Iran

Population

89 million people residing in Iran

Urban Population Percentage

77% of the population lives in urban areas

Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)

$21,000 GDP per capita, ranking 78th in purchasing power

Muslim Population

89 million Muslims in Iran, constituting 99% of the population, with 89% being Shia

Size Comparison

Slightly larger than Alaska, ranking as the 18th largest country

Executions

314 executions carried out in Iran, ranking 2nd in the world

Stoning

A form of punishment still utilized in Iran

Authoritarianism

Political system characterized by centralized control and limited political freedoms

Totalitarianism

A political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life

Theocracy

A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God

Unicameral

A legislative body with a single chamber

Majlis

The Iranian Parliament, democratically elected by the people, with the power to enact laws

Guardian Council

A body responsible for ensuring legislation complies with Islamic principles and the Iranian Constitution

Jurist Guardianship

Concept where Islamic jurists have authority over the people

Ayatollahs

Title for Shi'a experts in Islamic studies, influential in Iranian politics

OPEC Membership

Iran is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

Bonyades

Religious foundations in Iran that contribute to about half of the country's budget

Sharia Law

Islamic law based on the teachings of the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet