Iran’s population has surpassed 87 million, according to the latest figures from the country’s Statistics Center. The new estimate highlights continued population growth while renewing concerns about declining birth rates and Iran’s long-term demographic outlook. Officials expect the population to reach 88 million within the next two years if current trends continue.
The Statistics Center said Iran’s population stood at about 81 million in 2017. Since then, the country has added several million residents despite slower population growth. Meanwhile, some unofficial estimates place Iran’s population above 90 million, although authorities have not confirmed those figures.
Demographic experts say population growth has weakened in recent years. They cite economic challenges, rising living costs, and lower marriage rates among young adults as key reasons. Consequently, fewer families are choosing to have children than in previous decades.
Health officials also continue warning about the country’s demographic future. Reza Saeedi, head of the Population Youth Center at Iran’s Health Ministry, said current trends could reduce population growth to zero within about 15 years. He added that continued declines could eventually lead to negative growth and faster population aging.
The head of the National Council for the Elderly Secretariat said Iran faces one of the world’s fastest-growing aging populations. As a result, policymakers must prepare healthcare, pension, and social welfare systems for increasing demand.
Iranian authorities have introduced several policies to encourage higher birth rates. In 2014, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei instructed state institutions to implement measures supporting population growth. Later, lawmakers approved the Family Protection and Youth Population Law in 2021. The legislation contains 73 articles, 88 clauses, and about 255 implementation requirements.
Officials admit the policy has achieved limited success. Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi, secretary of the National Population Headquarters, recently said the law has not significantly increased childbirth rates after four years. Therefore, demographic trends remain a major challenge, and future policy changes may shape Iran’s long-term economic and social development.