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Iran

Iran

Capital:Tehran
Population:67.0M
Currency:Iranian Rial (IRR)
Language:Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2%
Damavand Volcano Near Tehran

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Iran.

Iran Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

Iranians have a rich cultural heritage, including the great Persian Empire, of which they are proud. The people are hospitable and open to others. They like foreigners although official policy statements sometimes condemn Western society.

Cultural Attributes

Iranians have a rich cultural heritage, including the great Persian Empire, of which they are proud. The people are hospitable and open to others. They like foreigners although official policy statements sometimes condemn Western society.

Damavand Volcano Near Tehran

Land of the Eternal Flame: Ancient Persia, Living Dynasty

Greetings, Gestures & Visiting

A handshake is the customary greeting in Iran. A slight bow or nod while shaking hands shows respect. Generally, a man does not shake a woman's hand. Proper etiquette is essential when greeting another person and one will often ask about the family and the health of the other. A common phrase in departure is "Khoda haftz" (May God protect you). Formal titles and the use of one's last name show respect. Iranians generally stand when someone (especially an older or more prominent person) enters the room for the first time and again when someone leaves. To shake hands with a child shows respect for the parents.

Objects are passed with the right hand or both hands. One should not point the soles of their feet towards anyone. Out of respect and to maintain proper distance between genders, men and women do not make eye contact during conversation. Affection is not shown in public, even if married. However, friendship and affection is often shown between friends of the same sex. To summon another person, one waves with all fingers and leaves the palm facing down.

A guest is considered a gift from Allah, thus showing kindness towards a guest is a way of respecting Allah. Complimenting objects in another's home is not done as the host may feel obligated to give away the object to the guest. When invited to dinner, it is customary for the guest to take a plant, flowers, or candy to the host. If offered something from a friend, it is polite to decline a few times before accepting and thanking the giver several times.

Men often wear Western styles, although traditional robes and turbans or hats are also worn in parts of the North and West, especially by religious leaders. The Kurds wear a type of turban. Women should be covered from head to foot in public although in recent times women have been permitted to wear other clothing as long as it is loose. Islam generally requires men to wear long sleeves, but a bare forearm is permitted.

Personal cleanliness is important. Most men have beards. At home, Iranians often dress in comfortable pajamas. They may also receive guests dressed in pajamas, which are not only for sleeping but relaxing as well.

Diet

The diet varies throughout the country. Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol. Under current law, alcohol consumption is forbidden. Rice and wheat bread are the most common staple foods. Rice is often served with a meat and vegetable stew. Yogurt is generally served with rice or other foods. Fresh vegetables are important in the diet, and fresh fruit is a favorite dessert. White cheeses are also popular for breakfast.

During the entire month of Ramadan, devout Muslims do not eat or drink anything from sunrise to sundown; later in the evening, families eat, and visit with friends and relatives.

Devout Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol. Under current law, alcohol consumption is forbidden. Rice and wheat bread are the most common foods. Rice is often served with a meat and vegetable stew. Yogurt is generally served with rice and other foods.

Northern Iran by the Caspian Sea

Family

It is legal for a man to have up to four wives. However, most men have only one wife. A wife may apply to the court for divorce if her husband does not support her. Unmarried sons and daughters live with their parents until they marry. Most families are able to provide for their own basic necessities, and there is a growing upper class that enjoys many modern amenities. Each man and woman has a surname from their family. The second surname is the official one.

Dating Customs

Daughters are usually "protected" by their families to the point that they often do not speak to male strangers until they are married. Marriage is considered a highly valued institution. Divorce is very rare. Most marriages are arranged by families, but children must give consent to the arrangement. Some prefer having their marriages arranged as it eliminates the stress associated with finding a spouse. In the past, it was not uncommon that girls would marry their cousins. New attitudes have developed in some areas regarding education, work, and freedom in selecting marriage partners.

