Demographic processes in Iran after the Islamic Revolution are of particular interest. On the one hand, in the first decade after the revolution, this country experienced very high population growth rates (about 3% per year). On the other hand, in the 1990s there was a rapid drop in the birth rate, which was unexpected for many analysts. Currently, Iran is undergoing processes that, contrary to existing stereotypes (one of which is the perception of Iran as a young state with a high birth rate), in the future may lead to a reduction in the population and its rapid aging.
The author analyzes the demographic situation in Iran since 1979, including the forecast until 2100, which will help to better understand current trends in demographic development.
Key words: Iran, population, birth rate, mortality, demographic explosion, family planning.
In Iran, as in many developing countries, the demographic transition began in the first half of the 20th century. A significant reduction in mortality, while maintaining a high birth rate, has led to a very rapid population growth. If the first general census of 1956 counted 18.95 million people, the next census of 1966 counted 25.8 million \Natayej-e kolli-ye sarshomari-ye, 2009]. Following the publication of the results of the 1966 census, the Iranian Government expressed concern about the very rapid population growth. In 1967, a Family Planning Council was established within the Ministry of Health and an official family planning program was launched. The goal of the program was to help improve the physical, psychological and socio-economic well-being of the family, as well as reduce population growth. The goal was to reduce the population growth rate from 3.1% (the level of 1956-1966) to 1% per year. By the early 1970s, 1,500 state-run clinics had been established to provide contraceptives [Amani, 2010, pp. 86-93].
Since the adoption of the family planning program, Iran's population growth rate has slowed slightly. The 1976 cens ...
Читать далее