
Photo: User:Gire 3pich2005 , derived: User:Nastoshka · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale

Photo: Stefano Brivio · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Iran and United States
Iran and United States compared on 285 statistics from 59 publishers, each reading with its own year. In the Country Index 2026, Iran is placed 143rd and United States is placed 37th of 183 countries.
Country Index 2026 · standing
A standing is a place in this site’s own index of published statistics, not a score. The full Country Index 2026
At a glance
Population3.8×
Iran: 90,608,707people
United States: 343,477,335people
2023 · UN DESA Population Division
Land area5.6×
Iran: 1,622,500km²
United States: 9,147,420km²
2024 · FAO
GDP per person
Iran: 16,834international $, PPP
United States: 76,931international $, PPP
2025 · World Bank Group
Life expectancy
Iran: 77.65years at birth
United States: 79.3years at birth
2023 · UN DESA Population Division
Human development
Iran: 0.799HDI, 0–1
United States: 0.938HDI, 0–1
2023 · UNDP Human Development Report Office
Unemployment
Iran: 8.301% of the labour force
United States: 4.198% of the labour force
2025 · ILO
The newest published figure for each, as each country’s profile prints it. A multiple is given for the two sizes only.
01The answer first
In short
United States’s GDP per person is the higher of the two: Iran 16,834 and United States 76,931 international dollars at purchasing power parity (World Bank Group, 2025).
United States has 3.8 times as many people, and 5.6 times the land area.
Measured as places in each statistic’s own field, the two are furthest apart on paid maternity leave (270 and 0, World Bank Group 2025), regulatory quality (-1.525 and 1.006, World Bank Group 2025) and women in management (21.36 and 44.33, ILO 2024). They are closest on maternal mortality ratio (15.84 and 16.63, MMEIG 2023), births attended by skilled staff (99 and 98.8, UNICEF and WHO (Joint Database on Skilled Birth Attendance) 2023) and world Risk Index (16.3 and 23.09, Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum 2025).
For 20 of the 285 shared statistics the newest readings describe different years. Those rows print both years and are left out of every comparison above.
Nothing here counts the statistics on which one country is placed higher than the other: such a count would weigh a minor survey question the same as life expectancy. The one overall answer this site gives is the Country Index 2026, below.
02Country Index 2026
Subject by subject in the Country Index
Each country’s place among the countries with a standing on each subject, first on the left. A standing is built from a few key statistics per subject; how it is made is on the index’s own page.
- Governance & Institutions168th · joint 25th of 194
- Economy & Innovationjoint 73rd · 28th of 176
- Work & Labour175th · 14th of 182
- Education & Knowledge104th · 60th of 198
- Health & Wellbeingjoint 67th · joint 30th of 200
- Development & Human Capital48th · 46th of 196
- Environment & Sustainability180th · 171st of 186
- Gender & Equality181st · joint 43rd of 183
- Democracy & Civil Liberties187th · 68th of 198
- Peace & Security165th · 136th of 177
- Risk & Resiliencejoint 116th · 72nd of 193
- Mobility & Trade143rd · 7th of 177
- Food & Agriculturejoint 122nd · 12th of 184
- Poverty & Inequalityjoint 82nd · 79th of 159
- Energy— · 59th of 165Iran has no standing on Energy: it holds fewer than the 2 of its 3 key statistics a standing needs.
- Digital & Technologyjoint 109th · 8th of 198
Not voting in this edition, so no standings for anybody: Money & Public Finance, People & Population. Their statistics are still compared below.
03The evidence
Every statistic, subject by subject
285 statistics measure both countries; 35 more measure only Iran and 67 only United States. Each subject opens with its key statistics on a strip of every country measured, then lists the rest.
Governance & Institutions
Iran:168thUnited States:joint 25thof 194
Iran on Governance & Institutions →United States on Governance & Institutions →
Key statistics · the 4 the Governance & Institutions standing is built from
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 9 to 89; the middle country is at 39.
9dashed: the middle country, 3989
Iran: 23153rd of 181 · rank
United States: 6429th of 181 · rank
Government Effectiveness
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 209 countries measured, values run from -2.251 to 2.092; the middle country is at 0.101.
-2.251dashed: the middle country, 0.1012.092
Iran: -0.857
United States: 1.191
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.003 to 0.988; the middle country is at 0.676.
