Iran: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Iran — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
81,800,269
#19 of 197 countries
Area
1,648,195 km²
#19 of 248 countries
Density
49.6 / km²
#166 of 245 countries

Iran has a population of 81,800,269 spread across 1,648,195 km², giving it an average density of 49.6 people per km². It ranks among the 20 most populous countries in the world.

Most Populous Cities

Tehran
7,153,309
6446 / km²
Mashhad
2,307,177
4236 / km²
Isfahan
1,547,164
2698 / km²
Karaj
1,448,075
5633 / km²
Tabriz
1,424,641
2970 / km²
Shiraz
1,249,942
1952 / km²
Qom
900,000
2583 / km²
Ahvaz
841,145
1885 / km²
Kermanshah
621,100
2323 / km²
Rasht
594,590
2178 / km²

Demographics

Median Age
35.2
Life Expectancy
75.6 yrs
Literacy Rate
86.0%
Government
theocratic republic
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Iran is classified as an upper middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 27% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.

Income Level
Upper middle income
GDP per Capita
$5,049
Cost of Living
27% of US
Inflation
44.6%
Inequality
35.9
Moderate