Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran)

Iran Islamic Republic of Iran
Status	Independent State
Social and Moral Index	128th best
Capital	Tehran
Land Area	1 628 550km21
Location	Asia, The Middle East
Population	81.8m2
Life Expectancy	73.87yrs (2017)3
GNI	$13 001 (2017)4
ISO3166-1 Codes	IR, IRN, 3645
Internet Domain	.ir6
Currency	Rial (IRR)7
Telephone	+988

1. Overview
2. Iran National and Social Development
3. Iran's Demographics and Migration
4. Human Rights, Equality & Tolerance
5. Iran's Health
   1. Health Datasets
   2. Children's Health Datasets
6. Iran's Responsibility Towards The Environment
7. Iran's Modernity and Learning
   1. Modernity Datasets
   2. Education Datasets
   3. Technology and Information Datasets
8. Iran's Culture, Peace and Inequality
   1. National Culture Datasets
   2. Peace Versus Instability Datasets
   3. Economic Inequality and Poverty Datasets
9. Religion and Beliefs
10. Links

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1. Overview

#iran

“Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and Shah Mohammad Reza PAHLAVI was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces led by Ayatollah Ruhollah KHOMEINI established a theocratic system of government with ultimate political authority vested in a learned religious scholar referred to commonly as the Supreme Leader who, according to the constitution, is accountable only to the Assembly of Experts - a popularly elected 86-member body of clerics. US-Iranian relations became strained when a group of Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran in November 1979 and held embassy personnel hostages until mid-January 1981. The US cut off diplomatic relations with Iran in April 1980. During the period 1980-88, Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq that eventually expanded into the Persian Gulf and led to clashes between US Navy and Iranian military forces. Iran has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism for its activities in Lebanon and elsewhere in the world and remains subject to US, UN, and EU economic sanctions and export controls because of its continued involvement in terrorism and its nuclear weapons ambitions. Following the election of reformer Hojjat ol-Eslam Mohammad KHATAMI as president in 1997 and a reformist Majles (legislature) in 2000, a campaign to foster political reform in response to popular dissatisfaction was initiated. The movement floundered as conservative politicians, through control of unelected institutions, prevented reform measures from being enacted and increased repressive measures. Starting with nationwide municipal elections in 2003 and continuing through Majles elections in 2004, conservatives reestablished control over Iran's elected government institutions, which culminated with the August 2005 inauguration of hardliner Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD as president. His controversial reelection in June 2009 sparked nationwide protests over allegations of electoral fraud. The UN Security Council has passed a number of resolutions calling for Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities and comply with its IAEA obligations and responsibilities. In mid-February 2011, opposition activists conducted the largest antiregime rallies since December 2009, spurred by the success of uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt. Protester turnout probably was at most tens of thousands and security forces were deployed to disperse protesters. Additional protests in March 2011 failed to elicit significant participation largely because of the robust security response, although discontent still smolders. Deteriorating economic conditions due primarily to government mismanagement and international sanctions prompted at least two major economically based protests in July and October 2012.”

CIA's The World Factbook (2013)₉

“If travel is most rewarding when it surprises, then Iran, with its bazaars, mighty deserts and sublime architecture, might just be the most rewarding destination on Earth. Before you come to Iran, you might be thinking the main reasons to visit are because it´s a bit adventurous and there´s a lot to see from the years when Persia was a great world power. At some levels you´d be right.

Iran´s sights will put you in the footsteps of some of history´s most outstanding figures. And certainly you won´t find yourself crowded out of any sights, which is fun.

The highlights, together with the atmospheric teahouses, bustling bazaars, deserts punctuated by historic oases and rugged mountain ranges, give Iran more than its fair share of fantastic places to see. But to think of Iran only in terms of `sights´ is to miss the real story.

If you like people, you´ll like Iran. The Iranians, a nation made up of numerous ethnic groups and influenced over thousands of years by Greek, Arab, Turkic and Mongol occupiers, are endlessly welcoming and eager to show off and explain their intricate culture.”

"The World" by Lonely Planet (2014)₁₀

2. Iran National and Social Development

#economics #human_development #wealth

UN HDI (2021)11
Pos.		Higher is better Value11
1	Switzerland	0.962
2	Norway	0.961
3	Iceland	0.959
	...
73	Sri Lanka	0.782
74	Bosnia & Herzegovina	0.780
75	St Kitts & Nevis	0.777
76	Iran	0.774
77	Ukraine	0.773
78	Macedonia	0.770
79	China	0.768
80=	Moldova	0.767
	Asia Avg	0.75
	World Avg	0.72
q=191.

Gross National Income Per-Capita (2021)11
Pos.		Higher is better PPP $11
1	Liechtenstein	$146 830
2	Singapore	$90 919
3	Qatar	$87 134
	...
89	Ukraine	$13 256
90	Armenia	$13 158
91	Turkmenistan	$13 021
92	Iran	$13 001
93	S. Africa	$12 948
94	Suriname	$12 672
95	Sri Lanka	$12 578
96	Paraguay	$12 349
	Asia Avg	$22 215
	World Avg	$20 136
q=193.

Social & Moral Development Index12
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank12
1	Denmark	26.9
2	Norway	29.1
3	Sweden	29.9
	...
125	Belize	99.3
126	Azerbaijan	99.8
127	Egypt	101.1
128	Iran	101.9
129	Bhutan	102.1
130	Senegal	102.6
131	Kenya	103.0
132	Vanuatu	104.0
	Asia Avg	92.0
	World Avg	89.0
q=200.

The United Nations produces an annual Human Development Report which includes the Human Development Index. The factors taken into account include life expectancy, education and schooling and Gross National Income (GNI) amongst many others..

