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Explore how Iran integrates technological innovation and sustainability to address environmental challenges and promote development on Innovando.News: Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a historically rich and culturally vibrant nation located in the heart of the Middle East. With a surface area of ​​over 1,6 million km², it is the eighteenth largest country in the world and boasts a diverse geography, ranging from the Zagros and Alborz mountains to deserts such as the Dasht-e Kavir. With approximately 85 million inhabitants, Iran is the second most populous country in the Middle East. Its capital, Tehran, is a cultural and economic center, while cities such as Isfahan and Shiraz are famous for their historic architecture and poetic culture. The Iranian economy, heavily dependent on oil and gas exports, is also supported by manufacturing, agriculture and the service sector. Despite the difficulties caused by international sanctions, Iran is distinguishing itself in the fields of science, technology and culture, maintaining a preeminent position in the region.

Summary data on Iran

  • Total population: Approximately 87 million inhabitants.
  • Population growth rate: About 1% per year, with a slowly growing population.
  • Capital: Tehran, with approximately 9 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area.
  • Main cities: Besides Tehran, other significant cities include Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz and Karaj.
  • Countries it bordersIt borders Iraq to the west, Turkey and Armenia to the northwest, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to the north, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east; to the south it overlooks the Persian Gulf and the Sea of ​​Oman.
  • Nominal GDP: Approximately USD 230 billion.
  • Pro-capite GDP: Approximately USD 2.700.
  • GDP growth rate: Around 4,5% in 2022, with a partial economic recovery after years of international sanctions.
  • Inflation: About 40%, influenced by currency devaluation and international economic sanctions.
  • Unemployment rate: About 10%, with higher rates among young people and in rural areas.
  • Trade balance: Positive, with trade surplus resulting from exports of oil, gas and petroleum products.
  • Major business partners: China, European Union, India, Türkiye and Iraq.
  • Public debt: About 35% of GDP, but with an economic system heavily influenced by international sanctions.
  • Public spending on R&D (Research and Development): About 0,3% of GDP, with investments in technology, medicine and energy.
  • Main economic sectors: Oil and gas, petrochemical industry, agriculture (wheat, rice, fruit), automobiles and textiles.
  • Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR).
  • Interest rate: About 20%, set by the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
  • Foreign exchange reserves: Approximately USD 90 billion.
  • Main exports: Crude oil, natural gas, chemicals and tankers, automobiles and textiles.
  • Main imports: Machinery, food products, medicines, and consumer goods.
  • Human Development Index (HDI): Medium, with a score of around 0,798.
  • Literacy rate: About 95%, with a well-developed education system.
  • Life expectancy: About 76 years old.
  • Position in the Global Innovation Index: Low position, but with growth in some technological sectors such as nanotechnology and biotechnology.
  • Corruption Perception Index: High perception of corruption, with a score of around 25 out of 100.

Insights on Iran

1. Country Name

  • Official Country Name: Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Short form and long form: Iran (short form); Islamic Republic of Iran (long form)

2. Geography

  • Geographical position: Located in the Middle East, Iran is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the north, Iraq and Turkey to the west, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east, and the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to the south.
  • Area Approximately 1.648.195 km², making it the eighteenth largest country in the world.
  • Description of the landscape: Iran has a diverse landscape, with towering mountains such as the Zagros and Alborz Mountains, deserts such as Dasht-e Kavir, and coastlines on the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea. The climate varies from desert to continental, with hot summers and cold winters in the mountainous regions.

3. Population

  • Number of inhabitants: Approximately 85 million people.
  • Population growth rate: Around 0,7% per year.
  • Major cities and population distribution: The population is concentrated in the cities, with Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan and Shiraz as the main centers.

4. Capital and main cities

  • Name of the capital: Tehran.
  • Information on the main cities:
    • Mashhad: Religious center with the shrine of Imam Reza.
    • Isfahan: Famous for its architecture and historic bridges.
    • Shiraz: Known as the city of poetry and gardens.

5. economy

Nominal GDP and GDP per capita

Iran has a nominal GDP of about USD 250 billion, with a GDP per capita of about USD 2.900. The economy is heavily influenced by oil and gas exports.

Main economic sectors (agriculture, industry, services)

  • Agriculture: It accounts for about 10% of GDP, with major products being fruits, nuts, wheat and rice.
  • Industry: It contributes 40% of GDP, with sectors such as petrochemicals, steel and manufacturing.
  • Services: They make up 50% of GDP, with trade, tourism and emerging technology.

GDP growth rate and inflation

Iran's economy has seen ups and downs due to international sanctions. Inflation is high, often above 40%.

Unemployment rate and trade balance

The unemployment rate is around 10-12%, with a positive trade balance thanks to energy exports.

Public debt

Public debt is low, around 45% of GDP, but the country suffers from financial constraints due to sanctions.

Main exports and imports

  • Main exports: Oil, natural gas, Persian rugs, pistachios.
  • Main imports: Machinery, chemicals, food and medicines.

6. Political system and government

  • Type of government: Islamic Republic.
  • Political structure: The supreme leader is the highest authority, while the president is the head of government. The parliament (Majlis) is unicameral.
  • Main political parties and electoral organization: The political system is dominated by conservative and moderate factions, with regular but tightly controlled elections.

7. History and culture

Brief historical overview of the country

Iran, formerly known as Persia, is one of the oldest civilizations, with a history dating back over 2.500 years. It was the heart of the Achaemenid Empire and later ruled by dynasties such as the Sasanids and Safavids. In 1979, the Islamic Revolution transformed the country into an Islamic republic.

Cultural and linguistic traditions

The official language is Persian (Farsi). Iranian culture is rich in literature, art, and music. Poets such as Hafez and Rumi are famous throughout the world. Holidays include Nowruz, the Persian New Year, celebrated in March.

Cultural heritage (monuments, UNESCO sites, cultural events)

Iran has 26 UNESCO heritage sites, including Persepolis, Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, and the Persian Garden. Cultural events such as the Fajr Film Festival are important to the art scene.

8. Innovation and development

  • Position in the Global Innovation Index: Iran is among the top 60 countries, with increasing attention to science and technology.
  • R&D (Research and Development) Spending: About 1% of GDP, with focus on nanotechnology, biotechnology and nuclear science.
  • Advanced technological sectors and main innovations of the country: Iran is a regional leader in scientific research and development of medical and military technologies.

9. Education and health

  • Literacy rate: About 87%.
  • Structure of the education system: Education is free up to university, with prestigious institutions such as the University of Tehran.
  • Quality and accessibility of the health system: The health system is advanced in major cities, but is lacking in rural areas.
  • Life expectancy: About 76 years old.

10. International rankings

  • Position in the Human Development Index (HDI): Medium-high, with an HDI of 0,774.
  • Position in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI): Low ranking, with significant perceived corruption problems.
  • Position in global economic indices: Iran's economy is limited in global rankings due to international sanctions.

11. Environmental policies

  • The country's efforts in terms of sustainability: Iran faces significant environmental challenges, such as desertification and pollution, but has initiated renewable energy projects.
  • Environmental policies and international commitments: It participates in climate agreements, but limited resources hinder their implementation.

12. Curiosities and peculiarities

  • Interesting or unique facts about the country: Iran is known for its Persian carpets and its thousand-year-old tradition of saffron production. It is also one of the world's largest producers of pistachios and dates.
  • Important events, national holidays, gastronomic specialties: Nowruz is the most important holiday. Iranian cuisine includes dishes such as kebab, ghormeh sabzi (herb stew), and fesenjan (pomegranate and walnut stew).

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