Iran Population Statistics 2026 | Key Facts

Population of Iran 2026

The Islamic Republic of Iran stands as one of the most populous nations in the Middle East and Western Asia, maintaining its position as the 17th largest country globally by population. As of January 2026, the nation’s demographic landscape reflects decades of transformation, from rapid growth during the mid-20th century to the current phase of demographic transition. The country’s population dynamics have undergone remarkable shifts, influenced by changing fertility patterns, urbanization trends, and evolving socioeconomic factors that continue to shape the nation’s future trajectory.

Understanding the Iran population 2026 statistics provides crucial insights into the country’s developmental path, economic potential, and societal challenges. With a landmass covering approximately 1.65 million square kilometers, Iran’s demographic distribution reveals fascinating patterns of urban concentration, ethnic diversity, and age structure transitions. The latest verified data from international organizations including the United Nations Population Division, World Bank, and national statistical agencies paint a comprehensive picture of a nation navigating the complexities of modern demographic transformation while maintaining its rich cultural heritage and diverse population composition.

Interesting Stats & Facts About Iran Population in 2026

Data sources: UN Population Division, Worldometer, World Bank, Countrymeters (January 2026)

The Iran population statistics 2026 reveal a nation experiencing profound demographic transformation. The current population of 92.87 million people represents a dramatic increase from just 10 million in the early 20th century, demonstrating more than nine-fold growth over the past century. However, the annual growth rate of 0.76% signals a significant slowdown from the peak growth period of the 1980s when rates approached 4% annually. This deceleration reflects fundamental changes in reproductive behavior, with the total fertility rate plummeting to 1.45-1.70 children per woman, substantially below the replacement level of 2.1 children required for population stability.

The population density of 54.6 persons per square kilometer masks significant regional disparities, with the western provinces and major urban centers experiencing far higher concentrations while southeastern regions remain sparsely populated. The country’s daily population increase of approximately 3,122 persons results from 4,470 births minus 1,156 deaths and net emigration of approximately 192 individuals daily. Remarkably, Iran’s 2026 birth statistics show annual births falling below 1 million for the first time since 1955, representing a historic demographic milestone that carries profound implications for future population structure and economic development.

Total Population in Iran 2026

Data sources: Worldometer, UN Population Division, World Bank, Countrymeters, PopulationOf.net (2026)

The total population of Iran in 2026 demonstrates the complexity of demographic estimation, with reputable sources providing figures ranging from 90.04 million to 92.87 million based on different methodological approaches and update frequencies. The most widely cited estimate from Worldometer, utilizing UN Population Division data, places the Iran population at 92,868,080 as of January 14, 2026. This represents an increase of approximately 450,387 people from the mid-year 2025 estimate of 92,417,681, reflecting the ongoing but slowing population growth trajectory. The variance among sources stems from different assumptions about fertility rates, mortality patterns, and migration trends, yet all confirm Iran maintains its position among the world’s most populous nations.

The 2026 population structure reveals a nation in demographic transition, with the working-age population comprising approximately 68-69% of the total, creating what economists term a “demographic dividend” opportunity. The youth population under 15 years represents 19.8-22.4%, reflecting the dramatic decline in fertility over recent decades, while those aged 65 and above constitute 7.4-8.3%, a proportion steadily increasing as life expectancy rises. The male-to-female ratio of approximately 103 males per 100 females (or 1.029:1) aligns with natural biological sex ratios and indicates balanced demographic development. The net emigration of 40,000-70,200 persons annually underscores ongoing brain drain concerns, as educated professionals seek opportunities abroad, particularly following economic challenges and political uncertainty.

Fertility Rate in Iran 2026

Data sources: World Bank, Trading Economics, Macrotrends, Middle East Forum, Database.earth, UN Population Division (2023-2026)

The fertility rate in Iran 2026 represents one of the most dramatic demographic transitions witnessed globally, with the total fertility rate plummeting from 7.3 children per woman in 1960 to approximately 1.45-1.70 in 2026. This 75-84% decline over six decades occurred with remarkable speed, particularly during the 1980s-2000s when rates dropped from 6.6 to 1.8 in just 20 years. The current TFR sits 30-45% below the replacement level of 2.1, indicating Iran’s population will eventually begin declining absent increased fertility or sustained immigration. Recent reports from the Civil Registration Organization reveal that annual births fell below 1 million (980,000 births) in the Iranian calendar year ending March 2025, the lowest level since 1955 when Iran’s population was merely 20 million.