The Social and Moral Development Index concentrates on moral issues and human rights, violence, public health, equality, tolerance, freedom and effectiveness in climate change mitigation and environmentalism, and on some technological issues. A country scores higher for achieving well in those areas, and for sustaining that achievement in the long term. Those countries towards the top of this index can truly said to be setting good examples and leading humankind onwards into a bright, humane, and free future. See: Which are the Best Countries in the World? The Social and Moral Development Index.

3. Iran's Demographics and Migration

#birth_control #demographics #fertility #health #immigration #life_expectancy #longevity #migration #overpopulation #population #yemen

Population Datasets:

Iran's population is predicted to rise to 84.44 million by 2030. This rise is despite a low fertility rate, meaning, that this country is helping to alleviate problems with growing population in neighbouring countries by accepting immigrants, very likely as a requirement of maintaining an active workforce. This country has a fertility rate of 1.68. The fertility rate is, in simple terms, the average amount of children that each woman has. The higher the figure, the quicker the population will grow, although, to calculate the rate you also need to take into account morbidity - the rate at which people die. If people live healthy and long lives and morbidity is low, then, 2.0 approximates to the replacement rate (two new children for each set of parents who die), which would keep the population stable. If all countries had such a fertility rate, population growth would end. The actual replacement rate in most developed countries is around 2.1, once you take mortality into account₁₃. The highest fertility rate ever detected in a single year was in Yemen in 1985, at 8.86.₁₄

Population2
Pos.		2018 Population2
1	China	1.4b
2	India	1.4b
3	USA	327.1m
	...
16	Congo, DR	84.1m
17	Germany	83.1m
18	Turkey	82.3m
19	Iran	81.8m
20	Thailand	69.4m
21	UK	67.1m
22	France	65.0m
23	Italy	60.6m
	World Avg	39.0m
q=195.

Life Expectancy Higher is better11
Pos.		2021 Years11
1	Monaco	85.9
2	Hong Kong	85.5
3	Japan	84.8
	...
68	Romania	74.2
69	Cape Verde	74.1
70	Morocco	74.0
71	Iran	73.9
72	Macedonia	73.8
73	Nicaragua	73.8
74	Tunisia	73.8
75	Lithuania	73.7
	World Avg	71.28
q=195. Also scored for 1990s-2010s.

Fertility Rate 2.0 is best15
Pos.		202215
1	US Virgin Islands	2.00
2	Ecuador	2.00
3	Nepal	2.01
	...
42	Ireland	1.70
43	Colombia	1.69
44	French Polynesia	1.69
45	Iran	1.68
46	Seychelles	2.32
47	Maldives	1.68
48=	Suriname	2.32
48=	Cambodia	2.32
	World Avg	2.47
q=208. Also scored for 1960s-2010s.

Old-Age Dependency Ratio Lower is better16
Pos.		2016 Per 10016
1	Uganda	04.3
2	Mali	04.5
3=	Chad	04.7
	...
89	Bolivia	12.7
90	Nicaragua	13.1
91	Paraguay	13.2
92	Iran	13.4
93	Samoa	13.7
94	Algeria	14.0
95	Malaysia	14.5
96	Guyana	15.0
	World Avg	18.3
q=185.

• The Population of the Earth
• Abortion, Birth Control and Contraception

Migration Datasets:

Immigrants17
Pos.		2017 %17
1	UAE	88.4%
2	Kuwait	75.5%
3	Qatar	65.2%
	...
101	Moldova	3.5%
102	Slovakia	3.4%
103	Turkmenistan	3.4%
104	Iran	3.3%
105	Kyrgyzstan	3.3%
106	Chad	3.3%
107	Tajikistan	3.1%
108	Cape Verde	2.8%
	World Avg	9.4%
q=195.

Emigrants18
Pos.		2010 %18
1	Dominica	104.8%
2	Palestine	68.4%
3	Samoa	67.3%
	...
156	Serbia	2.0%
157	Venezuela	1.8%
158	S. Africa	1.7%
159	Iran	1.7%
160	Libya	1.7%
161	Gabon	1.7%
162	Vanuatu	1.6%
163	Djibouti	1.5%
	World Avg	11.5%
q=192.

4. Human Rights, Equality & Tolerance

#bahá'í_faith #equality #freedom #gender_equality #human_rights #iran #iran_women #judaism #morals #politics #prejudice #tolerance #women

Human Rights, Equality & Tolerance (2025)19
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank19
1	Sweden	7.8
2	Netherlands	8.7
3	Denmark	8.8
	...
189	Angola	143.0
190	Mauritania	144.3
191	Equatorial Guinea	147.3
192	Iran	152.2
193	Sudan	153.0
194	Brunei	153.6
	Asia Avg	103.00
	World Avg	89.80
q=199.

Iran is amongst the very worst places in the world at ensuring any human rights and freedoms, and it has severe cultural issues when it comes to tolerance and equality. Iran does worse than average in the rate of gender bias (from 7 indicators)₂₀, combatting modern slavery₂₁, opposing gender inequality₂₂ and in its nominal commitment to Human Rights₂₃. And finally, it falls into the worst-performing 20 when it comes to its success in fighting anti-semitic prejudice₂₄, commentary in Human Rights Watch reports₂₅ (amongst the worst in Asia), supporting personal, civil & economic freedoms₂₆ (amongst the highest in Asia), supporting press freedom₂₇ (amongst the lowest in Asia), freethought₂₈, its average Freedom in the World rating and in LGBT equality in the 2020s₂₉. "Authorities [in 2017] continued to target journalists, online media activists, and human rights defenders in an ongoing crackdown"₃₀. There is no religious freedom, or freedom of thought, in Iran_31,30,32 , with minorities being heavily persecuted, and broadcasted attacks on all religious groups that are not Shia Muslim, "with the Bahá'ís and Jews being the most frequent targets"₃₃.