0.003dashed: the middle country, 0.6760.988
Iran: 0.116
United States: 0.844
Statistical Performance Indicators
World Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 188 countries measured, values run from 27.12 to 94.14; the middle country is at 69.3.
27.12dashed: the middle country, 69.394.14
Iran: 63.52
United States: 90.06
| Also measured · 22 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Central Bank Independence IndexAna Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · 2023 · No better end | 0.47 | 0.391 |
| Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 86.92019 | 82.42023 |
| Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better | 0.379105th of 192 · rank | 0.63220th of 192 · rank |
| Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 98.62010too old to compare | 1002024 |
| Control of CorruptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.142182nd of 211 · position · derived | 0.86546th of 211 · position · derived |
| Disability Benefit CoverageILO · 2023 · Higher is better | 8.7 | 100 |
| Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.56110th of 176 · position · derived | 0.608102nd of 176 · position · derived |
| Foundational ID OwnershipWorld Bank Group (ID4D) · 2024 · Higher is better | 91.97 | 89.8 |
| Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · Higher is better | 1 | 5 |
| Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.103139th of 176 · position · derived | 0.57151st of 176 · position · derived |
| Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.35286th of 176 · position · derived | 1.71722nd of 176 · position · derived |
| Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.81936th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.123144th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 87.22019 | 1002023 |
| Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.76842nd of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.06155th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 13.21201973rd of 135 · position · derived | 12.88201876th of 135 · position · derived |
| Public Sector Wage BillWorld Bank Group · 2022 · No better end | 2.818162nd of 168 · position · derived | 9.25763rd of 168 · position · derived |
| Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.525199th of 209 · position · derived | 1.00632nd of 209 · position · derived |
| Rigorous and Impartial Public AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.568126th of 176 · position · derived | 1.22352nd of 176 · position · derived |
| State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 86.75 | 97.46 |
| State Capacity IndexJonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · 2015 · Higher is better | 0.50481st of 166 · position · derived | 1.8616th of 166 · position · derived |
| State Fiscal Source of RevenueV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.137143rd of 176 · position · derived | 2.37733rd of 176 · position · derived |
| Voice and AccountabilityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.627188th of 206 · position · derived | 0.64559th of 206 · position · derived |
Measured for Iran only: Debt Service on External Debt · External Debt Stocks (% of GNI) · General Government Consumption
Measured for United States only: Bribery Incidence · Firms Expecting to Make Informal Payments to Public Officials · Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed Persons · Open Data Inventory · Senior Management Time Spent on Government Regulation · Trade Union Density
Economy & Innovation
Iran:joint 73rdUnited States:28thof 176
Iran on Economy & Innovation →United States on Economy & Innovation →
Key statistics · the 4 the Economy & Innovation standing is built from
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution
World Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 139 countries measured, values run from 14.83 to 99.85; the middle country is at 72.83.
14.83dashed: the middle country, 72.8399.85
Iran: 91.06
United States: 97.02
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 145 countries measured, values run from -3.53 to 1.729; the middle country is at 0.131.
-3.53dashed: the middle country, 0.1311.729
Iran: -0.07187th of 145 · rank
United States: 1.12218th of 145 · rank
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 2.113 to 88.52; the middle country is at 35.95.
2.113dashed: the middle country, 35.9588.52
Iran: no reading in this edition
United States: 33.872024
GDP per Capita (PPP)
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 185 countries measured, values run from 1,067 to 139,593; the middle country is at 17,265.
