Edition: International | Greek
MENU

Home » World

Iran in Context

Modern Iran’s roots go back to one of the world’s most ancient civilizations. How does it compare to the contemporary Middle East?

By: EBR - Posted: Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Iran is the 17th-biggest state in the world and the second-largest nation in the Middle East with an area of 1,648,195 km2.
Iran is the 17th-biggest state in the world and the second-largest nation in the Middle East with an area of 1,648,195 km2.

1 Iran is one of the oldest nations in the world. The country’s first great city, Susa, was built on the central plateau around 3200 B.C.

2 Iran is the 17th-biggest state in the world and the second-largest nation in the Middle East with an area of 1,648,195 km2. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in Middle East with an area of 2,149,690 km2. Egypt comes in third with an area of 1,001,450 km2.

3 Iran has a population of approximately 90 million. This compares to Egypt (104 million) and Saudi Arabia (32 million).

4 Iran’s population is predominantly composed of Shia Muslims. It is estimated that there are between 154 million and 200 million Shia Muslims in the world today.

5 Globally, an overwhelming majority of Muslims are Sunnis. Sunnis make up 90% or more of the populations of Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

6 Iran holds the second-biggest oil reserves in the Middle East, at approximately 155 thousand million barrels. Saudi Arabia is number one with approximately 297 thousand million barrels. Iraq ranks third at approximately 147 thousand million barrels.

7 Iran occupies the world’s most strategic chokepoint location, the Strait of Hormuz. Over one-fourth of the world’s total seaborne-traded oil passes through it annually.

8 Iran pursues a controversial nuclear program. Its overall stockpile of enriched uranium stands at approximately 5,751 kilograms. The only Middle Eastern country thought to possess nuclear weapons is Israel.

*first published in: Theglobalist.com

READ ALSO

EU Actually

Border controls are the new normal in the Schengen area

N. Peter KramerBy: N. Peter Kramer

Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, announced that France will control all its borders for illegal immigration from November 1

View 04/2021 2021 Digital edition

Magazine

Current Issue

04/2021 2021

View past issues
Subscribe
Advertise
Digital edition

Europe

With Trump Elected, Quo Vadis Europe?

With Trump Elected, Quo Vadis Europe?

The just concluded U.S. presidential election was at least the most important election for Europe and the world this century

Business

Value-based trade policies are on the rise- Here’s what businesses need to know

Value-based trade policies are on the rise- Here’s what businesses need to know

Trade policy is no longer just there to promote efficiency and productivity in the flow of goods and services

MARKET INDICES

Powered by Investing.com
All contents © Copyright EMG Strategic Consulting Ltd. 1997-2024. All Rights Reserved   |   Home Page  |   Disclaimer  |   Website by Theratron