A couple may elect to have a temporary marriage called a "sigheh" which can last a few days or up to ninety-nine years. A woman marrying for the first time must have parental consent. When a sigheh is terminated a woman may not marry again for about seventy days. When there is a divorce of a traditional married couple, the woman may not marry again for one hundred days. Weddings are typically elaborate celebrations.

Recreation

Iranians enjoy chess and many argue it was invented in Iran. Wrestling, weightlifting and squash are popular among urban Iranians. Camel or horse racing are popular in rural areas.  In urban areas men enjoy spending time in teahouses and smoking the hookah or water pipe. Women enjoy entertaining family and friends at home.

Holidays

  • Republic Day

    4/1

    Independence

    note: additional holidays celebrated widely in Iran include Revolution Day, 11 February (1979); Noruz (New Year's Day), 21 March; Constitutional Monarchy Day, 5 August (1925)

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

Dates of Interest

  • March 20th

    Celebrated on the longest night of the year (December 20 or 21), families gather to eat, drink, and read poetry, particularly the works of Hafez.

How do people greet each other in Iran?

A handshake is the customary greeting, often with a slight bow or nod to show respect, and greetings typically include asking about the other person's family and health.

Do

  • Add a slight bow or nod while shaking hands to show respect
  • Ask about the other person's family and health
  • Use formal titles and last names to show respect
  • Stand when an older or prominent person enters or leaves the room

Don’t

  • Generally, a man should not shake a woman's hand

Good to know

  • Shaking hands with a child shows respect for the parents
  • A common farewell is "Khoda haftz" (May God protect you)

What are the dining and food customs in Iran?

Rice and wheat bread are staple foods, often served with meat and vegetable stew and yogurt, while pork and alcohol are forbidden.

Do

  • Expect rice served with meat and vegetable stew and yogurt
  • Enjoy fresh vegetables and fresh fruit for dessert
  • Try white cheeses, popular for breakfast

Don’t

  • Do not eat pork or drink alcohol; alcohol consumption is forbidden by law

Good to know

  • During Ramadan, devout Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sundown, then families eat and visit in the evening

What etiquette should I know when visiting an Iranian home?

A guest is considered a gift from Allah, so hosts show great kindness; bring a small gift and follow polite customs around accepting offers.

Do

  • Bring a plant, flowers, or candy when invited to dinner
  • Decline an offered gift a few times before accepting
  • Thank the giver several times when accepting

Don’t

  • Do not compliment objects in the home, as the host may feel obligated to give them to you

What should I wear in Iran?

Men often wear Western styles or traditional robes and turbans, while women should be covered from head to foot in public, though loose clothing is now permitted.

Do

  • Women should be covered from head to foot in public
  • Women may wear other loose clothing
  • Men should generally wear long sleeves, though a bare forearm is permitted
  • Maintain personal cleanliness

Good to know

  • At home, Iranians often relax in pajamas and may even receive guests dressed in them
  • The Kurds wear a type of turban

What gestures and body language matter in Iran?

Use the right hand or both hands to pass objects, and be mindful of gender norms around eye contact and public affection.

Do

  • Pass objects with the right hand or both hands
  • Summon someone by waving with all fingers, palm facing down

Don’t

  • Do not point the soles of your feet toward anyone
  • Men and women do not make eye contact during conversation
  • Do not show affection in public, even between married couples

Good to know

  • Friendship and affection are often shown between friends of the same sex

What is family life like in Iran?

Marriage is highly valued and divorce is rare; unmarried sons and daughters live with their parents until they marry.

Good to know

  • Most marriages are arranged by families, but children must give consent
  • It is legal for a man to have up to four wives, though most have only one
  • Each person has a surname from their family, with the second surname being the official one

What do Iranians do for recreation?

Iranians enjoy chess, and sports like wrestling, weightlifting, and squash are popular in urban areas, while camel or horse racing is popular in rural areas.