1,067dashed: the middle country, 17,265139,593
Iran: 16,834
United States: 76,931
| Also measured · 29 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Commodity Export DependenceUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 51.38 | 35.25 |
| Complexity Outlook IndexGrowth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · No better end | 0.376 | 1.372 |
| Comprehensive Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 47,54574th of 150 · position · derived | 751,6328th of 150 · position · derived |
| Container Port TrafficUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 2,921,35945th of 103 · position · derived | 59,707,4902nd of 103 · position · derived |
| Crop Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 77.41184th of 195 · position · derived | 92.96165th of 195 · position · derived |
| Export Concentration IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 0.126 | 0.106 |
| Food Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 83.89183rd of 195 · position · derived | 100.86130th of 195 · position · derived |
| Foreign Direct Investment InflowsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 0.405 | 0.901 |
| Frontier Technology Readiness IndexUNCTAD · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.54472nd of 170 · position · derived | 11st of 170 · position · derived |
| GDP GrowthWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | -2.826185th of 186 · position · derived | 2.161128th of 186 · position · derived |
| Gini Index of Disposable Income (SWIID)Frederick Solt, University of Iowa · 2023 · Lower is better | 35.433rd of 79 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 39.220th of 79 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Global Innovation IndexWorld Intellectual Property Organization · 2025 · Higher is better | 28.5270th of 139 · rank | 61.693rd of 139 · rank |
| Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison)GGDC · 2022 · Higher is better | 18,47363rd of 166 · position · derived | 58,4878th of 166 · position · derived |
| Income Share Held by Lowest 20%World Bank Group · 2023 · Higher is better | 7.0232nd of 60 · position · derived | 5.0553rd of 60 · position · derived |
| Income Share Held by Richest 10%World Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better | 28.1623rd of 60 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 30.9115th of 60 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Inflation, GDP DeflatorWorld Bank Group · 2025 · No better end | 28.78 | 2.801 |
| Informal Output (DGE Model Estimate)World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · 2020 · Lower is better | 16.18 | 7.953 |
| Livestock Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 99.85139th of 194 · position · derived | 110.5581st of 194 · position · derived |
| Merchant Fleet by Country of OwnershipUNCTAD · 2026 · No better end | 19,444 | 45,645 |
| Palma RatioWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better | 1.50224th of 60 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.04312th of 60 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Price Level of Household ConsumptionGGDC · 2023 · No better end | 0.295 | 1.067 |
| Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · Higher is better | 44.72114th of 195 · position · derived | 70.492nd of 195 · position · derived |
| Researchers per Million InhabitantsUIS · years differ · Higher is better | 2,240202143rd of 145 · position · derived | 4,937202224th of 145 · position · derived |
| Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · No better end | 78,047 | 700,214 |
| Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · No better end | 465.62 | 1,257 |
| Terms of Trade IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 119.08 | 108.14 |
| Total Factor Productivity LevelGGDC · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.812 | 1 |
| Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · No better end | 30.459th of 180 · position · derived | 1.28106th of 180 · position · derived |
| Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · Higher is better | 5.19 | 49.26 |
Measured for Iran only: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP) · Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) · Household Consumption · Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP) · Interest Payments on External Debt · Trade (% of GDP)
Measured for United States only: Actual Individual Consumption per Capita (PPP) · Adjusted Net Savings · Average Monthly Earnings of Employees · Creative Goods Exports · Creative Services Exports · Firms Competing Against Informal Firms · Firms with an International Quality Certification · Foreign Value Added Share of Gross Exports · Gross Savings (% of GDP) · ICT Services Exports · Management Practices Index · Research and Development Spending · Services Exports · Statutory Corporate Income Tax Rate · Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Products · Tax Revenue (% of GDP)
Work & Labour
Iran:175thUnited States:14thof 182
Iran on Work & Labour →United States on Work & Labour →
Key statistics · the 4 the Work & Labour standing is built from
Employment-to-Population Ratio
ILO · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 21.21 to 86.9; the middle country is at 57.72.
21.21dashed: the middle country, 57.7286.9
Iran: 37.56
United States: 59.11
Unemployment Rate
ILO · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 0.13 to 34.2; the middle country is at 5.084.
0.13dashed: the middle country, 5.08434.2
Iran: 8.301
United States: 4.198
Vulnerable Employment
ILO · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 0.456 to 90.22; the middle country is at 28.67.