The fertility decline in Iran 2026 reflects complex interplay of micro and macro factors including increased female education, delayed marriage, economic pressures, urbanization, and shifting cultural values regarding ideal family size. Studies indicate Iranian women increasingly agree that “having many children is an obstacle for parents’ interests” and “creates financial pressure for the family.” The Tehran Province fertility rate of 1.15-1.2 births per woman exemplifies urban fertility patterns, suggesting the capital’s rates may be 40-45% below replacement. While government pro-natalist policies attempt to reverse these trends through restricted contraceptive access and family encouragement programs, demographic momentum suggests continued below-replacement fertility throughout the 2020s, with profound implications for future age structure, workforce composition, and economic development trajectories.

Urban Population in Iran 2026

Data sources: World Bank, Worldometer, Trading Economics, UN World Urbanization Prospects, World Population Review (2024-2026)

The urban population of Iran in 2026 demonstrates one of the most rapid urbanization transformations globally, with 73.3-78.1% of Iranians now residing in urban areas compared to merely 27% in 1950. This represents approximately 67.76-71.15 million urban residents, concentrated primarily in the western provinces and major metropolitan regions. The urban growth rate of 1.62% annually outpaces the national population growth of 0.76%, indicating continuing rural-to-urban migration despite already high urbanization levels. Tehran, the capital and primate city, houses 9.84 million residents in the city proper and up to 15 million in the metropolitan region, representing approximately 10-16% of the national population and serving as the political, economic, and cultural nucleus.

The urbanization trend in Iran 2026 reflects multiple drivers including rural economic challenges, agricultural mechanization, educational opportunities in cities, and infrastructure development favoring urban centers. Iran possesses 9 cities exceeding 1 million inhabitants and 57 cities with populations between 100,000-1 million, indicating a relatively diversified urban hierarchy beyond Tehran’s dominance. Mashhad in northeastern Iran ranks second with 3.4 million residents, functioning as a major religious and cultural center attracting millions of pilgrims annually. Other significant urban centers include Isfahan, Karaj, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Qom. The UN Humanitarian Information Unit identifies Iran as exhibiting “one of the steepest urban growth rates in the world,” with projections suggesting urbanization will reach 80-85% by 2050, creating challenges for urban planning, infrastructure provision, housing affordability, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion in rapidly expanding metropolitan regions.

Age Distribution and Median Age in Iran 2026

Data sources: UN Population Division, Worldometer, PopulationPyramids.org, GeoRank, CountryMeters, PopulationOf.net (2025-2026)

The age distribution of Iran in 2026 reveals a nation experiencing rapid demographic transition from a youthful to an increasingly mature age structure. The median age of 34.0-35.0 years represents a substantial increase from 29.3 years in 2016 and 19.1 years in 1960, reflecting the compressed demographic transition occurring over just six decades. The working-age population (15-64 years) comprising 63.7-69.3% of the total creates a favorable “demographic dividend” window where the productive workforce proportionally exceeds dependent populations, theoretically enabling higher savings rates, investment, and economic growth. However, this window is closing as fertility continues below replacement and the population ages, with projections indicating the median age will reach 44.5 years by 2050.

The 2026 age structure demonstrates the dramatic impact of declining fertility, with the youth population (0-14 years) representing only 19.8-28.0% compared to historical norms exceeding 40% in the 1980s. The elderly population (65+ years) at 7.4-8.3% remains relatively small but grows steadily as life expectancy increases, creating emerging challenges for pension systems, healthcare infrastructure, and elderly care services. The aging rate of 5.3 years increase in median age per decade ranks among the fastest globally, indicating compressed demographic transition typical of rapidly developing economies. The dependency ratio of 41% remains favorable, with the productive population more than twice the size of dependent groups, but this advantage will dissipate within 2-3 decades as the large cohorts born during the 1980s baby boom reach retirement age while smaller younger cohorts enter the workforce.