For tables, charts and commentary, see:

• Human Rights and Freedom in Iran

5. Iran's Health

#health

Compared to Asia (2025)34
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank34
1	Japan	37.3
2	Singapore	41.1
3	S. Korea	50.5
	...
15	Qatar	76.6
16	UAE	77.5
17	Vietnam	77.7
18	Iran	81.3
19	Oman	82.5
20	Maldives	83.9
21	Russia	84.2
22	Armenia	86.5
23	Kazakhstan	88.3
	Asia Avg	80.90
q=50.

Health (2025)34
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank34
1	Monaco	10.3
2	Liechtenstein	30.1
3	Japan	37.3
	...
68	Dominica	80.4
69	Estonia	80.7
70	Bulgaria	81.3
71	Iran	81.3
72	Serbia	81.7
73	Oman	82.5
74	Grenada	82.6
75	Latvia	82.8
	World Avg	97.57
q=207.

The countries with the best overall approach to public health, in terms of both public policy and individual lifestyle choices, are Monaco, Liechtenstein and Japan₃₅. These countries are worth emulating. And, although often through no fault of the average citizen, the worst countries are Angola, Somalia and S. Sudan₃₅.

42 datasets are used to calculate points for each country, including multiple decades of data on its average life expectancy, its alcohol consumption rate, its fertility rate, its smoking rate, its suicide rate, its food aid and health contributions and WHO compliance, the prevalence of overweight adults, obesity rate, its adolescent birth rate, delivery rate of infant DTP immunizations, delivery rate of 7x Infant Immunizations 2011-2015 and childhood mortality. The regions with the best average results per country are Scandinavia, Europe and The Mediterranean₃₅, whereas the worst are Africa, Micronesia and Melanesia₃₅.

For more, see:

• "Countries With the Healthiest Cultures and Health Policies" by Vexen Crabtree (2025).

5.1. Health Datasets

#alcohol #birth_control #demographics #health #iran #life_expectancy #longevity #obesity #overpopulation #smoking #vaccines

Iran does relatively well in encouraging good health, compared to many other countries. Iran comes in the best 20 in delivery rate of 7x Infant Immunizations 2011-2015₃₆ and in delivery rate of infant DTP immunizations in the 2020s₃₇. It does better than average for its alcohol consumption rate₃₈, its fertility rate₁₅, its smoking rate₃₉, its average life expectancy₁₁, its adolescent birth rate₄₀ and in childhood mortality in the 2020s₄₁. But, things still need to improve in Iran. Iran does worse than average for the prevalence of overweight adults₄₂ and in its food aid and health contributions and WHO compliance₄₃. The prevalence of overweight adults has increased by 14% between 1976 and 2016. Life expectancy in Iran improved by +11.7yrs in the 30 years from 1990, much better than the global average of +7.9yrs. Iran is amongst only 7 countries who have seen their fertility rate drop by more than 5 since the 1960s. Its peak fertility rate was 7.3 in 1960.

Life Expectancy Higher is better11
Pos.		2021 Years11
1	Monaco	85.9
2	Hong Kong	85.5
3	Japan	84.8
	...
68	Romania	74.2
69	Cape Verde	74.1
70	Morocco	74.0
71	Iran	73.9
72	Macedonia	73.8
73	Nicaragua	73.8
74	Tunisia	73.8
75	Lithuania	73.7
	Asia Avg	73.48
	World Avg	71.28
q=195. Also scored for 1990s-2010s.

Alcohol Consumption Lower is better38
Pos.		2016 Per Capita38
1	Bangladesh	0.0
2	Kuwait	0.0
3	Libya	0.0
	...
25=	Algeria	0.9
25=	Malaysia	0.9
25=	Comoros	0.9
28=	Iran	1.0
28=	Vanuatu	1.0
30	Papua New Guinea	1.2
31=	Eritrea	1.3
31=	Guinea	1.3
	Asia Avg	3.9
	World Avg	6.2
q=189.

Fertility Rate 2.0 is best15
Pos.		202215
1	US Virgin Islands	2.00
2	Ecuador	2.00
3	Nepal	2.01
	...
42	Ireland	1.70
43	Colombia	1.69
44	French Polynesia	1.69
45	Iran	1.68
46	Seychelles	2.32
47	Maldives	1.68
48=	Suriname	2.32
48=	Cambodia	2.32
	Asia Avg	2.17
	World Avg	2.47
q=208. Also scored for 1960s-2010s.

Smoking in the 2020s Lower is better39
Pos.		Total %39
1	Nigeria	3.3%
2	Ghana	3.4%
3	Panama	5.2%
	...
51	Sierra Leone	12.9%
52	Morocco	13.0%
53	Australia	13.1%
54	Iran	13.3%
55	St Lucia	13.9%
56	Namibia	14.2%
57=	Burkina Faso	14.3%
57=	Norway	14.3%
	Asia Avg	22.8%
	World Avg	20.0%
q=165. Also scored for 2000s-2020s.

