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Iran
Iran places highest on Debt Service on External Debt (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on GDP Growth (bottom 1%).
Iran in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
90,608,707
people
since 1950
Land area
1,622,500
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
16,834
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
77.65
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.799
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
8.301
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Iran
Key facts about Iran
- Capital
- Tehran
- Official language
- Persian
- Currency
- Iranian rial (IRR)
- ISO code
- IRN · IR
- Domain · dialling
- .ir · +98
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Iran’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
joint82ndof 194
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint67thof 150
From 3 of 3 key statistics
94thof 201
From 4 of 4 key statistics
113thof 182
From 3 of 4 key statistics
138thof 193
From 4 of 5 key statistics
119thof 147
From 2 of 3 key statistics
168thof 178
From 3 of 3 key statistics
168thof 177
From 3 of 3 key statistics
188thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
175thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
155thof 161
From 2 of 3 key statistics
joint185thof 191
From 3 of 3 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Iran’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Iran in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Iran stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Iran sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Iran does best5
In the top third of all countries measured. 2 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1st
Position · derived 109th of 109 · 1 = worst · 0.285 · 2024
world median 12.93 (better) · ▲ 3 pts since 2014
- 1st
Position · derived 110th of 110 · 1 = worst · 2.213 · 2024
world median 43.94 (better)
Position · derived 135th of 162 · 1 = worst · 4.8 · 2024
world median 13.8 (better)
Position · derived 35th of 139 · 91.06 · 2024
world median 72.83 (better) · ▼ 7 pts since 2014
Where Iran struggles most7
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 7 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 2ndGDP Growthbottom 1%
Position · derived 185th of 186 · -2.826 · 2025
world median 3.396 (worse) · ▼ 7 pts since 2015
- 3rdWomen, Business and the Lawbottom 1%
Position · derived 188th of 190 · 31.25 · 2024
world median 81.25 (worse)
- 4thSocial Institutions and Gender Indexbottom 2%
Position · derived 4th of 140 · 1 = worst · 62.9 · 2023
world median 25.2 (worse)
- 5th
Position · derived 178th of 182 · 14.01 · 2025
world median 53.36 (worse)
- 5th
Position · derived 82nd of 86 · 21.36 · 2024
world median 35.86 (worse) · ▲ 4 pts since 2014
- 8thOrganic Agricultural Areabottom 6%
Position · derived 143rd of 150 · 0.01 · 2024
world median 0.725 (worse) · ▼ 7 pts since 2014
- 10th
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Iran can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
75th
of 141 · 1990
75th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
132nd
of 173 · 2012
153rd
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
71st
of 79 · 1990
123rd
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
53rd
of 132 · 2022
70th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
103rd
of 140 · 1995
87th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
75th
of 172 · 2020
76th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Iran has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Human Capital Index+18 pts since 2010
- Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity+15 pts since 2015
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training+14 pts since 2014
Losing ground
Where Iran has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Livestock Production Index-50 pts since 2012
- Food Production Index-37 pts since 2012
- Logistics Performance Index-32 pts since 2016
05In context
Iran and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 174, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Southern Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 174 placed).
- 50
Maldives - 54
Bhutan - 96
Sri Lanka - 97
India - 109
Nepal - 131
Bangladesh - 146Iran
- 154
Pakistan - 171
Afghanistan
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Iran
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions18
Civic Space Ratings189th of 198position · derived8.74Civic space score (0–100)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 5% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Iran 8.74 · world median 50.46 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Completeness of Birth Registrationtop 49%98.6Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
Middle · top 49% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Iran 98.6 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Corruption Perceptions Index153rd of 181rank23CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 15% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Iran 23 · world median 39 (worse)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Debt Service on External Debt109th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.285Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
Top fifth · top 1% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
Iran 0.285 · world median 12.93 (better)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)110th of 110position · derived · 1 = worst2.213External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
Top fifth · top 1% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
Iran 2.213 · world median 43.94 (better)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
No real change since 2014
General Government Consumption88th of 132position · derived13.29General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Iran 13.29 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index76th of 195rank48.34AI readiness score (0–100)2025
Upper middle · top 39% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Iran 48.34 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness159th of 209position · derived-0.706Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2024
Lower middle · bottom 24% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Iran -0.706 · world median 0.01 (worse)
Best in the world 2.28 (Singapore)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2014
Government Spending on Education90th of 123position · derived2.824Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Iran 2.824 · world median 3.709 (worse)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Public Sector Employment73rd of 135position · derived13.21Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
Middle · bottom 46% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Iran 13.21 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill162nd of 168position · derived2.818Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Iran 2.818 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality198th of 209position · derived-1.511Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 5% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Iran -1.511 · world median -0.09 (worse)
Best in the world 2.132 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Rule of Law188th of 211position · derived-1.235Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 11% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Iran -1.235 · world median -0.1 (worse)
Best in the world 2.021 (Finland)
No real change since 2014
Statistical Performance Indicators120th of 188position · derived63.52SPI overall score (0–100)2024
Lower middle · bottom 36% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Iran 63.52 · world median 69.3 (worse)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2016
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index154th of 176position · derived0.159Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 13% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Iran 0.159 · world median 0.497 (worse)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Voice and Accountability190th of 208position · derived-1.548Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 9% of 208 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Iran -1.548 · world median -0.02 (worse)
Best in the world 1.929 (Norway)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Women, Business and the Law188th of 190position · derived31.25WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Iran 31.25 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Economy & Innovation32
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution35th of 139position · derived91.06Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
Upper middle · top 25% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Iran 91.06 · world median 72.83 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Agricultural Land129th of 209position · derived29.01Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
Lower middle · bottom 38% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Iran 29.01 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)54th of 158position · derived10.59Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
Upper middle · top 34% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Iran 10.59 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Cereal Yield107th of 179position · derived2,420Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
Middle · bottom 40% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Iran 2,420 · world median 3,072 (worse)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Container Port Traffic45th of 103position · derived2,921,359Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
Middle · top 43% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
Iran 2,921,359 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index184th of 195position · derived77.41Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 6% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Iran 77.41 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -25 percentile points since 2012
Economic Complexity Index87th of 145rank-0.071ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
Middle · bottom 40% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Iran -0.071 · world median 0.131 (worse)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)95th of 138position · derived25.75Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 31% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Iran 25.75 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2015
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare106th of 188position · derived68.29Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
Middle · bottom 45% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Iran 68.29 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Food Production Index183rd of 195position · derived83.89Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 6% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Iran 83.89 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -37 percentile points since 2012
GDP Growth185th of 186position · derived-2.826GDP growth (annual %)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Iran -2.826 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)96th of 185position · derived16,834GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
Middle · bottom 48% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Iran 16,834 · world median 17,265 (worse)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Gini Index33rd of 73position · derived · 1 = worst34.8Gini index (0 = perfect equality, 100 = perfect inequality)2022
Middle · bottom 44% of 73 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gini index (0 = perfect equality, 100 = perfect inequality)
Iran 34.8 · world median 33.91 (worse)
Best in the world 24.08 (Slovakia)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2012
Global Innovation Index70th of 139rank28.52GII score (0–100)2025
Middle · top 50% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Iran 28.52 · world median 28.52
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2022
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)3rd of 131position · derived41.77Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
Top fifth · top 2% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Iran 41.77 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2015
Household Consumption95th of 131position · derived53.67Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 28% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Iran 53.67 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)82nd of 138position · derived34.49Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
Middle · bottom 41% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Iran 34.49 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▲ +34 percentile points since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)15th of 158position · derived39.64Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
Top fifth · top 9% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Iran 39.64 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2015
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index74th of 169position · derived0.643IHDI (0–1)2023
Middle · top 43% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Iran 0.643 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index86th of 175rank51.49LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
Middle · bottom 49% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Iran 51.49 · world median 56.21 (worse)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
▼ -25 percentile points since 2016
Livestock Density104th of 188position · derived0.47Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
Middle · bottom 44% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Iran 0.47 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Production Index139th of 194position · derived99.85Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Lower middle · bottom 28% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Iran 99.85 · world median 107.06 (worse)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▼ -50 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index123rd of 139rank2.3LPI score (1–5)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 9% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Iran 2.3 · world median 2.9 (worse)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▼ -32 percentile points since 2016
Net Official Development Assistance Received123rd of 130position · derived0.053Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 5% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Iran 0.053 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
No real change since 2013
Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day30th of 69position · derived · 1 = worst0.56Poverty gap at $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2022
Middle · bottom 41% of 73 countries measured · 73 share 69 positions
World Bank Group · Poverty gap at $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
Iran 0.56 · world median 0.42 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (5 countries tied)
▼ -21 percentile points since 2012
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day25th of 71position · derived · 1 = worst2.81Population below $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2022
Lower middle · bottom 33% of 73 countries measured · 73 share 71 positions
World Bank Group · Population below $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
Iran 2.81 · world median 1.05 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2012
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day19th of 73position · derived · 1 = worst38.99Population below $8.30 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2022
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 73 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below $8.30 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
Iran 38.99 · world median 10.79 (worse)
Best in the world 0.04 (Cyprus)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2012
Prosperity Gap23rd of 73position · derived · 1 = worst3.445Average factor incomes must rise by to reach $28 a day2022
Lower middle · bottom 31% of 73 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average factor incomes must rise by to reach $28 a day
Iran 3.445 · world median 2.118 (worse)
Best in the world 0.43 (Luxembourg)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2012
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)9th of 180position · derived30.45Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
Top fifth · top 4% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Iran 30.45 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)92nd of 138position · derived60.24Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Iran 60.24 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2015
World Energy Trilemma Index61st of 99rank59.8Trilemma score (0–100)2023
Lower middle · bottom 35% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Iran 59.8 · world median 63.8 (worse)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour17
Average Weekly Hours Worked14th of 182position · derived45.98Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
Top fifth · top 7% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Iran 45.98 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture96th of 182position · derived13.62Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
Middle · bottom 48% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Iran 13.62 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Industry6th of 182position · derived34.7Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
Top fifth · top 3% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Iran 34.7 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Services118th of 182position · derived51.67Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
Lower middle · bottom 35% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Iran 51.67 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
No real change since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio169th of 182position · derived37.56Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 7% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Iran 37.56 · world median 57.72 (worse)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate178th of 182position · derived14.01Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 2% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Iran 14.01 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
No real change since 2015
Female Share of Senior and Middle Management82nd of 86position · derived21.36Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 5% of 86 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)
Iran 21.36 · world median 35.86 (worse)
Best in the world 56.69 (Nauru)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
GDP per Person Employed69th of 168position · derived57,468GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
Middle · top 41% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Iran 57,468 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Labour Force Participation Rate171st of 182position · derived40.97Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 6% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Iran 40.97 · world median 61.66 (worse)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked85th of 182position · derived23.55Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
Middle · top 46% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Iran 23.55 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Self-Employment Rate68th of 182position · derived42.94Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
Upper middle · top 37% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Iran 42.94 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Unemployment Rate50th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst8.301Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Iran 8.301 · world median 5.084 (worse)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment63rd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst39.52Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Iran 39.52 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Working Poverty Ratetop 34%0.78Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
Upper middle · top 34% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Iran 0.78 · world median 4.885 (better)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training18th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst24.32Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 18% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
Iran 24.32 · world median 14.31 (worse)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2014
Youth Unemployment Rate37th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst21.9Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 20% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Iran 21.9 · world median 12.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
No real change since 2015
Education & Knowledge7
Adult Literacy Rate104th of 172position · derived88.92Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 40% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Iran 88.92 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling88th of 195position · derived13.97Expected years of schooling2023
Middle · top 45% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Iran 13.97 · world median 13.34 (better)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -19 percentile points since 2013
Mean Years of Schooling73rd of 193position · derived10.85Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
Upper middle · top 38% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Iran 10.85 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
No real change since 2013
Primary Completion Rate88th of 165position · derived96.74Primary completion rate (%)2025
Middle · bottom 47% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Iran 96.74 · world median 97.43 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Upper Secondary Attainment64th of 95position · derived45.68Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)2023
Lower middle · bottom 33% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)
Iran 45.68 · world median 65.76 (worse)
Best in the world 97.89 (Belarus)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Upper Secondary Completion Rate67th of 164position · derived75.5Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
Middle · top 40% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Iran 75.5 · world median 64.87 (better)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratetop 46%98.7415–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
Middle · top 46% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Iran 98.74 · world median 98.22 (better)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing14
Dietary Energy Supply89th of 155position · derived2,876Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
Middle · bottom 43% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Iran 2,876 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months51st of 136position · derived47.4Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
Upper middle · top 37% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Iran 47.4 · world median 40.74 (better)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index123rd of 172rank0.482GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
Lower middle · bottom 29% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Iran 0.482 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Global Violent Deaths109th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst3.67Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
Middle · top 48% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Iran 3.67 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index75th of 172position · derived0.593HCI score (0–1)2020