Good to know

  • In urban areas, men enjoy teahouses and smoking the hookah (water pipe)
  • Women enjoy entertaining family and friends at home
  • Many Iranians argue chess was invented in Iran

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Iran

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Currency
Iranian rial (IRR)
Time Difference
UTC+3.5 (8.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC)
Climate
mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast
Airports
303
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Potato Kuku

Main Dish

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Achaemenid & Early Empires

    559 BCE – 224

    Cyrus the Great founded the Achaemenid Empire in 550 BCE, establishing the ancient world's largest realm, stretching from the Aegean to Central Asia. Alexander the Great's conquest in 330 BCE ended Achaemenid rule, giving way to the Seleucid and then Parthian dynasties. This era defined Iranian imperial tradition, administrative sophistication, and Zoroastrian religious culture.

  2. Sasanian Empire

    224 – 642

    The Sasanian dynasty restored Iranian imperial grandeur, reviving Zoroastrianism as a state religion and centralizing administration across a vast empire rivaling Rome and Byzantium. Sasanian art, architecture, and governance reached remarkable heights, influencing cultures far beyond Iran's borders. The empire ultimately collapsed under the Arab Muslim conquest in 642 CE, marking a civilizational turning point.

  3. Islamic & Mongol Eras

    642 – 1501

    The Arab conquest introduced Islam and absorbed Iran into the Abbasid Caliphate, yet Persian language, literature, and administrative traditions proved resilient and enriched Islamic civilization broadly. The Seljuk Turks, Genghis Khan's Mongol invasions of 1220, and Timur's campaigns brought successive waves of destruction and political fragmentation. Local Iranian dynasties periodically reasserted Persian cultural identity throughout this turbulent period.

  4. Safavid Dynasty

    1501 – 1736

    Shah Ismail I founded the Safavid dynasty in 1501 and declared Twelver Shia Islam the state religion, forging a distinct Iranian religious and national identity that endures today. The Safavids restored Iran as a coherent territorial state within borders broadly resembling modern Iran, with Isfahan as a magnificent imperial capital. The dynasty declined through internal weakness and Afghan invasions, ending with Nadir Shah's seizure of power in 1736.

  5. Qajar & Constitutional Era

    1796 – 1925

    The Qajar dynasty reunified Iran but struggled against Russian and British imperial encroachment, ceding significant territory and sovereignty through unequal treaties. Popular frustration with misrule and foreign interference culminated in the Constitutional Revolution of 1905–07, which established a parliament and limited royal absolutism. The era ended when Reza Khan, a Cossack officer, seized power and founded the Pahlavi dynasty in 1925.

  6. Pahlavi & Islamic Republic

    1925 – present

    Reza Shah and his son Mohammad Reza Shah pursued aggressive modernization and Westernization, but mounting authoritarianism and social tensions fueled the 1979 Islamic Revolution that replaced the monarchy with a theocratic republic under Ayatollah Khomeini. The new government faced immediate crises including the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis and the devastating 1980–88 Iran-Iraq War. Since then, Iran has navigated international isolation, internal demands for reform, and ongoing tensions between clerical authority and a restive, demographically young population.