0.456dashed: the middle country, 28.6790.22
Iran: 39.52
United States: 3.81
| Also measured · 18 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · No better end | 45.9814th of 182 · position · derived | 36.27122nd of 182 · position · derived |
| Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · Lower is better | 10 | 3.83 |
| Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · No better end | 13.6296th of 182 · position · derived | 1.525165th of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · No better end | 34.76th of 182 · position · derived | 18.9190th of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · No better end | 51.67118th of 182 · position · derived | 79.5623rd of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · 2023 · Higher is better | 45.9 | 87.2 |
| Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 14.01178th of 182 · position · derived | 56.3474th of 182 · position · derived |
| Female Share of Senior and Middle ManagementILO · 2024 · Higher is better | 21.3682nd of 86 · position · derived | 44.3314th of 86 · position · derived |
| GDP per Person EmployedWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 57,46869th of 168 · position · derived | 156,9839th of 168 · position · derived |
| Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 11,813104th of 151 · position · derived | 503,3504th of 151 · position · derived |
| Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 40.97171st of 182 · position · derived | 61.791st of 182 · position · derived |
| Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 23.5585th of 182 · position · derived | 81.812th of 182 · position · derived |
| Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 270 | 0 |
| Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 14 | 0 |
| Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · No better end | 42.9468th of 182 · position · derived | 6.074175th of 182 · position · derived |
| Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 5.32023 | 50.52021 |
| Youth Not in Education, Employment or TrainingILO · 2024 · Lower is better | 24.3218th of 97 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 11.665th of 97 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · Lower is better | 21.937th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 9.34120th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Measured for Iran only: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added per Worker · Working Poverty Rate
Measured for United States only: Composite Rate of Labour Underutilisation (LU4) · Fatal Occupational Injuries · Firms Offering Formal Training · Gini Index of Monthly Earnings · Low Pay Rate
Education & Knowledge
Iran:104thUnited States:60thof 198
Iran on Education & Knowledge →United States on Education & Knowledge →
Key statistics · the 4 the Education & Knowledge standing is built from
Government Spending on Education
UIS · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 123 countries measured, values run from 0 to 16.39; the middle country is at 3.709.
0dashed: the middle country, 3.70916.39
Iran: 2.824
United States: no reading in this edition
Out-of-School Rate, Primary
UIS · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 192 countries measured, values run from 0.004 to 65.6; the middle country is at 3.691.
0.004dashed: the middle country, 3.69165.6
Iran: 0.1032023
United States: 3.9822022
Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary
UIS · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 187 countries measured, values run from 3.411 to 100; the middle country is at 85.9.
3.411dashed: the middle country, 85.9100
Iran: 59.822020
United States: 86.512022
Upper Secondary Completion Rate
UIS · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 164 countries measured, values run from 2.13 to 99.27; the middle country is at 64.87.
2.13dashed: the middle country, 64.8799.27
Iran: 75.5
United States: 93.5
| Also measured · 16 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Freedom IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.06170th of 176 · position · derived | 0.397117th of 176 · position · derived |
| Bachelor's or Higher AttainmentUIS · 2023 · Higher is better | 17.9250th of 90 · position · derived | 38.66th of 90 · position · derived |
| Expected Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 13.9788th of 195 · position · derived | 15.9247th of 195 · position · derived |
| Harmonized Test ScoresWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 432.1170th of 172 · position · derived | 511.824th of 172 · position · derived |
| Intergenerational Persistence in EducationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 0.416201492nd of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.413201594th of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Learning PovertyWorld Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 2021 · Lower is better | 41.5457th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 9.69295th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Learning-Adjusted Years of SchoolWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 8.19283rd of 172 · position · derived | 10.5634th of 172 · position · derived |
| Lower Secondary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · Higher is better | 92.174th of 164 · position · derived | 99.0318th of 164 · position · derived |
| Mean Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 10.8573rd of 193 · position · derived | 13.913rd of 193 · position · derived |
| Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of Lower SecondaryUIS · years differ · Higher is better | 28.552023 | 66.082022 |
| Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of PrimaryUIS · 2023 · Higher is better | 31.16 | 67.84 |
| Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of PrimaryUIS · 2021 · Higher is better | 58.6 | 94.51 |
| Nobel Prize Laureates by Country of BirthNobel Prize Outreach · 2025 · No better end | 3 | 296 |
| Primary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · Higher is better | 96.7488th of 165 · position · derived | 99.996th of 165 · position · derived |
| Trust in ScientistsWellcome Trust · 2020 · No better end | 50.83 | 53.94 |
| Upper Secondary AttainmentUIS · 2023 · Higher is better | 45.6864th of 95 · position · derived | 91.467th of 95 · position · derived |
Measured for Iran only: Adult Literacy Rate · Female Share of Researchers · Youth Literacy Rate
Measured for United States only: Female Share of STEM Graduates · Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of Lower Secondary · Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiary · PISA Mathematics Performance · PISA Reading Performance · PISA Science Performance · Share of Graduates from ICT Programmes · Wealth Parity Index, Lower Secondary Completion
Health & Wellbeing
Iran:joint 67thUnited States:joint 30thof 200
Iran on Health & Wellbeing →United States on Health & Wellbeing →
Key statistics · the 4 the Health & Wellbeing standing is built from
Life Expectancy at Birth
UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 222 countries measured, values run from 54.46 to 86.37; the middle country is at 74.63.
