I R A N Iran   BY: By: Dana, Kyle, Hadya, and Vitek

Government Iran is an islamic republic that has a unique government in which there is both a supreme leader who is elected by religious leaders and a president who is elected by the people. Iran has two seperate militaries; the National Military which is reponsible for defending Iran's borders, and The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) which is in charge of protecting the revolution and its achievments. The fifth branch of the IRGC called  the Quods Force is responible for supporting and funding terrorists abroad.(Background Note).     Because Iran is not very open, it is probably on the far left of the J curve.

Culture Religions in Iran include: Shi'a Muslim 89%; Sunni Muslim 9%; Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i 2% Shi'a Muslims and Sunni Muslims, although both Muslims, have different practices for their religion and some different beliefs. Ethnic groups include: Persians 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%. Most the country speak Persian; however,several other languages are spoken, including Turkish, Kurdish, Luri, Balochi, and Arabic. (Background Note)  

Economy   Vastly overdependent on oil, 85% of governtment revenue is obtained from oil sales.  Per capita income is under $12,000.  Out of a workforce of 25.7 million 14.6% are unemployed.  Exports conist primarily of petroleum and petroleum products, but also include carpets, chemicals, fruits, and nuts. (Background Note)  Worlds fourth largest oil producer. One of the founding member of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries). (U.S. Energy)

Natural Resources Iran is home to the world third largest proven oil reserve at 137.6 billion barrels. It also has vast reserves of natural gas numbering around 1,045.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Produces about 190 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year and consumes around 153 bkwh.(U.S. Energy)

Map of Iran Map from: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5314.htm      Map from: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5314.htm Map from: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5314.htm

History Iran was formerly known as Persia up until 1935 (cia world factbook).  The beginning of modern Iran is related to the nationalist uprisings against the Shah in 1905 which led to the beginning of a constitutional monarchy and the discovery of oil in 1908.  In 1951, Prime Minister Mohommad Mossadegh nationalized the British owned Iranian Oil company, which made Iran's economy grow. Iran's economy is now mostly based on petroleum reserves. However, in 1953, the US and UK corps arrested the Prime Minister.   In 1961, economic growth and prosper pushed by the Kennedy administration occured. At this point Iran's petroleum reserves were the third largest in the world.(Background Note)

Dynasties of Iran   -The graph above shows that before Islam was interduced Dynasties lasted longer and their was more peace in Iran. (History of Anatolia) -

Works Cited Background Note: Iran. U.S. Department of State. Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, February 11, 2011. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5314.htm. History of Anatolia. Iran Defence. March 20, 2011 http://www.irandefence.net/showthread.php?t=8940 US Energy Information Administration. USEIA. March 20, 2011 http://www.eia.doe.gov/