Overview

Members of the Achaemenid royal bodyguard, from a bas-relief at Persepolis THE ISLAMIC REVOLUTION in 1979 brought a sudden end to the rule of the Pahlavi dynasty, which for fifty years had been identified with the attempt to modernize and Westernize Iran. The Revolution replaced the monarchy with an Islamic republic and a secular state with a quasi-theocracy. It brought new elites to power, altered the pattern of Iran’s foreign relations, and led to the transfer of substantial wealth from private ownership to state control. There were continuities across the watershed of the Revolution, however; bureaucratic structure and behavior, attitudes toward authority and individual rights, and the arbitrary use of power remained much the same. In 1987, nearly a decade after the Revolution, it was still too early to determine whether the continuities--always striking over the long sweep of Iran’s history--or the changes would prove the more permanent. The Revolution ended a pattern of monarchical rule that, until 1979, had been an almost uninterrupted feature of Iranian government for nearly 500 years. The tradition of monarchy itself is even older. In the sixth century B.C., Iran’s first empire, the Achaemenid Empire, was already established. It had an absolute monarch, centralized rule, a highly developed system of administration, aspirations of world rule, and a culture that was uniquely Iranian even as it borrowed, absorbed, and transformed elements from other cultures and civilizations. Although Alexander the Great brought the Achaemenid Empire to an end in 330 B.C., under the Sassanids (A.D. 224-642) Iran once again became the center of an empire and a great civilization. The impact of the Islamic conquest in the seventh century was profound. It introduced a new religion and a new social and legal system. The Iranian heartland became part of a world empire whose center was not in Iran. Nevertheless, historians have found striking continuities in Iranian social structure, administration, and culture. Iranians contributed significantly to all aspects of Islamic civilization; in many ways they helped shape the new order. By the ninth century, there was a revival of the Persian (Farsi) language and of a literature that was uniquely Iranian but was enriched by Arabic and Islamic influences. The breakup of the Islamic empire led, in Iran as in other parts of the Islamic world, to the establishment of local dynasties. Iran, like the rest of the Middle East, was affected by the rise to power of the Seljuk Turks and then by the destruction wrought first by the Mongols and then by Timur, also called Tamerlane (Timur the Lame). With the rise of the Safavids (1501-1732), Iran was reconstituted as a territorial state within borders not very different from those prevailing today. iran/ir_glos.asp#Shia">Shia (see Glossary) Islam became the state religion, and monarchy once again became a central institution. Persian became unquestionably the language of administration and high culture. Although historians no longer assert that under the Safavids Iran emerged as a nation-state in the modern sense of the term, nevertheless by the seventeenth century the sense of Iranian identity and Iran as a state within roughly demarcated borders was more pronounced. The Qajars (1795-1925) attempted to revive the Safavid Empire and in many ways patterned their administration after that of the Safavids. But the Qajars lacked the claims to religious legitimacy available to the Safavids; they failed to establish strong central control; and they faced an external threat from technically, militarily, and economically superior European powers, primarily Russia and Britain. Foreign interference in Iran, Qajar misrule, and new ideas on government led in 1905 to protests and eventually to the Constitutional Revolution (1905-07), which, at least on paper, limited royal absolutism, created in Iran a constitutional monarchy, and recognized the people as a source of legitimacy. The rise of Reza Shah Pahlavi, who as Reza Khan seized power in 1921 and established a new dynasty in 1925, reflected the failure of the constitutional experiment. His early actions also reflected the aspirations of educated Iranians to create a state that was strong, centralized, free of foreign interference, economically developed, and sharing those characteristics thought to distinguish the more advanced states of Europe from the countries of the East. This work of modernization and industrialization, expansion of education, and economic development was continued by the second Pahlavi monarch, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. He made impressive progress in expanding employment and economic and educational opportunities, in building up strong central government and a strong

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 559 BCE – 332 BCE

    The Achaemenian Dynasty & the Great Persian Empire

    The Achaemenian Dynasty & the Great Persian Empire. The Persian Empire became the dominant world power for over two centuries.

  2. 550 BCE

    Cyrus the Great established the First World Empire

    Cyrus the Great established the First World Empire.

  3. 525 BCE

    Persians conquer Egypt

    Persians conquer Egypt.

  4. 332 BCE

    Alexander the Great conquered Egypt and Persia

    Alexander the Great conquered Egypt and Persia.

  5. 247 BCE – 224

    The Parthians conquered the Seleucids

    The Parthians conquered the Seleucids.

  6. 224 – 642

    The Sasanian Dynasty

    The Sasanian Dynasty.

  7. 570

    The Prophet Mohammad was born

    The Prophet Mohammad was born.

