Iran: Facts and figures

Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Islamic Republic

of Iran:

Population: 56 million

Land area: 634,000 sq miles (UK: 95,000 sq miles)

Capital: Tehran

Population: 6 million

Per capita GDP: pounds 1,050.

In the UK: pounds 10,500

Main exports: Oil. Iran produces 5.3 per cent of the world's oil. Also exports gas, petrochemicals, steel and copper

Main imports: Technological products, industrial equipment.

Government: Supreme Leader is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a religious leader with wide powers of patronage, and legitimacy built in to the constitution. President Mohammed Khatami, elected 1997 is a "mild reformer".

Religion: 99 per cent Muslim. (93 per cent Shia, 6 per cent Sunni)

Official language: Farsi

Life expectancy: 65 male, 66 female

Literacy: 54 per cent

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Iran: Facts and figures

Bookmark popover

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering