Moving to Iran: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

84,923,314

Population Growth Rate

1.24%

Urban Population

69.100000

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

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Age Structure

23.650000

Median Age

27.800000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

18

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

5.94

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.86

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

73.3%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

73.3%

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-0.1

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.

Nationality Noun

Iranian(s)

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Literacy - total population

77%

Literacy - male

86%

Literacy - female

73%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

3.7%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

15.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

70.620000

Infant Mortality Rate

40.020000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

40.020000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

21

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.89

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1.7

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

6%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

intermediate

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

19.4%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

97.700000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

92.800000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

4.6%

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Economic Overview

• Gas: The backbone of Iran's economy is its oil and gas sector, which accounts for a significant portion of government revenues and export earnings. Iran has the world's fourth-largest proven crude oil reserves and the second-largest natural gas reserves. However, international sanctions, particularly those imposed by the United States, have severely restricted Iran's ability to fully capitalize on these resources.
• Agriculture: Iran's diverse climate allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops. The agricultural sector employs around 20% of the workforce and contributes about 10% to the GDP. Key products include pistachios, saffron, wheat, and barley. Water scarcity and outdated farming techniques pose significant challenges to this sector. Manufacturing and
• Industry: Iran has a well-developed industrial base, producing automobiles, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and petrochemicals. The country is the largest car manufacturer in the Middle East. However, the industrial sector faces issues such as outdated technology, lack of investment, and trade barriers.
• Services: The service sector, including tourism, retail, and banking, plays a crucial role in Iran's economy. Despite its potential, tourism has been underdeveloped due to political instability and international perceptions. The banking sector is also under strain due to sanctions and isolation from the global financial system. Economic Challenges
• Sanctions: One of the most significant challenges facing Iran's economy is the series of international sanctions, primarily led by the United States. These sanctions have targeted Iran's oil exports, banking sector, and access to international financial markets, leading to reduced foreign investment and economic isolation. Inflation and Currency
• Devaluation: High inflation rates and the devaluation of the Iranian rial have eroded purchasing power and savings. Inflation has been driven by factors such as subsidy cuts, currency depreciation, and economic mismanagement. The government has struggled to stabilize the currency and control price rises.
• Unemployment: Unemployment remains a persistent issue, particularly among the youth. With a large and growing young population, creating enough jobs is a significant challenge. The official unemployment rate is around 12%, but it is believed to be higher in reality. Political
• Instability: Internal political struggles and external geopolitical tensions have created an uncertain business environment. Political instability affects investor confidence and hinders long-term economic planning. Recent Developments and Reforms Nuclear Deal and Sanctions
• Relief: The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement, known as the Iran nuclear deal, provided some relief from sanctions in exchange for limitations on Iran's nuclear program. However, the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 and the subsequent re-imposition of sanctions have negated many of these benefits. Economic
• Diversification: The Iranian government has recognized the need to diversify the economy away from oil dependency. Efforts have been made to develop non-oil sectors, promote tourism, and attract foreign investment. However, progress has been slow due to ongoing sanctions and internal barriers. Privatization and Market
• Reforms: Iran has undertaken steps towards privatization and market-oriented reforms. The government has sold stakes in state-owned enterprises and encouraged private sector participation. However, bureaucratic red tape and corruption remain significant obstacles. Future Prospects The future of Iran's economy is uncertain, heavily dependent on the geopolitical landscape and the potential easing of sanctions. If sanctions are lifted or reduced, Iran could see significant economic growth through increased oil exports and foreign investment. Continued economic reforms, improved governance, and investment in technology and infrastructure are essential for sustainable growth. Iran's young and educated population, along with its strategic location and abundant natural resources, provides a foundation for future economic development. However, realizing this potential will require addressing the structural challenges and navigating the complex geopolitical environment.

Industries

petroleum, petrochemicals, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food processing (particularly sugar refining and vegetable oil production), metal fabricating, armaments

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$17,800.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

0.8%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$1,044,310,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$17,800.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

0.8%

GDP - official exchange rate

$396,900,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 53.1% government
• consumption: 10.9% investment in fixed
• capital: 27.4% investment in
• inventories: 6.6% exports of goods and
• services: 22.8% imports of goods and
• services: -20.8%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

9.3%

GDP by Sector- Industry

38.4%

GDP by Sector- services

52.3%

Industrial Growth Rate

4.3%

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Inflation Rate

11.8%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Iranian rial (IRR)

Currency Name and Code

Iranian Rial (IRR)

Fiscal Year

21 March - 20 March

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

12%

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Labor Force

25,700,000

Unemployment Rate

14.6%

Unemployment - note

data are according to the Iranian Government

Major 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

Population Below Poverty Line

18%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

16.9%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

34.4%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

48.7%

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Annual Budget

$105,700,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

27.5%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-4.5%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

11.6%

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Full Country Name

Islamic Republic of Iran

Country Name

Iran

Local - Long

Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran

Local - Short

Iran

Former Name

Persia

Etymology- history of name

name derives from the Avestan term "aryanam" meaning "Land of the Noble [Ones]"

Independence

1 April 1979 (Islamic Republic of Iran proclaimed); notable earlier dates: ca. 550 B.C.

(Achaemenid (Persian) Empire established); A.D. 1501 (Iran reunified under the Safavid Dynasty); 1794 (beginning of Qajar Dynasty); 12 December 1925 (modern Iran established under the PAHLAVI Dynasty)

National Holiday

Republic Day, 1 April (1979)

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Government Type

theocratic republic

Constitution

• history: previous 1906; latest adopted 24 October 1979, effective 3 December 1979
• amendments: proposed by the supreme leader – after consultation with the Exigency Council – and submitted as an edict to the "Council for Revision of the Constitution," a body consisting of various executive, legislative, judicial, and academic leaders and members; passage requires absolute majority vote in a referendum and approval of the supreme leader; articles including Iran’s political system, its religious basis, and its form of government cannot be amended; amended 1989

Legal System:

religious legal system based on secular and Islamic law

Executive Branch:

• are: President Masoud Pezeshkian, the reformist-leaning heart surgeon elected in 2024, who has emphasized economic recovery and limited social openings while remaining loyal to the Islamic Republic’s framework. Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i, a hardline conservative appointed by Khamenei in 2021, with a long record in intelligence and judicial roles known for tough stances on dissent. Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a senior cleric and member of the Guardian Council, selected for the council role. Arafi, 67, serves as deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts and heads Iran’s seminary system. PAST
• HISTORY: chief of
• state: Supreme Leader Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4 June 1989)
• head of government: President Masoud PEZESHKIAN (since 30 July 2024)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president with legislative approval; the supreme leader has some control over appointments to several ministries election/appointment
• process: supreme leader appointed for life by Assembly of Experts; president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term and an additional nonconsecutive term) most recent election
• date: 28 June 2024, with runoff held on 5 July 2024
• election results: 2024: first round results - Masoud PEZESHKIAN (independent) 44.4%, Saeed JALILI (Front of Islamic Revolution Stability) 40.4%, Mohammad Baqer QAKIBAF (Progress and Justice Population of Islamic Iran) 14.3%, other 0.9%; second round results - Masoud PEZESHKIAN elected; Masoud PEZESHKIAN 54.8%, Saeed JALILI 45.2% 2021: Ebrahim RAISI elected president; percent of vote - Ebrahim RAISI (independent) 72.4%, Mohsen REZAI (RFII) 13.8%, Abbdolnaser HEMATI (ECP) 9.8%, Amir-Hosein Qazizadeh-HASHEMI (Islamic Law Party) 4%
• note: presidential election held early due to the death of President Ebrahim RAISI in a helicopter accident in May 2024

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly or Majles-e Shura-ye Eslami or Majles (290 seats; 285 members directly elected in single- and multi-seat constituencies by multiple non-transferable vote in 2 rounds, 1 seat each for Zoroastrians, Jews, Assyrian and Chaldean Christians, Armenians in the north of the country and Armenians in the south; members serve 4-year terms);
• Note: all candidates to the Majles must be approved by the Council of Guardians, a 12-member group of which 6 are appointed by the supreme leader and 6 are jurists nominated by the judiciary and elected by the Majles
• Elections: first round held on 1 March 2024 for 245 seats; second round for 45 remaining seats to be held in May (next full Majles election to be held in 2028)
• Election Results: percent of vote by coalition in first round - NA; seats by coalition in first round - conservatives and hardliners 200, other 45;
• Composition: NA

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court president appointed by the head of the High Judicial Council (HJC), a 5-member body to include the Supreme Court chief justice, the prosecutor general, and 3 clergy, in consultation with judges of the Supreme Court; president appointed for a single, renewable 5-year term; other judges appointed by the HJC; judge tenure NA
• subordinate courts: Penal Courts I and II; Islamic Revolutionary Courts; Courts of Peace; Special Clerical Court (functions outside the judicial system and handles cases involving clerics); military courts

Regions or States:

31 provinces (ostanha, singular - ostan); Alborz, Ardabil, Azarbayjan-e Gharbi (West Azerbaijan), Azarbayjan-e Sharqi (East Azerbaijan), Bushehr, Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiari, Esfahan, Fars, Gilan, Golestan, Hamadan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman, Kermanshah, Khorasan-e Jonubi (South Khorasan), Khorasan-e Razavi (Razavi Khorasan), Khorasan-e Shomali (North Khorasan), Khuzestan, Kohgiluyeh va Bowyer Ahmad, Kordestan, Lorestan, Markazi, Mazandaran, Qazvin, Qom, Semnan, Sistan va Baluchestan, Tehran, Yazd, Zanjan

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Combatant Clergy Association [Mostafa PURMOHAMMADI] (an active political group)
• Executives of Construction Party [Hossein MARASHI]
• Front of Islamic Revolutionary Stability [Sadegh MAHSULI, secretary general]
• Islamic Coalition Party [Asadollah BADAMCHIAN]
• Militant Clerics Society (Majma-e Ruhaniyoun-e Mobarez) or MRM [Mohammad Mousavi KHOEINIHA]
• Moderation and Development Party [Hassan RUHANI]
• National Trust Party (Hezb-e E'temad-eMelli) or HEM [Elias HAZRATI]
• Progress and Justice Society [Mohammad Saeed AHADIAN]
• Union of Islamic Iran People's Party (Hezb-e Ettehad-e Iran-e Eslami) [Azar MANSURI]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: the father must be a citizen of Iran dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

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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)

Daylight Savings Time

does not observe daylight savings time

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International Organization Participation:

• BRICS
• CICA
• CP
• D-8
• ECO
• FAO
• G-15
• G-24
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICRM
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• MIGA
• NAM
• OIC
• OPCW
• OPEC
• PCA
• SAARC (observer)
• SCO (observer)
• UN
• UNAMID
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UNIDO
• UNITAR
• UNOOSA
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO (observer)

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Embassy: none; the US Interests Section is located in the Embassy of Switzerland; US Foreign Interests Section, Embassy of Switzerland, Pasdaran, Shahid Mousavi Street (Golestan 5th), Corner of Paydarfard Street, No. 55, Tehran

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: none; Iran has an Interests Section in the Pakistani Embassy; address: Iranian Interests Section, Embassy of Pakistan, 1250 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20037;
• Telephone: [1] (202) 965-4990; FAX [1] (202) 965-1073; email: requests@daftar.org; info@daftarwashington.com; website: https://daftar.org/

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Geographic Location

Middle East

Geographic Coordinates

32 00 N, 53 00 E

Total Area

636,368 Square Miles 1,648,195 Square Kilometers

Land Area

591,349 Square Miles 1,531,595 Square Kilometers

Water Area

45,019 Square Miles 116,600 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

3,380 Miles 5,440 Kilometers

Border Countries

Afghanistan 936 km, Armenia 35 km, Azerbaijan-proper 432 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 179 km, Iraq 1,458 km, Pakistan 909 km, Turkey 499 km, Turkmenistan 992 km

Coastline

1,516 Miles 2,440 Kilometers

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Terrain

• rugged, mountainous rim
• high, central basin with deserts, mountains
• small, discontinuous plains along both coasts

Highest Point

5,671 Meters

Highest Point Location

Kuh-e Damavand 5,671 m

Lowest Point

-28 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Caspian Sea -28 m

Natural Resources

petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead, manganese, zinc, sulfur

Irrigated Land

33,591 Square Miles 87,000 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+3.5 (8.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC)

Daylight saving time

does not observe daylight savings time

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Climate

mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast

Terrain

• rugged, mountainous rim
• high, central basin with deserts, mountains
• small, discontinuous plains along both coasts

Location

Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Caspian Sea, between Iraq and Pakistan

Total Area

636,368 Square Miles 1,648,195 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Afghanistan 936 km, Armenia 35 km, Azerbaijan-proper 432 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 179 km, Iraq 1,458 km, Pakistan 909 km, Turkey 499 km, Turkmenistan 992 km

Environment - Current 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

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

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Exports

$78,690,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$58,970,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

petroleum 80%, chemical and petrochemical products, fruits and nuts, carpets

Major Imports

industrial raw materials and intermediate goods, capital goods, foodstuffs and other consumer goods, technical services, military supplies

Top Export Partners

Japan 20.1%, China 9.9%, Italy 7.6%, South Korea 5.7%

Top 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%

Export Partners

Japan 20.1%, China 9.9%, Italy 7.6%, South Korea 5.7%

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%

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Country Description

Iran is a constitutional Islamic republic with a theocratic system of government where ultimate political authority is vested in the highest religious authority, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

He is the final authority on all domestic, foreign, and security policies for Iran, though he establishes and supervises those policies in consultation with other political bodies.

Shia Islam is the official religion of Iran, and Islamic law is the basis of the authority of the state.

The Iranian constitution guarantees freedom of worship to Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians, though they and followers of other faiths are often the subject of discrimination and repression.

The work week in Iran is Saturday through Thursday; however, many government offices and private companies are closed on Thursdays.

Friday is the day of rest when all establishments are closed.

Offices in Iran are generally open to the public during the morning hours only.

Safety & Security

• U.S. citizens who travel to Iran despite the Travel Warning should exercise caution throughout the country, but especially in the southeastern region where Westerners have been victims of criminal gangs often involved in the smuggling of drugs and other contraband. Terrorist explosions have killed a number of people in Iran in past years. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to areas within 100 kilometers of the border with Afghanistan, within 10 kilometers of the border with Iraq, and generally anywhere east of the line from Bam and Bandar Abbas toward the Pakistan border. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings. Increased tension between Iran and the West over the past several years is a cause of concern for U.S. citizen travelers. Large-scale demonstrations in response to politically motivated events have taken place sporadically throughout the country, resulting in a significant security presence, arrests, and occasional clashes between demonstrators and security officials. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. U.S. passport holders who are arrested or detained by Iranian authorities should request assistance from the U.S. Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Tehran. Iranian security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited and could result in serious criminal charges, including espionage, which carries the death penalty. The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) has advised that elevated regional tensions have increased the risk of maritime attacks being conducted by extremists to vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el Mandeb regions. MARAD recommends vessels at anchor, operating in restricted maneuvering environments, or at slow speeds should be especially vigilant and report suspicious activity. U.S. flag vessels that observe suspicious activity in the area are advised to report such suspicious activity or any hostile or potentially hostile action to COMUSNAVCENT battlewatch captain at phone number 011-973-1785-3879. All suspicious activities and events are also to be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at the following toll free
• Telephone: 1-800-424-8802, direct telephone 202-267-2675, or TDD 202-267-4477. The complete advisory is available on the MARAD website at www.MARAD.DOT.gov.

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Crime

Major crime is generally not a problem for travelers in Iran, although foreigners occasionally become victims of petty street crime.

Young men in unmarked cars have robbed foreigners and young men on motor bikes have snatched bags.

There have been reports of robberies by police impersonators, usually in civilian clothing.

Insist on seeing the officer’s identity card and request the presence of a uniformed officer/marked patrol car.

Travelers should not surrender any documents or cash.

You are advised to make a copy of your U.S. passport (biographical data page and the page with your Iranian visa) and to keep it separate from your original passport.

Travelers should not carry large amounts of hard currency while on the streets.

In view of the possibility of theft, passports, other important documents, and valuables should be kept in hotel safes or other secure locations.

Pre-booked taxis are safer than those hailed from the street.

U.S. citizens should check with their hotel or tour guide for information on local scams.

Don’t buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, purchasing them may also violate local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Iran, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own.

In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport with you.

In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit but still illegal in the United States; for example, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Iran, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It is very important to know what is legal and what is not in your destination country.

U.S. citizens in Iran who violate Iranian laws, even unknowingly, including laws unfamiliar to Westerners (such as those regarding the proper wearing of apparel), may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Fines, public floggings, and long prison terms are common.

Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution.

Drinking, possession of alcoholic beverages and drugs, un-Islamic dress, as well as public displays of affection with a member of the opposite sex are considered to be crimes.

Relations between non-Muslim men and Muslim women are illegal, as are adultery and sex outside of marriage.

DVDs depicting sexual relations and magazines showing unveiled women are forbidden.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Iran are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Iran executes many people each year on drug-related charges.

The Iranian government reportedly has the names of all individuals who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S.

Claims Tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algerian Accords.

In addition, the Iranian government reportedly has compiled a list of the claimants who were awarded compensation in the Iran Claims Program administered by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission.

The Iranian government has allegedly been targeting award-holders who travel to Iran.

It has been reported that upon some claimants' entry into Iran, Iranian authorities have questioned them as to the status of payment of their respective awards with a view to recouping the award money.

The Iranian government has also reportedly threatened to prevent U.S. claimants who visit Iran from departing the country until they make arrangements to repay their award either in part or its entirety.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the U.S.

Interests Section at the Swiss

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Medical Facilities

Basic medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities, but may not be available in rural areas.

Medical facilities do not meet U.S. standards and sometimes lack medicines and supplies.

Iranian authorities confirmed outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) in January 2008 in northern Iran, as well as earlier reports of outbreaks among wild swans in the Anzali Wetlands and in domestic poultry in the northern provinces of Azerbaijan and Gilan.

