Iran
Islamic Republic of Iran
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +1.05%
With a population of roughly 91.6 million, Iran ranks among the world’s 20 most populous countries. The country extends across 1.65 million km², translating to a density of 56 people per km². Its capital is Tehran, and Persian (Farsi) is the official language, while the Iranian rial serves as the national currency.
Population
91,567,738
Area
1,648,195 km²
Density
56/km²
World Rank
#17
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 12.9 per thousand against deaths at 4.7 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 22.4% of residents under 15 and 8.2% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Tehran
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Southern Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Persian (Farsi)
- Currencies
- Iranian rial (﷼)
- Calling Code
- +98
- Top-Level Domain
- .ir, ایران.
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:30
Population Details
- Total Population
- 91,567,738
- Land Area
- 1,648,195 km²
- Population Density
- 56 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +1.05%
- Annual Growth
- +961,461 people
- Daily Growth
- +2,634 people
- World Population Share
- 1.13%
- Coordinates
- 32.00°, 53.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $5.2k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 8.3%, above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 35.9 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
77.7 years
GDP per Capita
$5,190
Birth Rate
12.9 per 1,000
Death Rate
4.7 per 1,000
Urban Population
77.0%
Fertility Rate
1.70 births/woman
Infant Mortality
10.7 per 1,000
Unemployment
8.3%
Literacy Rate
88.9%
Internet Users
79.6%
Under 15
22.4%
Over 65
8.2%
Health Spending
6.0% GDP
Gini Index
35.9
Age Distribution
0-14 years
20.5M
15-64 years
63.5M
65+ years
7.5M
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 77% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. Tehran, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net inward migration of 116786.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
70.5M
77.0%
21.0M
23.0%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 77.7 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 10.7 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 88.9% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Iran
Iran has 91 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Iran is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.7 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Iran participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 91,567,738 |
| 2030 | 95,405,830 |
| 2035 | 100,283,322 |
| 2040 | 105,261,213 |
| 2045 | 110,352,077 |
| 2050 | 115,568,519 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Iran.
Largest Cities in Iran
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Iran by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Iran?
The population of Iran is approximately 91.6 million as of 2026, making it #17 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Iran?
The capital of Iran is Tehran.
What languages are spoken in Iran?
The main languages spoken in Iran are Persian (Farsi).
How big is Iran?
Iran covers an area of 1,648,195 km² with a population density of 56 people per km².
Is Iran growing or shrinking?
Iran is growing at a rate of 1.05% per year, adding approximately 961,461 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Iran?
The average life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Iran?
The GDP per capita of Iran is $5,190.