View full timeline (37 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • Founded in the Sixth Century BC by the Kings of the First Persian Empire (the Achaemenids), Persepolis is located 60 km northeast of Shiraz in Iran. The present-day Persian name, Takht-e-Jamshid, means “Throne of Jamshid”, a legendary Iranian King. However, the ancient name of the city was Parsa, or Pars' City, hence the Greek name Persepolis. Construction of the city began under Kings Cyrus the Great (ca. 550 BC) and Darius I (ca. 520 BC) to possibly serve as a ceremonial and spiritual Capital of the Persian Empire. Susa, the administrative Capital, was located 500 km north of Persepolis. The growth of the city continued under later Kings such as Artaxerxes I (ca. 450 BC) who finished the Hall of 100 Columns and Artaxerxes II (ca. 350 BC) who built the Unfinished Palace. However, the most glorious monuments in Persepolis were commissioned by Xerxes I (ca. 470 BC): the Gate of All Nations, and the Throne Hall. Persepolis continued to flourish under the later Achaemenian Kings, until it was burned and destroyed by Alexander the Great in 330 BC. It is not known whether the burning of the city was accidental, or an act of revenge for the destruction of Temples in Athens in 480 BC by the Persians. Modern excavations in Persepolis began in the early 19th Century. The Gate of All Nations is located at the end of two monumental staircases. Between the staircase ramps are symbols of the Zarathustrian God Ahura Mazda, and carvings representing the different Nations of the World, from Egyptians and Armenians, to Babylonians, Assyrians, and Medians. The Gate leads to the Throne Hall, or the Hundred-Column Hall. The Hall contains several doorways adorned with carvings showing the King in military combat. It is believed that the Gate of All Nations and the Throne Hall were used in New Year's celebrations when delegates presented the annual tribute to the Persian King. The city of Persepolis was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1979.

  • Iran was formerly called Persia, a name which comes from the Fars province where the Aryan tribes lived. In 1934, Reza Shah officially changed the name to Iran, an Aryan word meaning “of noble origin.” However, the word Persia is often still used to refer to the country's arts and architecture.

  • The Caspian Sea (Darya-ye-Khazar) is actually the world's largest lake, covering an area of 370,000 square kilometers-five times the size of Lake Superior, the world's second largest lake.

  • Iran contained part of the Silk Road, a 6,400-kilometre ancient trading route linking China to the Mediterranean. Aside from allowing cross-cultural trade, the road inspired the interchange of ideas, technologies and religions.

  • Iran is a modern country infused with rich traditions. Cities offer fast-food restaurants and international business districts alongside bazaars selling spices and carpets.

  • The desert city of Yazd has houses built below ground to escape the heat. The houses have special “ wind towers” designed to catch every breath of wind and send it downward to refresh the living areas.

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Geography and Environment

Terrain
rugged, mountainous rim; high, central basin with deserts, mountains; small, discontinuous plains along both coasts
Climate
mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast
Natural Hazards
periodic droughts, floods; dust storms, sandstorms; earthquakes
Current Environmental Issues
air pollution, especially in urban areas, from vehicle emissions, refinery operations, and industrial effluents; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; oil pollution in the Persian Gulf; wetland losses from drought; soil degradation (salination); inadequate supplies of potable water; water pollution from raw sewage and industrial waste; urbanization
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2%

  • Arabic
  • Farsi
  • Kurdish
  • Luri
  • Persian
  • Turkish

Population

Population
67,037,517
Population in Major Urban Areas
TEHRAN (capital) 7.304 million; Mashhad 2.713 million; Esfahan 1.781 million; Karaj 1.635 million; Tabriz 1.509 million; Shiraz 1.321 million
Nationality Noun
Iranian(s)
Ethnic Groups
Persian 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%
Language Note
The official language in Iran is Persian, but many other languages or dialects are spoken.

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
intermediate
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Iran
Full Country Name
Islamic Republic of Iran
Local - Long
Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran
Local - Short
Iran
Former Name
Persia

