Iran

 

Iran's growth has been steady for several years: GDP growth rate was 6.6% in 2003, 6.5% in 2004 and 5.7% in 2005. Iran is experiencing a favourable economic and financial situation, thanks to high oil prices. The state is the dominant economic power of the country. In order to loose its dependence on oil sector, the government tries to open up the economy's key sectors to foreign investors, but the reforms process is slow and foreign investments currently remain limited. Employment and social climate are still worrying : the unofficial unemployment rate is estimated between 15% and 20% and young people are particularly suffering from it. The country's political stability could be questioned in the future, because of the Iranian nuclear programme and of the compliance with its obligations concerning the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The agriculture sector adds up to 11% of the GDP. The main crops are pistachios (world leading producer), oranges, tea, cereals and cotton. Iran is one of the largest wheat buyers in the world. The country benefits from exceptional ore resources: copper (5% of the world's reserves), oil (4th largest world producer) and gas (2nd largest world producer) constitute the country's most important resources. Almost half of the State's revenues is generated by the oil sector. Manufacturing industry essentially relies on carpets, jewellery, textile and heavy industry sectors.

Its three largest export countries are the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Japan.
Iran's three largest import countries are Germany, France and Italy. 80% of export earnings come from oil. Iran mainly imports machinery, metal and steel, cereals and equipment goods. Petrochemical, building and services industries are particularly dynamic sectors.

Population

Main Cities Population Teheran   6,900,000   Mashhad   2,100,000   Esfahan   2,100,000   Tabriz   1,500,000   Shiraz   1,000,000   Total population (millions): 66.9 Source: World Bank 2004   Urban population: 67% Source: World Bank 2004   Average annual population growth: .. Source: World Bank 2004   Surface area (km²) : 1,633,190   Population origin Origin of the population % Of the population Persian 46 % Azeri 16,5 % Kurdish 9 % Gilaki 5 % Lur 4 % Mazandarani 3.5 % Baloutche 2.5 % Arab 2 % Other 11.5 % Languages Official language: Persian Spoken languages: Farsi, Kurdish, Luri, Balouchi, Turkish, Arabic, Armenian. Business language: usually English.   Free translation tools in Iran : FarsiDic Free English-Farsi-English dictionary IL&S Free English-Farsi-English dictionary Ectaco Free English-Farsi-English dictionary Religion Religious practises : Shiite Muslims 94.5% Sunni Muslims 3.8% Others 1.7%. Political system Iran is a theocratic Republic: it is independent since April 1st, 1979, when the Islamic Republic of Iran was proclaimed. Suffrage is universal. The authorities proved their ability to restore and maintain the foreign trade balance of payments thanks to a restrictive financial policy. Capital City : Teheran Head of State: President Mahmoud AHMADINEJAD elected on June, 24 of 2005. Climate   Tourism Number of visitors in Iran 2002 2003 2004 World rank Number of visitors (1000) 1585   1546   1659   n.a. Source : World Tourisme Organization, data available in November 2005   Tourist sites -Teheran: Park Mellat, the Bagh-e-Melli Door which used to be a part of the royal residence. -Ispahan: the Chehd Sotoon palace, the Si-o-Sh Pol Bridge with its 33 archs, Talar's palace -Ashraf: religious places such as Masjed-e-Dashti. -Mashhad: Khaje Rabi's mausoleum. For more information about tourism in Iran , check out the following web site(s) : Iran Tourism & Touring and Organization (ITTO) Food Traditional dishes Dolmeh-e Beh: Quinces stuffed with lamb. The stuffed quince is served with bread, yoghurt and fresh herbs. Shirin Polo: saffron rice, chicken, orange peel and pistachios. Kabab-e kubideh: chopped meat kebab. Traditionally, lamb was the main ingredient to make these kebabs; nowadays, chopped veal or, even beef, are often used. The secret lays in the delicacy of the mince so that the meat can stick to the kebab. Koukou-sabzi: Cheese-topped dish of herbs. Baklava - a nut pastry: It is a rich cake that can also be found in Greece, Turkey and in all the countries of the Middle East. The origin does not matter very much, since the basic technique is the same. The sugar can be replaced by honey; nuts, almonds or a mixture of both ingredients can be used; pistachios can be added; water of the orange tree flower or rose flower can be added to the syrup.   Food-related taboos Pork is prohibited.