There were a number of confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza in 2009.

Traffic Safety

While in Iran, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Travelers in possession of International Driver’s Permits may drive in Iran, though the U.S.

Interests Section in Iran does not recommend that tourists drive in Iran.

Iran has a very high rate of traffic accidents, the second highest cause of mortality in the country.

Drivers throughout Iran tend to ignore traffic lights, traffic signs, and lane markers.

Urban streets are not well lit; it is therefore particularly dangerous to drive at night.

Sidewalks in urban areas exist only on main roads and are usually obstructed by parked cars.

In residential areas, few sidewalks exist.

Drivers almost never yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.

If you are involved in an accident, no matter how minor, do not leave the scene; wait until the police arrive to file a report.

Iranian authorities sometimes set up informal roadblocks, both in cities and on highways, often manned by young, inexperienced officers who are suspicious of foreigners.

Ensure you carry a form of identification with you and avoid getting into disputes.

Very high pollution levels from cars, particularly in Tehran, can trigger respiratory problems.

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Airports - total

319

Airports with Paved Runways

140

Heliports

26

Railways

5,246 Miles 8,442 Kilometers

Roadways- total

123,570 Miles 198,866 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

99,647 Miles 160,366 Kilometers

Waterways

528 Miles 850 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Abadan (largely destroyed in fighting during 1980-88 war), Ahvaz, Bandar 'Abbas, Bandar-e Anzali, Bushehr, Bandar-e Emam Khomeyni, Bandar-e Lengeh, Bandar-e Mahshahr, Bandar-e Torkaman, Chabahar (Bandar Beheshti), Jazireh-ye Khark, Jazireh-ye Lavan, Jazireh-ye Sirri, Khorramshahr, Now Shahr

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Pipelines: Condensate

4 Miles 7 Kilometers

Pipelines: Gas

12,921 Miles 20,794 Kilometers

Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas

354 Miles 570 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

5,359 Miles 8,625 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

4,932 Miles 7,937 Kilometers

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Telephones

25,804,000

Cell Phones

29,770,000

Internet Users

23,000,000

Internet Country Code

.ir

Internet Hosts

119,947

Broadcast Media

• state-run broadcast media with no private, independent broadcasters
• Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the state-run TV broadcaster, operates 5 nationwide channels, a news channel, about 30 provincial channels, and several international channels
• about 20 foreign Persian-language TV stations broadcasting on satellite TV are capable of being seen in Iran
• satellite dishes are illegal and, while their use had been tolerated, authorities began confiscating satellite dishes following the unrest stemming from the 2009 presidential election
• IRIB operates 8 nationwide radio networks, a number of provincial stations, and an external service
• most major international broadcasters transmit to Iran

Telephone System

• 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)

14 facts — expand for details.

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

206,700,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

6,150,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

2,060,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

212,800,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,446,000,000,000

Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

9,050,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

10,590,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

162,600,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

33,610,000,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,709,000

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

2,445,000

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

15,600

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

3,979,000

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

154,600,000,000

3 facts — expand for details.

Anthem History

• adopted 1990
• Iran has had six national anthems
• the first, entitled Salam-e Shah (Royal Salute) was in use from 1873-1909
• next came Salamati-ye Dowlat-e Elliye-ye Iran (Salute of the Sublime State of Persia, 1909-1933)
• it was followed by Sorud-e melli (The Imperial Anthem of Iran
• 1933-1979), which chronicled the exploits of the Pahlavi Dynasty
• Ey Iran (Oh Iran) functioned unofficially as the national anthem for a brief period between the ouster of the Shah in 1979 and the early days of the Islamic Republic in 1980
• Payandeh Bada Iran (Long Live Iran) was used between 1980 and 1990 during the time of Ayatollah

Anthem Lyrics

Sorood-e Melli-e Jomhoori-e Eslami Sar Zad Az ofogh Mehr-e Khawaran Forug-e Dide-ye Haqq-bawaran Bahman - Farr-e Iman-e Mast Payamat Ey Emam Esteqlal. Azadi-naqsh-e Jan-e Mast Sahidan - Pichide Dar Gush-e Zaman Faryad-e Tan Payanda Mani O Jawedan Jumhuri-ye Islami-e Iran

Anthem Lyrics English

Upwards on the horizon rises the Eastern Sun, The sight of the true Religion.

Bahman - the brilliance of our Faith.

Your message, O Imam, of independence and freedom is imprinted on our souls.

O Martyrs!

The time of your cries of pain rings in our ears.

Enduring, continuing, eternal, The Islamic Republic of Iran.