Life Expectancy in Iran 2026

Data sources: World Bank, Macrotrends, CountryMeters, WHO, New Internationalist, Measured World (2023-2026)

The life expectancy in Iran 2026 demonstrates significant health system achievements, with total life expectancy ranging from 70.1 to 78.2 years depending on data sources and calculation methodologies. The most recent estimates place Iran’s life expectancy at approximately 77.5 years, substantially above the regional average of 69.5 years (Iraq) and aligning with or exceeding the global average of 71 years. This represents dramatic improvement from the mid-20th century when life expectancy barely exceeded 40-45 years, reflecting advances in medical care, public health infrastructure, sanitation, nutrition, and disease control. The female life expectancy of 71.6-81 years exceeds male life expectancy of 68.6-75 years by 3-6 years, consistent with global patterns where women typically outlive men due to biological and behavioral factors.

The 2026 life expectancy figures position Iran favorably compared to many middle-income nations, though significant gaps remain versus developed countries like the United Kingdom (81.3 years). The Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE) of approximately 66-68 years indicates Iranians can expect to live roughly 8-12 years in less than full health, primarily during advanced age. Geographic disparities exist, with urban provinces and northern regions like Gilan and Mazandaran demonstrating higher life expectancy while southeastern provinces like Sistan and Baluchestan lag by up to 7 years due to lower healthcare access, infrastructure deficits, and socioeconomic challenges. The WHO notes Iran’s mortality data collection faces completeness and quality issues, suggesting actual life expectancy may vary from estimates. Continued improvements depend on addressing air pollution (particularly in Tehran), non-communicable diseases, healthcare system sustainability amid sanctions, and regional health disparities.

Sex Ratio and Gender Distribution in Iran 2026

Data sources: CountryMeters, PopulationPyramids.org, Trading Economics, World Bank, StatisticsTimes (2025-2026)

The sex ratio in Iran 2026 demonstrates relatively balanced gender distribution with 103 males per 100 females (or 1.029:1), slightly above the global average of 1.016 males per female. This translates to 46.95 million males (50.8%) and 45.47 million females (49.2%), creating an absolute male surplus of 1.48 million persons, ranking Iran 9th globally for largest male numerical surplus. The sex ratio remains within normal biological ranges, as male births naturally exceed female births by approximately 5% (sex ratio at birth 1.052) due to higher male fetal mortality and conception rates. The slightly elevated overall sex ratio reflects multiple factors including natural demographic patterns, potentially differential migration (with females more likely to emigrate for marriage or family reunification), and age-specific mortality differences.

The gender distribution across age groups shows variation, with youth cohorts exhibiting higher male ratios (1.05:1 for ages 0-24) while elderly populations skew female due to superior female longevity. The working-age (25-64) ratio remains balanced at approximately 1.03-1.04:1, ensuring relatively equal gender representation in the labor force and marriage markets. The 65+ population shows the expected female majority at approximately 0.87 males per female, consistent with the 3-6 year female life expectancy advantage. These balanced gender ratios support healthy demographic development, social stability, and marriage market equilibrium, avoiding the distortions observed in countries with severely skewed sex ratios. The natural sex ratio pattern and absence of evidence for sex-selective practices indicate Iran’s gender distribution in 2026 reflects biological norms rather than artificial intervention.

Population Density in Iran 2026

Data sources: Worldometer, CountryMeters, PopulationOf.net, UN Population Division (2024-2026)

The population density of Iran in 2026 averages 52.9-57 persons per square kilometer, a moderate figure concealing dramatic regional variations across the country’s 1.63-1.65 million km² territory. This represents more than a doubling from the 1980 density of 23.7 persons per km², reflecting sustained population growth concentrated primarily in existing urban centers and western provinces. Compared globally, Iran’s density remains well below densely populated nations like Bangladesh or South Korea but exceeds sparsely populated countries like Canada or Australia. The density figure positions Iran in the middle range internationally, with substantial land area supporting moderate population concentration.

The regional density variation in Iran 2026 reflects geographic, climatic, and economic factors creating pronounced spatial inequalities. Western provinces including Tehran, Gilan, Mazandaran, East Azerbaijan, and Isfahan exhibit far higher densities due to favorable climate, water availability, economic opportunities, and historical settlement patterns. Tehran Province demonstrates extreme concentration with the capital metropolitan area housing 10-16% of the national population in less than 1% of the land area. Conversely, southeastern provinces like Sistan and Baluchestan, Kerman, and Yazd remain sparsely populated due to desert conditions, water scarcity, and limited economic development. The Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut deserts covering central and eastern Iran are essentially uninhabited, while northern mountain valleys and Caspian coastal plains support dense agricultural and urban populations. This pattern is projected to intensify through 2030-2050 as urbanization continues concentrating population in existing metropolitan regions.

