Name was changed from Persia to Iran in 1934.
Iran became an Islamic Republic in 1979.
Iran-Iraq war lasted fro over eight years from 1980-1988
Population: 68.9 million (UN, 2003)
Capital: Tehran
Major language: Persian
Major Religion: Islam
Life expectancy: 69 years (men), 72 years (women)
Monetary unit: 10 Iranian rials = 1 Toman
Main exports: Petroleum, carpets, agricultural products
Average annual income: US$1,680 (World Bank, 2001)
Ethnic Groups: Persian 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki & Mazandarani 8% Kurd 7%, Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baluch 2%, Turkmen 2%, Other 1%
Religion: Shi'a Muslim 89%, Sunni Muslim 10%, Zoroastrian, Jew, Christian, Bahai 1%
For more information and upto date vital statistics on Iran visit Statistical Center of Iran