Iran's ethnic and religious diversity explained

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Published Mar 12, 2026

Iran is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse countries in West Asia.
The country of about 90 million people has been shaped by centuries of empires, tribes and religions.
Around 90 percent of Iranians follow Shia Islam, making it the world’s largest Shia-majority country.
Ethnic Persians make up more than half the population, though exact figures are disputed.
Azeris are the second-largest group, mostly living in the north near the border with Azerbaijan.
Kurds, Arabs and Baluchis form other major communities, spread across western, southwestern and southeastern regions.
Despite hosting major oil and gas reserves, the Baluchi region remains among Iran’s poorest.

Al Jazeera’s Julide Ayger explains.

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Category: News24
Tags: Iran demographics, Iran ethnic groups explained, Iran ethnic map

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Iran's ethnic and religious diversity explained

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