Ethnic and Religious Composition of Iran 2026

Data sources: Demographics of Iran (Wikipedia), World Population Review, Britannica, Ethnicities in Iran (Wikipedia), Minority Rights Group, Al Jazeera (2024-2026)

The ethnic composition of Iran in 2026 demonstrates remarkable diversity despite common Western perceptions of homogeneity. Persians constitute 61% of the population as the dominant ethnic group, primarily residing in central and southern provinces and speaking Persian (Farsi) as their native language. Azerbaijanis form the second-largest group at 16-25% (estimates vary significantly), concentrated in northwestern provinces including East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Ardabil, and Zanjan. The Kurdish population of 7-10% inhabits western provinces including Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Ilam, and West Azerbaijan, representing a significant minority with distinct linguistic and cultural identity. Lurs (6%) populate western provinces including Lorestan, Khuzestan, and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, while Arabs (2%) concentrate in southwestern Khuzestan and Balochs (2%) inhabit southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan.

The religious landscape of Iran 2026 shows overwhelming Muslim majority (99%) with Shi’a Islam as the official state religion practiced by 89-90% of the population, specifically the Twelver (Ithna’ashari) school. Sunni Muslims comprise 9-10%, predominantly among Kurdish, Baloch, Turkmen, and some Arab ethnic communities. The Iranian constitution recognizes Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism as protected minority religions, granting them representation in parliament. Christians (primarily Armenian Apostolic) number approximately 300,000, Zoroastrians (practitioners of ancient Persian faith) approximately 30,000-35,000, and Jews approximately 20,000. The Baha’i community, estimated at 300,000, faces persecution as an unrecognized religion. Mandaeans (5,000-10,000) represent ancient Gnostic tradition. This religious diversity reflects Iran’s position at the crossroads of civilizations while the Shi’a majority fundamentally shapes national identity and governance structures.

Migration Patterns in Iran 2026

Data sources: PopulationOf.net, CountryMeters, World Population Review, various demographic sources (2025-2026)

The migration patterns of Iran in 2026 reveal persistent net emigration of approximately 40,000-70,200 persons annually, indicating more Iranians departing permanently than foreigners arriving. This daily emigration of approximately 192 individuals primarily comprises educated professionals, entrepreneurs, and young people seeking economic opportunities, political freedoms, and social conditions unavailable domestically. The ongoing “brain drain” has accelerated during recent years amid economic challenges exacerbated by international sanctions, currency devaluation, inflation, and limited employment prospects for university graduates. Primary emigration destinations include North America (particularly United States and Canada), Europe (especially Germany, United Kingdom, and Sweden), Australia, and Persian Gulf states (particularly United Arab Emirates and Turkey). The Iranian diaspora exceeds 5 million globally, representing substantial human capital loss but also maintaining cultural and economic connections through remittances and investment.

Conversely, Iran hosts over 1 million refugees, primarily from Afghanistan and Iraq, making it one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting nations despite limited international recognition or support. These refugees, many residing in Iran for decades, face restrictions on movement, employment, and access to services while contributing to informal economies. Internal migration patterns show continuing rural-to-urban movement despite already high 73-78% urbanization, with provinces like Tehran, Isfahan, Razavi Khorasan (Mashhad), and Fars (Shiraz) receiving net in-migration while rural provinces in Kurdistan, Lorestan, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Ilam experience out-migration. These migration patterns create demographic imbalances, concentrating human capital and economic activity in select metropolitan regions while depopulating rural areas and peripheral provinces.

Birth Rate and Death Rate in Iran 2026

Data sources: Macrotrends, Trading Economics, World Bank, Middle East Forum, CountryMeters, Worldometer (2023-2026)

The birth rate in Iran 2026 demonstrates continuing decline with the crude birth rate ranging from 12.95 to 15.89 per 1,000 population, representing historic lows. The reported 15.89 per 1,000 for 2024 indicates a temporary increase from 2023’s 12.95 per 1,000, though this may reflect data reporting variations rather than genuine fertility recovery. The absolute number of annual births fell below 1 million (980,000) in the Iranian calendar year ending March 2025, marking the lowest birth total since 1955 when the population was less than one-quarter of today’s size. This translates to approximately 4,470 daily births, insufficient to replace the aging population structure when combined with increasing life expectancy and sustained below-replacement fertility.

