Iran at a Glance

Iran is a large, resource-rich economy with a well-educated population that has been held back by sanctions, state control and inflation.

Iran has over 85 million people, some of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves and a diversified industrial base including cars, steel, petrochemicals and food.

Strengths

Educated workforce, large domestic market, energy resources and strategic location.

Weaknesses

Sanctions, high inflation, state-dominated sectors and limited foreign investment.

Result

Growth has been volatile and living standards have stagnated for over a decade.

A gas giant

Iran holds the world's second-largest natural gas reserves but has struggled to develop them for export.

Assuming Iran is only an oil exporter

It has substantial manufacturing.

Key takeaways

Iran has large energy reserves.
It has an educated population.
Sanctions constrain growth.
Inflation is high.