognized.
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years.
Current president: Masoud Pezeshkian (since July 2024).
Legislative body: Islamic Parliament of Iran (Majles) with 290 members.

Military and Security

Iran's military structure includes the Islamic Republic of Iran Regular Forces (Artesh) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). A significant portion of its defense budget is devoted to internal security and regional influence, reflecting the ongoing complexities of its foreign relations.

Active military personnel: Up to 600,000.
Military expenditures: 2% of GDP (2024 est.).
Major military branches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, Qods Force.
Compulsory military service begins at age 18.
Military presence: Active deployments in various regional conflicts, notably in Syria.

Energy

Iran is rich in energy resources, particularly oil and natural gas, which dominate its energy sector. The electricity sector is growing, with a notable reliance on fossil fuels.

Total petroleum 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.).
Energy consumption per capita: 160.779 million Btu/person (2023 est.).
Installed electricity generation capacity: 86.058 million kW (2023 est.).

Environment

Iran confronts significant environmental issues, including air pollution in urban areas, desertification, and water resource management challenges. The country participates in various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these concerns.

Urban population contributing to air pollution: Notable from vehicle emissions and industrial processes.
Climate type: Mostly arid or semiarid.
Natural hazards: Regular occurrence of droughts, floods, and earthquakes.
Deforestation rate and soil degradation: Significant due to overgrazing and urban expansion.
Total water withdrawal: 93.9 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) across municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses.

Transportation

Iran has an extensive transportation network featuring roadways, railways, and air travel facilities, facilitating both domestic and international connectivity.

Total airports: 177 (2025).
Railways: 8,483.5 km (2014).
Merchant marine fleet: 965 vessels (2023).
Heliports: 90 (2025).
Total ports: 18, with key ports including Abadan and Bandar Abbas.

Communications

Iran's communication infrastructure includes a mix of state-run and private entities, with widespread mobile and internet usage among its population.

Total mobile subscriptions: 159 million (2024).
Internet users: 80% of the population (2023 est.).
Fixed-line telephone subscriptions: 29.02 million (2023).
Broadband subscriptions: 10.9 million (2023).
State-run broadcast media: Includes over 60 television channels.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	89,177,357 (2025 est.)
Area	1,648,195 sq km
GDP	$1.486 trillion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	160.779 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	11.24 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	9.2% (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	86% (2016 est.)
Life Expectancy	75.6 years (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate	32.5% (2024 est.)
Urban Population	77.3% (2023)