Food Aid, Health Contributions & WHO Compliance Lower is better43
Pos.		2017 Rank43
1	Sweden	1
2	Ireland	2
3	Denmark	3
	...
115	Haiti	115
116	Malawi	116
117	Swaziland	117
118	Iran	118
119	Yemen	119
120	Seychelles	120
121	Guinea-Bissau	121
122	Argentina	122
	Asia Avg	64.4
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Overweight Adults Lower is better42
Pos.		1976 %42
1	Bangladesh	4.7
2	Vietnam	5.1
3	Nepal	5.4
	...
103	Algeria	30.6
104	Suriname	31.0
105=	Switzerland	31.1
105=	Iran	31.1
107	Panama	31.2
108	Georgia	31.4
109	Portugal	31.5
110	Kazakhstan	31.9
	Asia Avg	23.1
	World Avg	27.1
q=191.

Adult Obesity Lower is better44
Pos.		2022 %44
1	Vietnam	2.1%
2	Timor-Leste (E. Timor)	2.2%
3	Ethiopia	2.4%
	...
102	Kyrgyzstan	24.4%
103	Cyprus	25.1%
104	Guatemala	25.2%
105	Iran	25.3%
106	Bosnia & Herzegovina	25.5%
107	Moldova	25.6%
108	Serbia	26.1%
109	Belarus	26.6%
	Asia Avg	21.1%
	World Avg	24.7%
q=199. Also scored for 1990s-2010s.

5.2. Children's Health Datasets

#children's_health #health #parenting #population #vaccines

Adolescent Birth Rate Lower is better40
Pos.		2022 Per 100040
1	Hong Kong	1.6
2	Denmark	1.8
3	S. Korea	2.1
	...
81	Fiji	26.1
82	Slovakia	26.6
83	Moldova	27.2
84	Iran	29.7
85	Georgia	29.7
86	Thailand	31.6
87	Tuvalu	31.7
88	Jamaica	32.0
	Asia Avg	25.9
	World Avg	43.8
q=195. Also scored for 1990s-2010s.

Infant DTP Immunizations (2020s) Higher is better37
Pos.		Total Avg %37
1=	Luxembourg	99.0
1=	Oman	99.0
1=	Niue	99.0
	...
7=	Cuba	99.0
7=	Hungary	99.0
12	N. Korea	98.7
13	Iran	98.6
14=	Israel	98.5
14=	Malta	98.5
14=	Nauru	98.5
14=	Guyana	98.5
	Asia Avg	90.6
	World Avg	88.5
q=211. Also scored for 1980s-2020s.

7x Infant Immunizations (2011-2015) Higher is better36
Pos.		2015 Avg %36
1=	Hungary	99.0
1=	China	99.0
3	Uzbekistan	98.9
	...
9	Sri Lanka	98.4
10	St Lucia	98.2
11	Bahrain	98.2
12	Iran	98.1
13	Finland	98.1
14	Saudi Arabia	98.0
15=	Luxembourg	98.0
15=	Oman	98.0
	Asia Avg	90.5
	World Avg	88.3
q=194.

Infant Mortality (2020s) Lower is better41
Pos.		Total Per 100041
1	San Marino	2.11
2	Finland	2.59
3	Luxembourg	2.60
	...
85	Colombia	15.90
86	Ecuador	15.98
87=	Belize	16.05
87=	Iran	16.05
89	Brazil	16.51
90	Mexico	16.56
91	Jordan	16.74
92	Grenada	17.24
	Asia Avg	23.58
	World Avg	32.19
q=195. Also scored for 1960s-2020s.

6. Iran's Responsibility Towards The Environment

#biodiversity #climate_change #deforestation #energy #environmentalism #food #internationalism #iran #libya #meat #over-exploitation #sustainability #the_environment #veganism #vegetarianism #yemen

Compared to Asia (2025)45
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank45
1	Sri Lanka	34.9
2	Nepal	47.9
3	India	49.5
	...
17	China	75.2
18	Afghanistan	75.7
19	Syria	77.4
20	Iran	79.0
21	UAE	81.8
22	Singapore	83.3
23	Georgia	83.6
24	S. Korea	84.0
25	Cambodia	84.0
	Asia Avg	86.44
q=51.

Responsibility Towards The Environment (2025)45
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank45
1	Sri Lanka	34.9
2	Uruguay	43.2
3	Switzerland	45.0
	...
86	Egypt	78.0
87	Argentina	78.5
88	Dominica	78.5
89	Iran	79.0
90	Cuba	79.4
91	Algeria	79.7
92	Nicaragua	80.5
93	Slovakia	80.8
	World Avg	84.93
q=199.

We have known for a long term that we must protect the environment from habitation destruction, over-exploitation, pollution, and the emissions that cause climate change. In 1998, Greenpeace wrote that "Environment can no longer be meaningfully separated from health, quality of life, democracy, education, economy or trade"₄₆. What countries have been doing the right thing, via legislation and national culture? All countries' current and historical approach towards the environment is gauged via 21 datasets, including multiple decades of data on its forested percent change 2000-2020, its environmental performance, energy to GDP efficiency, its sign-up rate to major international accords on protecting the environment, the rate of rational beliefs on the environment in the population, reducing annual meat consumption per person and its score on the Green Future Index.

The countries that do the best (Sri Lanka, Uruguay and Switzerland) tend to have avoided the excesses of early industrial countries, and have not yet repeated the same mistakes of environmental destruction - at least, not on the same scale. The regions with the best average results per country are Central America, South America and Scandinavia. The worst are Eritrea, The Vatican City and Timor-Leste (E. Timor), and the worst regions Micronesia, Australasia and Melanesia.

For more, see:

• "Countries With the Best Environmental Records" by Vexen Crabtree (2025).