54.46dashed: the middle country, 74.6386.37
Iran: 77.65
United States: 79.3
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity
FAO · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 125 countries measured, values run from 0.6 to 62.9; the middle country is at 4.9.
0.6dashed: the middle country, 4.962.9
Iran: 4.8
United States: 1.1
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 162 countries measured, values run from 0.518 to 52.8; the middle country is at 13.8.
0.518dashed: the middle country, 13.852.8
Iran: 4.82017
United States: 3.82022
Under-Five Mortality Rate
UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 200 countries measured, values run from 1.26 to 115.65; the middle country is at 14.54.
1.26dashed: the middle country, 14.54115.65
Iran: 11.32
United States: 6.472
| Also measured · 36 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Adolescent Birth Rate (Ages 15–19)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better | 26.2116th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 13.14148th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Adult Mortality (Probability of Dying Between 15 and 60)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better | 82.03161st of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 107.7133rd of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Adults Who Have Been Too Anxious or Depressed to Carry OnWellcome Trust · 2020 · No better end | 25.96 | 21.26 |
| Agreement That Vaccines Are SafeWellcome Trust · 2018 · Higher is better | 68.52108th of 144 · position · derived | 72.0997th of 144 · position · derived |
| Antenatal Care Coverage, At Least Four VisitsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 93.4201633rd of 153 · position · derived | 96.62011too old to compare14th of 153 · position · derived |
| Births Attended by Skilled Health StaffUNICEF and WHO (Joint Database on Skilled Birth Attendance) · 2023 · Higher is better | 9946th of 84 · position · derived | 98.849th of 84 · position · derived |
| Caesarean Section RateUNICEF · years differ · No better end | 50.12016 | 31.12007too old to compare |
| Catastrophic Out-of-Pocket Health SpendingWorld Bank Group · 2016 · No better end | 17.56 | 4.467 |
| Coefficient of Variation of Habitual Caloric ConsumptionFAO · 2024 · Lower is better | 0.25 | 0.17 |
| Contraceptive Prevalence (Any Method)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 57.1 | 60.4 |
| Cost of a Healthy DietFAO · 2025 · No better end | 4.8 | 2.86 |
| Days Above 35°CECMWF · 2025 · Lower is better | 98.15 | 12.49 |
| Demand for Family Planning Satisfied by Modern MethodsUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better | 75.971st of 196 · position · derived | 80.149th of 196 · position · derived |
| Excess Mortality During the COVID-19 PandemicAriel Karlinsky and Dmitry Kobak (World Mortality Dataset) · years differ · Lower is better | 313.62022 | 405.52023 |
| Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six MonthsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 47.4201751st of 136 · position · derived | 25.82018108th of 136 · position · derived |
| Fish and Seafood Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end | 11.3 | 21.94 |
| Fruit Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · Higher is better | 123.37 | 169.2 |
| Gender Inequality IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.482123rd of 172 · rank | 0.16945th of 172 · rank |
| Human Capital IndexWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 0.59375th of 172 · position · derived | 0.70235th of 172 · position · derived |
| Immunisation Coverage, DTP3WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better | 98 | 94 |
| Immunisation Coverage, Measles First Dose (MCV1)WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better | 99 | 92 |
| Infant Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 10.32115th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 5.482146th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Life Expectancy at Age 65UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better | 17.5980th of 222 · position · derived | 2043rd of 222 · position · derived |
| Meat Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end | 29.9 | 122.06 |
| Modern Contraceptive PrevalenceUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 45.7 | 52.8 |
| Mortality Rate, Ages 5–14UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 3.18690th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.487149th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Neonatal Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 7.202109th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 3.652148th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Overweight Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · 2024 · Lower is better | 2.742140th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 9.69440th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Pesticide Use per HectareFAO · 2024 · No better end | 0.33150th of 178 · position · derived | 2.7873rd of 178 · position · derived |
| PM2.5 Air Pollution ExposureAtmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · 2023 · Lower is better | 33.426th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 8.6162nd of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Prevalence of Moderate or Severe Food InsecurityFAO · 2024 · Lower is better | 37.740th of 135 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 10.788th of 135 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Prevalence of UndernourishmentFAO · 2023 · Lower is better | 6.870th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.5104th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Share of Dietary Energy Supply from Cereals, Roots and TubersFAO · 2022 · Lower is better | 52 | 24 |
| Stillbirth RateUN IGME · 2023 · Lower is better | 5.422127th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.681173rd of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Vegetable Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · Higher is better | 105.38 | 129.06 |
| Wasting Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · years differ · Lower is better | 4.3201771st of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.12022163rd of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Measured for Iran only: Care-Seeking for Children with Symptoms of Pneumonia · Early Initiation of Breastfeeding · INFORM Severity Index · Institutional Deliveries · Malaria Incidence (P. falciparum) · Malaria Incidence (P. vivax) · Malaria Mortality (P. falciparum) · Minimum Dietary Diversity, Children Aged 6–23 Months · Oral Rehydration Salts for Children with Diarrhoea
Measured for United States only: HPV Vaccination Coverage, Girls · Low Birthweight Prevalence
Development & Human Capital
Iran:48thUnited States:46thof 196
Iran on Development & Human Capital →United States on Development & Human Capital →
Key statistics · the 3 the Development & Human Capital standing is built from
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 193 countries measured, values run from 0.388 to 0.972; the middle country is at 0.762.
