By Admin 
Iran is once again in the news. The ongoing anti-government protests across the country, large-scale arrests and long internet blackouts have made the situation more serious. Millions of Iranian citizens have taken to the streets against inflation, unemployment and worsening economic situation, due to which the pressure on the Khamenei government is continuously increasing.
Iran’s geographical location makes it very important in global politics. Stretching from the Caspian Sea in the north to the Gulf of Oman in the south, this country has influence on the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of the world’s crude oil passes. Iran, located in West Asia, is the second largest country in the Middle East and its area is about 16.5 lakh square kilometers. Iran shares borders with seven countries, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Armenia.
Population, cities and social structure
Iran is the 17th most populous country in the world with a population of approximately 92 million. About 96 lakh people live in the capital Tehran. It is the center of political and economic activities. Apart from this, cities like Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, Qom and Ahwaz are very important from religious, industrial and cultural point of view. Iran’s population is young. About 60 percent of the people here are below 39 years of age. According to United Nations data, the average age of the country is 33-34 years and about 77 percent of the people live in urban areas. However, in recent years, the economic crisis has also led to the migration of a large number of educated youth and professionals.
Ethnic and religious diversity
Iran is a very diverse country culturally and ethnically. About 61 percent are Persians here, while Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Lur, Arab, Baloch and Turkic communities also live in large numbers. Religiously, about 90 percent of the population is Shia Muslim, while Sunni Muslims and other minorities, such as Christians, Jews, Parsis and Baha’is are also part of the country. According to the report of world population review, the population of Hindus here is only 20 thousand.
Also read: Trump again threatened – If you do business with Iran, you will have to pay 25% tariff, these countries will be directly affected.