Iran ranks 89th in the world with regard to its responsibility towards the environment. This is calculated from 21 data sets. Iran comes in the best 20 in its forested percent change 2000-2020₄₇. It does better than average for the rate of rational beliefs on the environment in the population₄₈, reducing annual meat consumption per person₄₉, its sign-up rate to major international accords on protecting the environment and in its environmental performance₅₀. Iran does not succeed in everything, however. Iran falls into the worst-performing 20 for energy to GDP efficiency₅₁. And finally, it is the worst in its score on the Green Future Index₅₂.

Environmental Performance Higher is better50
Pos.		201850
1	Switzerland	87.4
2	France	84.0
3	Denmark	81.6
	...
77	UAE	58.9
78	Jamaica	58.6
79	Namibia	58.5
80	Iran	58.2
81	Belize	57.8
82	Philippines	57.7
83	Mongolia	57.5
84=	Serbia	57.5
	Asia Avg	54.5
	World Avg	56.4
q=180.

Energy to GDP Efficiency Lower is better51
Pos.		2022 Avg51
1	Rwanda	0.25
2	Chad	0.26
3	Tanzania	0.31
	...
150	Ukraine	2.11
151	Syria	2.12
152	Kyrgyzstan	2.20
153	Iran	2.24
154	Russia	2.25
155	Oman	2.28
156	Canada	2.29
157	Malta	2.36
	Asia Avg	1.50
	World Avg	1.23
q=165. Also scored for 1960s-2010s.

International Accords on the Environment Higher is better
Pos.		Total Avg Rate
1	Sweden	83%
2	Canada	82%
3	Norway	81%
	...
65	Malaysia	64%
66	Botswana	64%
67	El Salvador	64%
68	Iran	64%
69	Argentina	64%
70	Nicaragua	64%
71	Trinidad & Tobago	63%
72	Egypt	63%
	Asia Avg	55.4%
	World Avg	57.5%
q=197. Also scored for 1970s-2020s.

Yemen, Iran and Libya are the only three countries not to have enacted the 2016 Paris Agreement on curbing climate change.

Rational Beliefs on the Environment Higher is better48
Pos.		2011 %48
1	Argentina	78.3%
2	Greece	77.6%
3	Brazil	77.1%
	...
42	Italy	49.6%
43	Vietnam	49.1%
44	Honduras	48.1%
45	Iran	47.9%
46	Turkey	47.4%
47	Sudan	46.9%
48	Malaysia	46.6%
49	Mozambique	46.5%
	Asia Avg	37.9%
	World Avg	39.9%
q=145.

Meat Consumption Lower is better49
Pos.		2021 kg49
1	Congo, DR	03.0
2	Burundi	03.5
3	Bangladesh	04.3
	...
55	Laos	29.8
56	Botswana	30.1
57	Nicaragua	31.5
58	Iran	31.6
59	Morocco	32.1
60	Tajikistan	32.4
61	Mauritania	32.4
62	Philippines	32.9
	Asia Avg	46.7
	World Avg	52.5
q=185. Also scored for 2010s.

Green Future Index Higher is better52
Pos.		2023 Score52
1	Iceland	6.7
2	Finland	6.7
3	Norway	6.4
	...
69=	Guatemala	3.6
69=	Russia	3.6
71	Paraguay	3.6
72	Bangladesh	3.5
73	Qatar	3.4
74	Zambia	3.3
75	Algeria	3.1
76	Iran	2.6
	Asia Avg	4.3
	World Avg	4.8
q=76.

7. Iran's Modernity and Learning

#education #modernity #technology #the_internet

Compared to Asia (2025)53
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank53
1	Taiwan	25.4
2	S. Korea	25.5
3	Japan	26.8
	...
26	UAE	79.9
27=	Bahrain	85.0
27=	Qatar	85.0
29	Iran	85.1
30	Kuwait	85.5
31	Sri Lanka	88.5
32	Brunei	89.6
33	Jordan	90.3
34	Mongolia	94.2
	Asia Avg	83.04
q=51.

Modernity & Learning (2025)53
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank53
1	Vatican City	1.0
2	Finland	4.8
3	Belgium	8.5
	...
106	St Kitts & Nevis	84.2
107=	Bahrain	85.0
107=	Qatar	85.0
109	Iran	85.1
110	Kuwait	85.5
111	Trinidad & Tobago	86.2
112	Guatemala	86.7
113	Sri Lanka	88.5
	World Avg	80.33
q=194.

The most modern countries, with the best results from education, the highest levels of research, and with the easiest access to information on the Internet, are The Vatican City, Finland and Belgium₅₄. The worst countries are S. Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia₅₄. Despite improves in global education, access to tertiary (adult) education is becoming increasingly unequal between the rich haves and the poor have-nots₅₅.

“Education, at all levels and ages, is the single most vital support for equality as well as being a country's most vital economic and social resource. [...] Every successful aspirant to modernisation and economic development, from Japan to South Korea, China to Chile, has got there with a big emphasis on education.”

Bill Emmott (2017)₅₆

23 datasets are used to calculate points for each country, including multiple decades of data on Research and Development, Intellectual Endeavours, metric system adoption rate, Religiosity, IQ, Secondary Education, Length of Schooling, Maths, Science & Reading, the percent of citizens with access to the internet, Freedom On The Internet, IT Security, IPv6 Uptake and digital quality of life. The regions with the best average results per country are Scandinavia, Baltic States and Europe₅₄, whereas the worst are Melanesia, Africa and Micronesia₅₄.

For more, see:

• " Which Countries are Most Modern, With the Best Education and Internet Access?" by Vexen Crabtree (2025).

7.1. Modernity Datasets

#intelligence #metric #religion #religiosity #research #science #secularisation

Research & Development Higher is better
Pos.		2016 % RDP PPP
1	S. Korea	4.2957
2	Israel	4.1157
3	Japan	3.5857
	...
75	Moldova	0.3558
76	Ecuador	0.3459
77	Bosnia & Herzegovina	0.3358
78	Iran	0.3160
79=	Nepal	0.3060
79=	Kuwait	0.3058
81	Pakistan	0.2958
82	Zambia	0.2861
	Asia Avg	0.75
	World Avg	0.84
q=126.

Intellectual Endeavours Lower is better43
Pos.		2017 Rank43
1	Ukraine	1
2	Czechia	2
3	Hungary	3
	...
87	Benin	87
88	Pakistan	88
89	Seychelles	89
90	Iran	90
91	Antigua & Barbuda	91
92	Burkina Faso	92
93	Trinidad & Tobago	93
94	Malawi	94
	Asia Avg	97.1
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Metric System Adoption Rate Higher is better62
Pos.		2025 %62
1=	Slovakia	100
1=	Poland	100
1=	Portugal	100
	...
102=	Madagascar	90
102=	Dominica	90
102=	Malawi	90
102=	Iran	90
102=	Haiti	90
102=	Mali	90
102=	Bahrain	90
102=	Maldives	90
	Asia Avg	90
	World Avg	92
q=187. Also scored for 1960s-2020s.

Iran officially adopted metric in 1927₆₃. Progression:

• 1960 (60%): Metric present; traditional units common.
• 1970 (75%): Standardization in commerce/education.
• 1980 (85%): Metric dominant officially; informal legacy persists.
• 2000 (90%).
• 2025 (90%).

Religiosity Lower is better64
Pos.		2018 %64
1	China	3
2	Estonia	6
3	Czechia	7
	...
69=	Malaysia	77
69=	Colombia	77
71=	Dominican Rep.	78
71=	Iran	78
71=	Tunisia	78
74=	Bangladesh	80
74=	India	80
76	Iraq	82
	Asia Avg	55.8
	World Avg	54.3
q=106.

IQ Higher is better65
Pos.		200665
1=	Hong Kong	108
1=	Singapore	108
3	S. Korea	106
	...
78=	Jordan	84
78=	Afghanistan	84
78=	UAE	84
78=	Iran	84
78=	Pakistan	84
78=	Panama	84
78=	Paraguay	84
78=	Morocco	84
	Asia Avg	90.4
	World Avg	85.6
q=138.

7.2. Education Datasets

#education

Secondary Education Higher is better66
Pos.		201866
1=	Luxembourg	100.0%
1=	Estonia	100.0%
1=	Austria	100.0%
	...
75	Panama	72.2%
76	UAE	70.7%
77	Brunei	70.1%
78	Iran	69.8%
79	Vietnam	69.4%
80	Venezuela	69.2%
81	Qatar	67.5%
82	Mauritius	66.9%
	Asia Avg	66.0%
	World Avg	63.0%
q=169.

Length of Schooling Higher is better67
Pos.		2021 Years67
1	Australia	21.1
2	New Zealand	20.3
3	Greece	20.0
	...
67	St Vincent & Grenadines	14.7
68	Algeria	14.6
69	Ecuador	14.6
70	Iran	14.6
71	Oman	14.6
72	Trinidad & Tobago	14.5
73	Slovakia	14.5
74	Dominican Rep.	14.5
	Asia Avg	13.5
	World Avg	13.5
q=193. Also scored for 1990s-2010s.

7.3. Technology and Information Datasets

#it_security #modernity #politics #technology #the_internet

Internet Users Higher is better68
Pos.		201668
1	Iceland	100%
2	Faroe Islands	99%
3	Norway	98%
	...
97	Dominican Rep.	52%
98	Uzbekistan	51%
99	Armenia	50%
100	Iran	49%
101	Tunisia	48%
102	Moldova	48%
103=	Paraguay	47%
103=	Fiji	47%
	Asia Avg	48.7%
	World Avg	48.1%
q=201.

Freedom On The Internet Lower is better69
Pos.		201269
1	Estonia	10
2	USA	12
3	Germany	15
	...
40	Vietnam	73
41=	Ethiopia	75
41=	Myanmar	75
43	Uzbekistan	77
44	Syria	83
45	China	85
46	Cuba	86
47	Iran	90
	Asia Avg	56.6
	World Avg	46.7
q=47.

IT Security Lower is better70
Pos.		201370
1=	Ireland	0.11
1=	Luxembourg	0.11
1=	Belize	0.11
	...
34	Burkina Faso	0.79
35	Ivory Coast	0.82
36	Ethiopia	0.84
37	Iran	0.85
38	Laos	0.86
39	Spain	0.88
40	Kuwait	0.93
41	Saudi Arabia	0.93
	Asia Avg	1.08
	World Avg	0.98

IPv6 Uptake Higher is better71
Pos.		2017 Ratio71
1	Belgium	55.4
2	Germany	41.8
3	Switzerland	35.1
	...
71=	Ukraine	0.1
72	Lithuania	0.1
73	Vanuatu	0.1
74=	Iran	0.1
74=	Zambia	0.1
76=	Panama	0.1
76=	Croatia	0.1
76=	Costa Rica	0.1
	Asia Avg	2.11
	World Avg	3.82
q=176.

Digital Quality of Life Higher is better72
Pos.		202472
1	Germany	77.9%
2	Finland	76.9%
3	France	73.9%
	...
98	Botswana	33.1%
99	Benin	32.8%
100	Nigeria	32.7%
101	Iran	32.5%
102	Namibia	32.1%
103	Laos	31.5%
104	Guatemala	31.0%
105	Nepal	30.3%
	Asia Avg	46.4%
	World Avg	48.4%
q=121.