0.388dashed: the middle country, 0.7620.972
Iran: 0.79975th of 193 · rank
United States: 0.93817th of 193 · rank
Maternal Mortality Ratio
MMEIG · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 195 countries measured, values run from 0.11 to 992.83; the middle country is at 46.65.
0.11dashed: the middle country, 46.65992.83
Iran: 15.84
United States: 16.63
| Also measured · 13 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Access to ElectricityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 100 | 100 |
| Access to Electricity, RuralWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 100 | 100 |
| Coefficient of Human InequalityUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better | 19.0878th of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 10.7120th of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Gender Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Closer to 1 is better | 0.875164th of 184 · position · derived | 1.00933rd of 184 · position · derived |
| Inequality-adjusted Human Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.64374th of 169 · position · derived | 0.83229th of 169 · position · derived |
| Multidimensional Poverty MeasureWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 2.548202389th of 157 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.2762024110th of 157 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.72549th of 156 · position · derived | 0.68673rd of 156 · position · derived |
| Poverty Headcount at $3.00 a Day, Line-up EstimatesWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better | 2.39 | 1.02 |
| Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a DayWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better | 2.4919th of 58 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.225th of 58 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Poverty Headcount Ratio at $4.20 a DayWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better | 7.5316th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.430th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a DayWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better | 36.0515th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.141st of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Poverty Severity (Squared Poverty Gap) at $3.00 a DayWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.17 | 0.79 |
| Prosperity GapWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better | 3.3216th of 60 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.43434th of 60 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Measured for Iran only: Adequacy of Social Protection and Labour Benefits · Child Marriage · Net Official Development Assistance Received
Measured for United States only: Official Development Assistance Given (% of GNI)
Environment & Sustainability
Iran:180thUnited States:171stof 186
Iran on Environment & Sustainability →United States on Environment & Sustainability →
Key statistics · the 4 the Environment & Sustainability standing is built from
CO₂ Emissions per Capita
Global Carbon Project · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 210 countries measured, values run from 0.054 to 41.27; the middle country is at 3.21.
0.054dashed: the middle country, 3.2141.27
Iran: 8.656
United States: 14.2
Ecological Footprint
Global Footprint Network · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 126 countries measured, values run from 0.514 to 11.73; the middle country is at 2.296.
0.514dashed: the middle country, 2.29611.73
Iran: no reading in this edition
United States: 7.053
Organic Agricultural Area
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 156 countries measured, values run from 0 to 86.38; the middle country is at 0.725.
0dashed: the middle country, 0.72586.38
Iran: 0.01
United States: 0.76
Water Stress
FAO · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 177 countries measured, values run from 0.03 to 3,851; the middle country is at 10.
