Iran at a glance

The Islamic Republic of Iran, located in Western Asia, covers a total area of about 1.75 million km2. The country is bordered by Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea and Turkmenistan to the north, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east, the Gulf of Oman, the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf to the south, and Iraq and Turkey to the west. About 52 percent of the country consists of mountains and deserts and some 16 percent of the country has an elevation of more than 2 000 m above sea level. The largest mountain massif is that of the Zagros, which runs from the northwest of the country southwards first to the shores of the Persian Gulf and then continues eastwards till the most south-eastern province. 

According to the Statistical Center of Iran, the Islamic Republic of Iran has a total population of approximately 86.2 million, an approximate 76% of the population live in urban areas. Agriculture is a major economic sector in Iran, with a 14.8 percent share of employment. The cultivable area is 10 percent of the country’s land area. Each year, 57.5 million tons of agricultural products are produced, and the annual cultivated area covers 12 million hectares. 
Drawing on its diverse climate, natural resources and ecological foundations, Iran produces a long array of agricultural products some of which, such as saffron, pistachios and caviar, hold worldwide reputations. 
Iran’s proximity to a large regional market, that of its neighboring countries as well as Persian Gulf countries some of which lack any agricultural potential, and having adequate land and air transit infrastructure has made Iran one of the top exporters of agricultural products exporting a total of USD 5.2 billion (6.37% of Iran’s total non-oil exports) in the fiscal year ending March 2022.

National development is guided by Five-Year Development Plans that outline key goals and priorities. Under the 7th Development Plan, the agricultural sector is targeted to achieve an average annual growth rate of 8 percent, with a specific growth rate of 5.5 percent set for agriculture. The Plan emphasizes critical objectives including ensuring food security, achieving at least 90 percent self-sufficiency in essential commodities and food items, conserving and enhancing genetic and water resources, and promoting health and safety standards in the food industry. Reforming cultivation patterns based on regional advantages and water availability, and focusing on strategic crops, are also prioritized.

Livestock is another significant national asset. Over half of the rural population depends, at least partially, on livestock for their livelihoods. Key livestock species in Iran include sheep, goats, cattle.