8. Iran's Culture, Peace and Inequality

8.1. National Culture Datasets

#charity #corruption #happiness #internationalism #morals #politics

Iran has a consistently awful long-term record on corruption.

World Giving Index Higher is better73
Pos.		2022 %73
1	Indonesia	68.0
2	Kenya	61.0
3	USA	59.0
	...
44=	Mexico	44.0
44=	Costa Rica	44.0
46=	Vietnam	43.0
46=	Iran	43.0
46=	Kosovo	43.0
46=	Bolivia	43.0
46=	Ghana	43.0
51=	Sweden	42.0
	Asia Avg	37.9
	World Avg	39.6
q=125. Also scored for 2010s.

Corruption Higher is better74
Pos.		2022 Points74
1	Denmark	90.0
2=	Finland	87.0
2=	New Zealand	87.0
	...
146=	Uganda	26.0
147=	Guinea	25.0
147=	Bangladesh	25.0
147=	Iran	25.0
150=	Central African Rep.	24.0
150=	Lebanon	24.0
150=	Guatemala	24.0
150=	Nigeria	24.0
	Asia Avg	39.98
	World Avg	42.98
q=180. Also scored for 1990s-2010s.

Happiness Higher is better75
Pos.		2024 Score75
1	Finland	7.7
2	Denmark	7.5
3	Iceland	7.5
	...
96	Mozambique	5.2
97	Gabon	5.1
98	Ivory Coast	5.1
99	Iran	5.1
100	Congo, (Brazzaville)	5.0
101	Iraq	5.0
102	Guinea	4.9
103	Namibia	4.9
	Asia Avg	5.41
	World Avg	5.58
q=147. Also scored for 2010s.

Creativity & Culture Lower is better43
Pos.		2017 Rank43
1	Belgium	1
2	Netherlands	2
3	Estonia	3
	...
154	Venezuela	154
155	Yemen	155
156	Iraq	156
157	Iran	157
158	Gabon	158
159	Central African Rep.	159
160	Burundi	160
161	Rwanda	161
	Asia Avg	99.0
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Passport Reach (2020s) Higher is better76
Pos.		Total Q76
1	Singapore	192.2
2	Japan	192.0
3	S. Korea	190.7
	...
178=	Nigeria	45.3
179	Congo, DR	43.2
180	Eritrea	42.5
181	Iran	42.3
182	Lebanon	42.2
183	Sri Lanka	42.0
184	S. Sudan	41.8
185	Bangladesh	40.5
	Asia Avg	85.1
	World Avg	108.8
q=195. Also scored for 2000s-2020s.

Open Trading, Aid & Development Lower is better43
Pos.		2017 Rank43
1	Ireland	1
2	Denmark	2
3	Sweden	3
	...
145	Samoa	145
146	Jamaica	146
147	Syria	147
148	Iran	148
149	India	149
150	Cameroon	150
151	Suriname	151
152	Gabon	152
	Asia Avg	86.3
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

8.2. Peace Versus Instability Datasets

#extremism #human_development #iran #israel #peace #politics #religious_violence #terrorism #USA

Iran has inhabited the USA State Department's list of State Sponsors of Terrorism_77,78 since 1984, and has supported terrorist actions throughout the world, for example in Beirut in 1983₇₉, and at least in the 1990s was considered by the USA to be the premier supporter of terrorism₈₀ - presumably, that can be fairly caveated with "in the west". In particular, it supported the Lebanese Hezbollah with weapons, training and much else, in the fight against Israel that often saw them directly targeting civilians; "Iran is alleged to provide a total of about $100 million a year to various Islamic terrorist organizations across the world, with [most] going to Hezbollah" (in 1998).

Global Peace Index Lower is better81
Pos.		2023 Score81
1	Iceland	1.12
2	Denmark	1.31
3	Ireland	1.31
	...
144	Nigeria	2.71
145	Myanmar	2.74
146	Pakistan	2.75
147=	Iran	2.80
147=	Turkey	2.80
149	N. Korea	2.85
150	Burkina Faso	2.87
151	Ethiopia	2.87
	Asia Avg	2.17
	World Avg	2.07
q=163. Also scored for 2010s.

Peacekeeping & Security Lower is better43
Pos.		2017 Rank43
1	Samoa	1
2	S. Africa	2
3	Tunisia	3
	...
80	Albania	80
81	Gabon	81
82	Russia	82
83	Iran	83
84	Serbia	84
85	Mexico	85
86	Cambodia	86
87	Bangladesh	87
	Asia Avg	76.0
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Refugees & UN Treaties Lower is better43
Pos.		2017 Rank43
1	Austria	1
2	Germany	2
3	Netherlands	3
	...
65	Mozambique	65
66=	Burkina Faso	66
66=	Kyrgyzstan	66
68	Iran	68
69	Malawi	69
70	Latvia	70
71	Guatemala	71
72	Estonia	72
	Asia Avg	92.2
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Impact of Terrorism Lower is better82
Pos.		2019 Score82
1	Togo	0.00
2	Mongolia	0.00
3	Swaziland	0.00
	...
109	China	4.47
110	S. Africa	4.51
111	Israel	4.53
112	Iran	4.72
113	Chad	4.76
114	Russia	4.90
115	France	5.01
116	Indonesia	5.07
	Asia Avg	3.60
	World Avg	2.78
q=150.