Government Structure

Government Type
theocratic republic
Legal System
the Constitution codifies Islamic principles of government
Executive Branch
chief of state: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4 June 1989) head of government: President Masoud PEZESHKIAN (since 30 July 2024); First Vice President Mohammad Reza AREF (since 30 July 2024) cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president with legislative approval; the Supreme Leader exercises significant influence over appointments to sensitive ministries, particularly those related to defense, intelligence, and foreign affairs elections: Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution appointed for life by the Assembly of Experts; president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held on 28 June 2024, with a two-candidate runoff on 5 July 2024 election results: Masoud PEZESHKIAN elected president in runoff; percent of vote - Masoud PEZESHKIAN 54.8%, Saeed JALILI 44.3%; note - the election was called early following the death of President Ebrahim RAISI in a helicopter crash on 19 May 2024
Legislative Branch
unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly or Majles-e-Shura-ye-Eslami (290 seats - formerly 270 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: last held 20 February 2004 with a runoff held 7 in May 2004 (next to be held in February 2008) election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party - conservatives/Islamists 190, reformers 50, independents 43, religious minorities 5, and 2 seats unaccounted for
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court - above a special clerical court, a revolutionary court, and a special administrative court
Suffrage
15 years of age; universal
Constitution
2-3 December 1979; revised 1989 to expand powers of the presidency and eliminate the prime ministership
Independence
1 April 1979 (Islamic Republic of Iran proclaimed)
National Holiday
Republic Day, 1 April (1979)

Capital City

Capital Name
Tehran
Capital - geographic coordinate
35 42 N, 51 25 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+3.5 (8.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC)

various explanations of the city's name have been proffered, but the most plausible states that it derives from the Persian words tah meaning "end or bottom" and ran meaning "[mountain] slope" to signify "bottom of the mountain slope"; Tehran lies at the bottom slope of the Elburz Mountains

Military

Branches: Islamic Republic of Iran Regular Forces (Artesh): Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force (IRIAF), Khatemolanbia Air Defense Headquarters; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Sepah-e Pasdaran-e Enqelab-e Eslami, IRGC): Ground Resistance Forces, Navy, Aerospace Force, Quds Force (special operations); Law Enforcement Forces

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and therefore cannot provide protection or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran. If you are going to live in or visit Iran, please take the time to tell the Swiss Embassy about your trip. If you enroll in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

Embassy of Switzerland – U.S. Interests Section

No. 39, Shahid Mousavi (Golestan 5th)

Pasdaran Avenue

Tehran, Iran

Telephone: (98) (21) 2254-2178 and (98) (21) 2256-5273

Facsimile: (98) (21) 2258-0432

Contact via e-mail: tie.vertretung@eda.admin.ch

The workweek is Sunday through Thursday. Public service hours are 8:00 am – 12:00 noon. The Interests Section does not issue U.S. visas or accept visa applications.

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Economy

Iran's economy is characterized by a large public sector, heavy reliance on oil and gas revenues, and statist policies that create significant market distortions. The state, along with parastatal entities such as religious foundations (bonyads) and enterprises linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, controls much of the country's economic activity. Private sector participation remains concentrated in small-scale workshops, agriculture, and services.

Since 2018, the reimposition of U.S. sanctions following Washington's withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has severely constrained Iran's oil exports, access to global financial systems, and foreign investment. While the economy has shown modest recovery in recent years — driven in part by increased oil sales to China and a weaker but more competitive currency — Iranians continue to face persistent challenges, including inflation that has frequently exceeded 40 percent, youth unemployment above 20 percent, and a sharply depreciated rial.

Efforts at structural reform, including subsidy cuts, tax modernization, and privatization, have produced limited results, often hampered by entrenched interests, sanctions pressure, and political infighting. Non-oil exports, particularly petrochemicals, steel, and agricultural products, have grown in importance, while remittances and informal trade help offset some external pressures. Long-standing issues such as water scarcity, capital flight, and a brain drain of skilled professionals continue to weigh on long-term growth prospects.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Iranian Rial (IRR)
GDP — official exchange rate
$181,200,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
6.1%
Gini Index
43