Middle · top 43% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Iran 0.593 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2010
Human Development Index75th of 193rank0.799HDI score (0–1)2023
Upper middle · top 39% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Iran 0.799 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Severity Index21st of 81position · derived · 1 = worst3.9INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)2025
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 81 countries measured
ACAPS · INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)
Iran 3.9 · world median 3.1 (worse)
Best in the world 1.3 (Trinidad and Tobago)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2020
Life Expectancy at Birth75th of 222position · derived77.65Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
Upper middle · top 33% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Iran 77.65 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio133rd of 195position · derived · 1 = worst15.84Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
Upper middle · top 32% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Iran 15.84 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare150th of 178position · derived0.33Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 17% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Iran 0.33 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity57th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst5.9Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
Middle · bottom 42% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Iran 5.9 · world median 4.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment70th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst6.8Population undernourished (%)2023
Middle · bottom 42% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Iran 6.8 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
No real change since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five135th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst4.8Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
Top fifth · top 16% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Iran 4.8 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate116th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst11.32Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
Middle · top 42% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Iran 11.32 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Development & Human Capital11
Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
Upper middle · top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Iran 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Agricultural Irrigated Land21st of 121position · derived16.94Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
Top fifth · top 17% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Iran 16.94 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Arable Land per Person73rd of 206position · derived0.173Arable land (hectares per person)2023
Upper middle · top 35% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Iran 0.173 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiobottom 48%40.6Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
Middle · bottom 48% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Iran 40.6 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
No real change since 2012
Child Marriage75th of 143position · derived · 1 = worst16.7Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
Middle · top 49% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Iran 16.7 · world median 17.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality78th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst19.08Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
Middle · bottom 46% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Iran 19.08 · world median 17.05 (worse)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Gender Development Index164th of 184position · derived0.875Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 11% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Iran 0.875 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2013
Land Under Cereal Production22nd of 179position · derived8,661,544Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
Top fifth · top 12% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Iran 8,661,544 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
No real change since 2013
Organic Agricultural Area143rd of 150position · derived0.01Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 6% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Iran 0.01 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI49th of 156position · derived0.725PHDI (0–1)2023
Upper middle · top 31% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Iran 0.725 · world median 0.678 (better)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector18th of 171position · derived92.18Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
Top fifth · top 10% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Iran 92.18 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Environment & Sustainability7
Agricultural Emissions17th of 193position · derived87,282Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
Top fifth · top 8% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Iran 87,282 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Forest Area175th of 210position · derived6.649Forest area (% of land area)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 18% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Iran 6.649 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster55th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst26,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Iran 26,000 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita114th of 181position · derived1,435Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
Lower middle · bottom 37% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Iran 1,435 · world median 2,528 (worse)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation162nd of 190position · derived5.318Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 16% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Iran 5.318 · world median 31.14 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress22nd of 177position · derived · 1 = worst80.43Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 12% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Iran 80.43 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
World Risk Index29th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst16.3WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 15% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Iran 16.3 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Gender & Equality2
Social Institutions and Gender Index4th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst62.9SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 2% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Iran 62.9 · world median 25.2 (worse)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Peace & Security5
Deaths in Organized Violence17th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst1,268Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 8% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Iran 1,268 · world median 0 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2015
Global Militarisation Index38th of 149rank · 1 = worst138.18GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Iran 138.18 · world median 100.66 (worse)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index28th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst5.9INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 14% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Iran 5.9 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2016
Physical Violence Index152nd of 176position · derived0.236Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 14% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Iran 0.236 · world median 0.79 (worse)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Political Stability and Absence of Violence191st of 211position · derived-1.581Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 10% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Iran -1.581 · world median 0.04 (worse)
Best in the world 1.582 (Liechtenstein)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Iran. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Adjusted Net Savings · last seen 2000
- Agriculture Orientation Index · last seen 2021
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2014
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Cost of Sending Remittances
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Ecological Footprint
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Firms with a Female Top Manager
- Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2024
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2020
- Gross Savings (% of GDP) · last seen 2000
- ICT Goods Exports · last seen 2022
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2022
- Informal Employment Rate
- Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Open Data Inventory · last seen 2022
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary · last seen 2023
- PISA Mathematics Performance
- PISA Reading Performance
- PISA Science Performance
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · last seen 2020
- Research and Development Spending · last seen 2021
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2022
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2023
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2022
- Trade Union Density
- Violent Discipline of Children
07Keep reading
Explore further
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Iran can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 28 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Iran on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Iran: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/iran