Iran Revealed: Essential Insights From The World Factbook

Delving into the complexities of any nation requires a reliable compass, and for those seeking comprehensive, foundational knowledge, the World Factbook stands as an indispensable guide. When it comes to understanding the Islamic Republic of Iran, this authoritative resource offers a panoramic view, touching upon everything from its rich history and intricate geography to its societal fabric and geopolitical standing. This article will navigate the wealth of information provided by the World Factbook, shedding light on key facets of Iran that are crucial for anyone looking to grasp the essence of this pivotal Middle Eastern country.

From its ancient origins to its modern-day challenges, Iran is a nation of profound historical depth and contemporary significance. The World Factbook, compiled by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), distills vast amounts of data into accessible summaries, making it an invaluable tool for researchers, policymakers, and curious minds alike. As we explore the various dimensions of Iran through the lens of the World Factbook, we will uncover insights into its people, government, economy, and more, providing a robust foundation for informed understanding.

What is the World Factbook and Why is it Indispensable?

The World Factbook is a unique and indispensable source for basic information on countries, territories, and dependencies around the globe. It serves as a comprehensive reference, offering insights into over 195 governments worldwide. For anyone seeking to understand a nation like Iran, the World Factbook provides an organized and accessible compendium of data. It covers a vast array of topics, including history, people, government, economy, energy, geography, environment, communications, transportation, and military, making it an all-encompassing resource for fundamental country intelligence.

What makes the World Factbook particularly valuable is its commitment to providing structured, factual data. While no claims are made regarding the absolute accuracy of information, such as the Iran 2024 data contained within, the Factbook strives to present the most current and reliable intelligence available. Users are encouraged to visit the definitions and notes page to view a detailed description of each topic, ensuring a thorough understanding of the data presented. This level of transparency underscores the Factbook's utility as a primary research tool for anyone interested in the geopolitical landscape, including a deep dive into the specifics of Iran.

A Legacy of Information

The World Factbook has a long-standing legacy of compiling and disseminating vital global information. Its archives, such as the WFB The World Factbook (2024 archive) countries, offer a snapshot of nations at specific points in time, allowing for historical comparisons and tracking of changes. Whether you're looking for details on Albania, Colombia, or Indonesia, the Factbook provides a consistent format for data presentation. This consistency is crucial when trying to understand a complex nation like Iran, enabling users to quickly locate and interpret key data points without having to navigate disparate sources.

A Glimpse into Iran's History and Government

The political landscape of Iran today is deeply rooted in its modern history. The World Factbook succinctly captures this pivotal transformation: "Iran became an Islamic Republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and the shah was forced into exile." This single sentence encapsulates a monumental shift that redefined the nation's identity and governance. The official demonym, "Islamic Republic of Iran," reflects this foundational change, emphasizing the country's unique blend of religious and republican governance.

Understanding this historical context is paramount when analyzing any aspect of contemporary Iran. The 1979 revolution not only changed the form of government but also profoundly influenced its domestic policies, foreign relations, and societal norms. The World Factbook provides the essential historical anchor for understanding the current political structure, offering a factual basis for further exploration into Iran's unique system of velayat-e faqih (guardianship of the jurist) and its implications for both internal and external affairs.

Geography and Climate: The Lay of the Land

Geography plays a critical role in shaping a nation, and the World Factbook offers precise details for Iran. The capital city of the Islamic Republic of Iran is Tehran, located at coordinates 35 42 N, 51 25 E. This geographical marker is more than just a point on a map; it signifies the heart of the nation's political, economic, and cultural life. The official country TLD (Top-Level Domain) code is .ir, a digital identifier that further establishes its presence in the global online sphere.

Time difference information is also crucial for international engagement. Tehran operates on UTC+3.5, placing it 8.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during standard time. The country also observes daylight saving time, adding +1 hour, which begins on the fourth Wednesday in March and ends on the fourth Friday in September. These details, while seemingly minor, are vital for businesses, diplomats, and travelers interacting with Iran. Furthermore, the Factbook even touches upon the etymology of Tehran, noting that "various explanations of the city's name have been proffered, but the most plausible states that it derives from the Persian words 'tah' meaning..." providing a glimpse into the linguistic and historical roots of the capital.

Beyond the capital, Iran has various country codes that are used in international systems, such as CCA2, CCA3, CIOC, and CCN3 codes, which are ir, irn, iri, and 364 respectively. These technical identifiers, though often overlooked, are part of the intricate global network that identifies and categorizes nations, reinforcing Iran's place within the international community.

People and Society: Demographics and Challenges

The World Factbook provides a stark and critical look at the human dimension of Iran, particularly concerning vulnerable populations. It highlights that "Iran is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor." This is a profoundly serious issue, indicating a complex problem within and across its borders. The Factbook further elaborates on this grim reality, stating that "organized groups sex traffic Iranian women and children in Iran and to the UAE and Europe," and details "the transport of girls from and through Iran en route to the Gulf for sexual exploitation or forced marriages." These statements underscore the severe human rights challenges faced by certain segments of the population, particularly women and children, making this information critical for human rights organizations and international bodies.

In terms of public health, the World Factbook also notes the presence of "food or waterborne diseases" at an "Intermediate (2020)" level. It also mentions that "sustained community spread means that people have been infected with the virus, but how or where they became infected is not" – a phrase often associated with the challenges of tracking infectious diseases, potentially referring to broader public health concerns like COVID-19 or other epidemics. These insights into health and societal vulnerabilities are crucial for understanding the welfare and risks faced by the people of Iran.

Iran's Economy: Navigating Global Pressures

The economic landscape of Iran is heavily influenced by international relations and sanctions. The World Factbook provides critical context for this, noting a significant event that impacted its economic and geopolitical standing: "On August 20, 2020, the United States initiated the snapback procedure in UN Security Council Resolution 2231 to return virtually all of the previous UN sanctions on Iran, including the UN arms embargo and restrictions on Iran enriching and processing nuclear material." This action dramatically affected Iran's ability to engage with the global economy, impacting its oil exports, financial transactions, and access to international markets.

Understanding these sanctions is essential for comprehending Iran's economic challenges and strategies. The restrictions on enriching and processing nuclear material, coupled with the arms embargo, have profound implications for its industrial development, trade relations, and overall economic stability. The World Factbook's inclusion of such detailed geopolitical events is invaluable for economists, political analysts, and businesses attempting to understand or operate within the Iranian market. It paints a picture of an economy under significant external pressure, necessitating resilience and innovative approaches to sustain growth and development.

Energy and Environment: Resources and Sustainability

While the provided data snippets don't offer specific figures for Iran's energy reserves or environmental challenges, the World Factbook's mandate is to provide basic information on "energy" and "environment" for all countries. For a nation like Iran, which is a major oil and gas producer, the energy section typically details its production, consumption, exports, and imports of various energy sources, including oil, natural gas, coal, and renewable energy. This data is vital for understanding its role in global energy markets and its domestic energy security.

Similarly, the environment section would typically cover a range of issues pertinent to Iran, such as desertification, water scarcity, air pollution in urban centers like Tehran, and its efforts towards conservation and sustainable development. Given Iran's diverse geography, from arid deserts to lush Caspian coastlines, environmental concerns are multifaceted. The World Factbook would provide insights into these challenges, along with any international agreements or initiatives Iran is part of, offering a comprehensive overview of its ecological footprint and environmental policies. These sections are crucial for policymakers, environmental researchers, and anyone interested in the long-term sustainability of Iran's resources.

Communications, Transportation, and Military: Connecting and Protecting

The World Factbook's comprehensive scope extends to critical infrastructure and national security, covering "communications, transportation, [and] military" for countries like Iran. In the realm of communications, the Factbook typically details internet penetration, mobile phone usage, media outlets, and regulatory frameworks. For Iran, this would include information on its telecommunications infrastructure, internet censorship, and the reach of state-controlled media versus independent outlets. Such data is essential for understanding information flow and digital connectivity within the country.

Transportation infrastructure, encompassing roads, railways, ports, and airports, is vital for a nation's economic activity and internal cohesion. The World Factbook would provide an overview of Iran's extensive transportation networks, which facilitate trade, tourism, and the movement of people and goods across its vast territory. Given Iran's strategic location, its transportation corridors are of regional significance, connecting Central Asia to the Persian Gulf.

Finally, the military section offers insights into a nation's defense capabilities, expenditures, and armed forces structure. For Iran, this would include details on its conventional military, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and its defense industries. Given the regional geopolitical dynamics and international sanctions, understanding Iran's military posture and capabilities, as presented by the World Factbook, is critical for assessing regional stability and international security. This holistic approach ensures that the World Factbook provides a well-rounded understanding of a nation's operational and defense capacities.

Understanding Data Nuances: 2021 vs. 2024 and Beyond

It is important to acknowledge the dynamic nature of information, especially when dealing with a constantly evolving geopolitical landscape. The World Factbook itself includes disclaimers such as "No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Iran 2021 information contained here" and similar statements for 2024 data. This transparency is a cornerstone of its trustworthiness. It reminds users that data is a snapshot in time and subject to change. For example, while a map of Iran might come from the CIA World Factbook, the underlying data points are continuously updated and refined.

The Factbook's approach encourages users to consult its "definitions and notes page" for a comprehensive understanding of each topic and its limitations. This commitment to clarity is vital for researchers and analysts who rely on this information for critical decision-making. By providing context and acknowledging potential shifts, the World Factbook maintains its integrity as a reliable, albeit evolving, source. This also means that staying updated with the latest editions of the World Factbook is crucial for the most accurate understanding of Iran's current situation.

For instance, information from "Thursday, June 12, 2025 contents" indicates the ongoing nature of updates and archives. The World Factbook is not a static document but a living repository of global intelligence, constantly being reviewed and refreshed to reflect the most current realities. This continuous effort ensures that users have access to the most relevant information possible when exploring countries like Iran.

Conclusion

The World Factbook serves as an unparalleled gateway to understanding the multifaceted dimensions of Iran. From its pivotal 1979 revolution and the geographical intricacies of Tehran to the challenging realities of human trafficking and the profound impact of international sanctions, the Factbook provides a meticulously compiled, factual overview. It offers essential insights into Iran's history, society, economy, and infrastructure, all presented in a structured and accessible format.

While acknowledging that "no claims are made regarding the accuracy of Iran 2024 information contained here," the World Factbook remains an indispensable starting point for anyone seeking foundational knowledge about this complex and significant nation. Its commitment to breadth and detail, coupled with transparent disclaimers, solidifies its position as a go-to resource for basic country intelligence. We encourage you to explore the World Factbook directly to deepen your understanding of Iran and other nations. What aspects of Iran do you find most compelling, and how has this information shaped your perspective? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or explore other insightful articles on our site to continue your journey of discovery.

book ️[READ] ️ CIA World Factbook 2022-2023

book ️[READ] ️ CIA World Factbook 2022-2023

world map iran - Map Pictures

world map iran - Map Pictures

World Map Of Iran

World Map Of Iran

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