Banknotes

Iran Money - Front
Iran Money - Front
Iran Money - Back
Iran Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
21 March - 20 March
Annual Budget
$60,400,000,000 (USD)
Public Debt (% of GDP)
27.5%
External Debt
$16,940,000,000 (USD)
Investment (% of GDP)
30.5%
Economic Aid
$408,000,000 (USD)
Current Account Balance
$8,179,000,000 (USD)
Reserves of Foreign Exchange
$2,147,483,647 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
agriculture 30%; industry 25%; services 45%
Industries
petroleum, petrochemicals, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food processing (particularly sugar refining and vegetable oil production), metal fabricating, armaments
Agriculture Products
wheat, rice, other grains, sugar beets, fruits, nuts, cotton; dairy products, wool; caviar
Export Commodities
petroleum 80%, chemical and petrochemical products, fruits and nuts, carpets
Export Partners
Japan 20.1%, China 9.9%, Italy 7.6%, South Korea 5.7%
Import Commodities
industrial raw materials and intermediate goods, capital goods, foodstuffs and other consumer goods, technical services, military supplies
Import Partners
Germany 17.1%, Switzerland 9.3%, UAE 9.1%, France 5.9%, Italy 5.8%, South Korea 4.8%, China 4.7%, Russia 4.3%

Energy

Oil Production
3,979,000 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
1,425,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
133,300,000,000 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
79,000,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
79,000,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
4,920,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
3,400,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
26,620,000,000,000 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
general assessment: currently being modernized and expanded with the goal of not only improving the efficiency and increasing the volume of the urban service but also bringing telephone service to several thousand villages, not presently connected domestic: the addition of new fiber cables and modern switching and exchange systems installed by Iran's state-owned telecom company have improved and expanded the fixed-line network greatly; fixed-line availability has more than doubled to more than 27 million lines since 2000; additionally, mobile-cellular service has increased dramatically serving roughly 56 million subscribers in 2011; combined fixed and mobile-cellular subscribership now exceeds 100 per 100 persons international: country code - 98; submarine fiber-optic cable to UAE with access to Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line runs from Azerbaijan through the northern portion of Iran to Turkmenistan with expansion to Georgia and Azerbaijan; HF radio and microwave radio relay to Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Syria, Kuwait, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; satellite earth stations - 13 (9 Intelsat and 4 Inmarsat)
Internet Country Code
.ir