8.3. Economic Inequality and Poverty Datasets

#capitalism #economics #health #inequality #life_expectancy #poverty #social_development

Poverty (2020s) Lower is better83
Pos.		Total %83
1	Malaysia	0.01%
2	Bhutan	0.01%
3	Cyprus	0.02%
	...
63	Mexico	3.29%
64	Bolivia	3.35%
65	Panama	3.39%
66	Iran	3.41%
67	Uzbekistan	3.89%
68	Brazil	4.73%
69	El Salvador	4.99%
70	India	5.25%
	Asia Avg	3.54%
	World Avg	11.40%
q=106. Also scored for 1980s-2020s.

Inequality in Life Expectancy Lower is better84
Pos.		201984
1	Iceland	2.40
2=	Singapore	2.50
2=	Hong Kong	2.50
	...
72=	Tunisia	9.00
72=	Turkey	9.00
74	Libya	9.10
75	Iran	9.20
76	Mauritius	9.40
77=	Seychelles	9.60
77=	Moldova	9.60
79=	Jamaica	10.00
	Asia Avg	11.80
	World Avg	14.59
q=184.

Income Inequality (Gini Coefficient) Lower is better85
Pos.		2023 %85
1	Slovakia	24.1%86
2	Slovenia	24.3%86
3	Belarus	24.4%87
	...
77=	Latvia	34.3%86
78	Benin	34.4%86
79	Portugal	34.6%86
80=	Iran	34.8%88
80=	Italy	34.8%86
82	Thailand	34.9%86
83	Ethiopia	35.0%89
84=	Russia	35.1%86
	Asia Avg	33.0%
	World Avg	36.5%
q=167. Also scored for 1980s-2010s.

9. Religion and Beliefs

#bahá'í_faith #belief #buddhism #christianity #god #hinduism #iran #islam #judaism #religion #religion_in_iran #religiosity #secularisation

Religiosity (2018)64
Pos.		Lower is better %64
1	China	3
2	Estonia	6
3	Czechia	7
	...
69=	Malaysia	77
69=	Colombia	77
71=	Dominican Rep.	78
71=	Iran	78
71=	Tunisia	78
74=	Bangladesh	80
74=	India	80
76	Iraq	82
77=	El Salvador	85
77=	Jordan	85
79=	Palestine	86
79=	Uganda	86
79=	Chad	86
79=	Niger	86
83=	Kenya	87
83=	Mozambique	87
	World Avg	54.3
q=106.

Disbelief In God (2007)90
Pos.		Higher is better %90
1	Vietnam	81
2	Japan	65
3	Sweden	64
	...
52=	Mozambique	5
53=	Zimbabwe	4
53=	Namibia	4
53=	Iran	4
53=	Mexico	4
53=	Portugal	4
53=	Romania	4
53=	Argentina	4
53=	Georgia	4
53=	Uzbekistan	4
62=	Lebanon	3
62=	Congo, (Brazzaville)	3
62=	Poland	3
62=	Jamaica	3
62=	India	3
67=	Angola	2
	World Avg	9.9
q=137.

Pew Forum polling over the decades has found the following adherency rates:₉₁:

	2010	2020
Muslim	99.7%	99.8%
Christian	0.157%	0.143%
Other	<0.1%	<0.1%
Jewish	<0.1%	<0.1%
Hindu	None	<0.1%
Unaffiliated	None	<0.1%
Buddhist	None	<0.1%

“Iran is more than 98 percent Muslim, with 87 to 92 percent being Shia and 8 to 11 percent Sunni, mostly along ethnic lines. Baha'is, Jews, Christians, Sabean Mandeans, and Zoroastrians make up the remaining 2 percent.”

Brian J. Grim and Roger Finke (2011)₉₂

Some research shows a "recent decline in mosque attendance"₉₃.

It appears that when asked "What religion are you" many give pollsters the 'correct' answer despite how they actually feel, and despite what they actually believe. Although 100% of the populace say they belong to a religion, only 78% say that they are religious when the question is phrased as "Is religion an important part of your daily life?".

For more on this phenomenon, see:

• "Institutionalized Religions Have Their Numbers Inflated by National Polls" by Vexen Crabtree (2009)

The CIA World Factbook has slightly different data, and states: Muslim (official) 98% (Shia 89%, Sunni 9%), other (includes Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i) 2%₉₄.

Freedom of Religion and Belief: There is no religious freedom or freedom of thought in Iran_31,30,32. It is illegal to criticize Islam or to fail to obey Islamic law₃₂. Sociologists Grim & Finke place Iran into the worst possible persecution category, along with 13 other countries. Severe restrictions on religious freedom and freedom of belief stem simultaneously from top-down pressure from government, from institutionalized Islam, and from bottom-up grassroots movements that often go even further than the government in harassing those who do not believe the right things (2011)₉₅. The targets are anyone who is not Shia Muslim, "with the Bahá'ís and Jews being the most frequent targets"_33,32.

Apostasy - choosing to leave a religion - is not by name a criminal offence in Iran, but judges use a variety of legal provisions to find apostates guilty and punish them₃₂.

The vague crime of moharebeh ("enmity against God"), is used by the government to execute and jail dozens of people, often for political acts or for criticisms of the government, because they use the logic that the theocratic government of Iran is itself a representative of God₃₂. "Iranian writer and human rights defender, Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee, and blogger Soheil Arabi, are two individuals who have been imprisoned for long periods on these grounds"₃₂.

The International Humanist and Ethical Union in 2012 documented the worst-possible forms of bias and prejudice, stemming from religious dogma and governmental intolerance of dissent.

Links:

• A List of All Religions and Belief Systems
• Secularisation Theory: Will Modern Society Reject Religion? What is Secularism?
• Human Rights and Freedom in Iran: 4.3. Freedom of Thought