The death rate in Iran 2026 remains low at 5.6-6.3 per 1,000 population, reflecting the relatively young age structure and improving healthcare standards. Annual deaths total approximately 421,000-520,000, or 1,156 deaths daily, producing a natural increase rate of 6.6-9.6 per 1,000. The infant mortality rate of 11.8-13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births represents dramatic improvement from 122 per 1,000 in 1990, though disparities exist between urban and rural areas and across provinces. The maternal mortality ratio of 16-22 deaths per 100,000 live births similarly demonstrates health system progress. However, as the large cohorts born during the 1980s baby boom age into their 40s-50s, the death rate will inevitably rise, creating population aging challenges. The widening gap between births and deaths threatens demographic sustainability, with projections suggesting Iran may experience absolute population decline beginning in the 2030s-2040s absent significant fertility recovery or immigration.

Literacy and Education in Iran 2026

Data sources: UNESCO Institute for Statistics, World Bank, FRED St. Louis Fed, IndexMundi, CountryEconomy (2016-2026)

The literacy rate in Iran 2026 stands at approximately 85.5-89% for adults aged 15 and above, representing extraordinary educational progress over recent decades. The most recent UNESCO estimate indicates 88.96% adult literacy, substantially above the 36.52% recorded in 1976, demonstrating a 49 percentage point improvement over 40 years. This achievement reflects massive education sector investment following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, including universal primary education campaigns, rural school construction, and adult literacy programs. The male literacy rate of 90.35-93% exceeds the female literacy rate of 80.79-84.87%, maintaining an 8-10 percentage point gender gap that has narrowed considerably from historical disparities exceeding 25 percentage points.

The youth literacy rate of 98.10% for ages 15-24 demonstrates near-universal education access for younger generations, with minimal gender differential (97.93% female versus 98.27% male). This cohort effect indicates continued literacy improvement as older, less-educated generations age out of the adult population. Provincial variations exist, with urban provinces like Tehran and Isfahan approaching 95%+ literacy while rural southeastern provinces like Sistan and Baluchestan lag at 75-80%. The 2026 literacy levels position Iran favorably within the Middle East region, exceeding countries like Iraq (85%), Pakistan (58%), and Afghanistan (37%) while trailing developed nations approaching 99%. Continued literacy improvement depends on sustaining education infrastructure, particularly in disadvantaged provinces, addressing female education barriers in conservative communities, and maintaining school enrollment amid economic challenges.

Population Projections for Iran in 2027 and Beyond

Data sources: UN Population Division, World Bank, Macrotrends, various demographic projection models (2025-2026)

The population projections for Iran in 2027 show estimates ranging from 87.68 million to 93.57 million depending on assumptions about fertility, mortality, and migration trends. The UN Population Division medium variant projects Iran’s population will continue growing slowly through mid-century, reaching approximately 95-98 million by 2030, 98-102 million by 2040, and peaking around 100-105 million by 2050 before stabilizing or beginning decline. These projections assume fertility rates remain near current levels (1.50-1.75 births per woman) with modest increases possible but unlikely to return to replacement level. The 2027 median age of approximately 35.2 years will continue rising steadily, reaching 40 years by the mid-2030s and 44.5 years by 2050, transforming Iran from a relatively young society to a mature, aging population.

The long-term demographic trajectory carries profound implications for economic development, social services, and geopolitical standing. The working-age population share (15-64 years) currently at 68-69% will decline to 57-60% by 2050 as fertility decline and population aging reshape the age structure. Simultaneously, the elderly population (65+) will surge from 7-8% to 18-20%, creating unprecedented challenges for pension systems, healthcare infrastructure, and elder care services designed for younger population structures. The dependency ratio will deteriorate significantly, with fewer workers supporting more retirees and requiring substantial policy adaptation. Government pro-natalist initiatives attempt to reverse fertility decline through marriage incentives, childcare support, and contraceptive restrictions, but evidence suggests these measures face limited success against powerful socioeconomic drivers favoring smaller families. Whether Iran can avoid severe population aging and potential decline depends on fertility policy effectiveness, economic conditions, women’s empowerment trajectories, and possible immigration strategies over coming decades.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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