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast

Videos

2 curated YouTube videos.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Iran?
The population of Iran is approximately 67.0M.
How do people greet each other in Iran?
A handshake is the customary greeting, often with a slight bow or nod to show respect, and greetings typically include asking about the other person's family and health. Do: Add a slight bow or nod while shaking hands to show respect Ask about the other person's family and health Use formal titles and last names to show respect Stand when an older or prominent person enters or leaves the room Don't: Generally, a man should not shake a woman's hand Shaking hands with a child shows respect for the parents A common farewell is "Khoda haftz" (May God protect you)
What are the dining and food customs in Iran?
Rice and wheat bread are staple foods, often served with meat and vegetable stew and yogurt, while pork and alcohol are forbidden. Do: Expect rice served with meat and vegetable stew and yogurt Enjoy fresh vegetables and fresh fruit for dessert Try white cheeses, popular for breakfast Don't: Do not eat pork or drink alcohol; alcohol consumption is forbidden by law During Ramadan, devout Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sundown, then families eat and visit in the evening
What etiquette should I know when visiting an Iranian home?
A guest is considered a gift from Allah, so hosts show great kindness; bring a small gift and follow polite customs around accepting offers. Do: Bring a plant, flowers, or candy when invited to dinner Decline an offered gift a few times before accepting Thank the giver several times when accepting Don't: Do not compliment objects in the home, as the host may feel obligated to give them to you
What should I wear in Iran?
Men often wear Western styles or traditional robes and turbans, while women should be covered from head to foot in public, though loose clothing is now permitted. Do: Women should be covered from head to foot in public Women may wear other loose clothing Men should generally wear long sleeves, though a bare forearm is permitted Maintain personal cleanliness At home, Iranians often relax in pajamas and may even receive guests dressed in them The Kurds wear a type of turban
What gestures and body language matter in Iran?
Use the right hand or both hands to pass objects, and be mindful of gender norms around eye contact and public affection. Do: Pass objects with the right hand or both hands Summon someone by waving with all fingers, palm facing down Don't: Do not point the soles of your feet toward anyone Men and women do not make eye contact during conversation Do not show affection in public, even between married couples Friendship and affection are often shown between friends of the same sex
What is family life like in Iran?
Marriage is highly valued and divorce is rare; unmarried sons and daughters live with their parents until they marry. Most marriages are arranged by families, but children must give consent It is legal for a man to have up to four wives, though most have only one Each person has a surname from their family, with the second surname being the official one
What do Iranians do for recreation?
Iranians enjoy chess, and sports like wrestling, weightlifting, and squash are popular in urban areas, while camel or horse racing is popular in rural areas. In urban areas, men enjoy teahouses and smoking the hookah (water pipe) Women enjoy entertaining family and friends at home Many Iranians argue chess was invented in Iran
What is the capital of Iran?
Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran, serving as the country's political, economic, and cultural hub. Situated in the north of the country at the foot of the Alborz mountain range, Tehran became the capital in the late 18th century under the Qajar dynasty. Today it is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Middle East, housing a significant share of Iran's government institutions, universities, and major industries.
Where is Iran located?
Iran is located in Western Asia, in a region commonly referred to as the Middle East. It occupies a strategically significant position between the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to the south. The country serves as a geographic bridge between the Arab world to the west, Central Asia to the northeast, and South Asia to the east. Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979, following the forced exile of its ruling shah.
What countries border Iran?
Iran shares land borders with seven countries: Turkey and Iraq to the west, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan to the north, and Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east. Its northern coastline runs along the Caspian Sea, while the southern coastline fronts the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. This extensive network of borders has made Iran a crossroads of civilizations throughout history and a key player in regional geopolitics.
What is the main religion practiced in Iran?
Shia Islam is the dominant religion of Iran, adhered to by approximately 89% of the population, making Iran one of the world's foremost Shia Muslim nations. Sunni Muslims constitute roughly 9% of the population, primarily among Kurdish, Balochi, and some Turkic communities near the borders. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Shia Islam has been enshrined as the official state religion, with ultimate political authority vested in a senior Islamic cleric under the principle of velayat-e faqih.
What is the currency of Iran?
The official currency of Iran is the Iranian Rial (IRR). In everyday speech, however, most Iranians quote prices in tomans, an informal unit equal to ten rials, which can cause confusion for visitors. Decades of international sanctions have significantly affected the rial's value and exchange rate. It is advisable to check current rates carefully, as the official and unofficial market rates have historically differed substantially.
What language is spoken in Iran?
Persian (Farsi) is the official language of Iran and is spoken as a first language by approximately 58% of the population, including Persian dialects. Turkic languages and dialects account for roughly 26%, spoken largely in the northwest, while Kurdish speakers represent about 9%, concentrated in western regions. Smaller communities speak Luri, Balochi, and Arabic. Persian has an exceptionally rich literary tradition spanning over a millennium, with poets such as Rumi, Hafez, and Ferdowsi forming cornerstones of Iranian cultural identity.
What is Iran known for?
Iran is known for the ancient ruins of Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire founded in the sixth century BC, located near present-day Shiraz. The country is also celebrated for its intricate hand-woven Persian carpets, which are considered among the finest in the world and remain a significant export. Iran's cuisine — featuring dishes such as ghormeh sabzi, chelow kebab, and saffron-scented rice — reflects thousands of years of culinary tradition. The country is also the world's largest producer of saffron and borders the Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland body of water.
What is the historical significance of the name 'Persia' in relation to Iran?
Iran was officially known as Persia to the Western world until 1935, when Reza Shah formally requested that foreign nations use the name Iran, derived from an ancient Aryan word meaning "of noble origin." The name Persia historically referred to the Fars (Pars) province, home of the Achaemenid kings who built one of antiquity's greatest empires. Despite the official name change, the term "Persian" remains widely used to describe the language, culture, carpets, and cuisine associated with the country, and carries deep historical and civilizational resonance.

Last reviewed 2026

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