0.03dashed: the middle country, 103,851
Iran: 80.43
United States: 24.54
| Also measured · 30 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural EmissionsFAO · 2023 · No better end | 87,28217th of 193 · position · derived | 501,6314th of 193 · position · derived |
| Agricultural Emissions IntensityFAO · 2023 · Lower is better | 1.1124th of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.97141st of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Agricultural Irrigated LandFAO · 2023 · No better end | 16.9421st of 121 · position · derived | 5.10152nd of 121 · position · derived |
| Agricultural LandFAO · 2023 · No better end | 29.01129th of 209 · position · derived | 46.0874th of 209 · position · derived |
| Annual Forest Area Change RateFAO · 2025 · Higher is better | 0 | -0.04 |
| Arable Land per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end | 0.17373rd of 206 · position · derived | 0.4517th of 206 · position · derived |
| Baseline Water Stress (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 4.653 | 2.604 |
| Burned AreaGWIS · 2025 · No better end | 300,007 | 2,560,985 |
| Children's Climate Risk IndexUNICEF · 2020 · Lower is better | 5.370th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst | 580th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst |
| Consumption-Based CO₂ EmissionsGlobal Carbon Project · 2023 · No better end | 182.47 | 1,482 |
| Cropland Nitrogen BalanceFAO · 2023 · No better end | 54.11 | 35.6 |
| Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)EIA · 2024 · Lower is better | 9.243 | 4.16 |
| Fertilizer Consumption per HectareFAO · 2023 · No better end | 68.29106th of 188 · position · derived | 127.869th of 188 · position · derived |
| Fisheries and Aquaculture ProductionFAO · 2024 · No better end | 1,498,225 | 4,220,467 |
| Forest AreaFAO · 2023 · No better end | 6.649175th of 210 · position · derived | 33.8796th of 210 · position · derived |
| Forest Area within Legally Established Protected AreasFAO · 2025 · Higher is better | 14.05 | 9.99 |
| Land Under Cereal ProductionFAO · 2023 · No better end | 8,661,54422nd of 179 · position · derived | 55,537,6733rd of 179 · position · derived |
| Livestock DensityFAO · 2023 · No better end | 0.47104th of 188 · position · derived | 0.31133rd of 188 · position · derived |
| Mangrove AreaGlobal Mangrove Watch (Aberystwyth University, JAXA, soloEO, Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy) · 2025 · No better end | 10,704 | 252,545 |
| Methane EmissionsEDGAR · 2025 · No better end | 5,516 | 29,362 |
| Municipal Solid Waste GenerationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 0.632022141st of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.178201818th of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| ND-GAIN Country IndexNotre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better | 47.5192nd of 190 · rank | 65.7517th of 190 · rank |
| Operating Coal Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end | 0 | 184,448 |
| Operating Wind Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end | 502 | 157,594 |
| Population Living Below 5 m ElevationCenter for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · 2015 · No better end | 0.929 | 1.98 |
| Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per CapitaFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 1,435114th of 181 · position · derived | 8,43754th of 181 · position · derived |
| Solar Electricity Installed CapacityEIA · 2024 · No better end | 0.782 | 176.68 |
| Temperature Change on LandFAO · 2025 · No better end | 2.074 | 1.758 |
| Tree Cover LossWorld Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · 2025 · No better end | 80.49 | 1,573,245 |
| Water Withdrawal by SectorFAO · 2022 · No better end | 92.1818th of 171 · position · derived | 39.66109th of 171 · position · derived |
Measured for United States only: Coal Share of Electricity Generation · Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation · Solar Share of Electricity Generation · Tropical Moist Forest Deforestation · Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generation
Gender & Equality
Iran:181stUnited States:joint 43rdof 183
Iran on Gender & Equality →United States on Gender & Equality →
Key statistics · the 4 the Gender & Equality standing is built from
Firms with a Female Top Manager
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 1.429 to 62.9; the middle country is at 19.16.
1.429dashed: the middle country, 19.1662.9
Iran: no reading in this edition
United States: 23.212024
Social Institutions and Gender Index
OECD · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 140 countries measured, values run from 6.7 to 67.4; the middle country is at 25.2.
6.7dashed: the middle country, 25.267.4
Iran: 62.9
United States: 19.1
Women, Business and the Law
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 190 countries measured, values run from 3.125 to 100; the middle country is at 81.25.
3.125dashed: the middle country, 81.25100
Iran: 31.25
United States: 91.25
Women's Political Empowerment Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.028 to 0.954; the middle country is at 0.772.
0.028dashed: the middle country, 0.7720.954
Iran: 0.32
United States: 0.829
| Also measured · 7 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Account Ownership Among WomenWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 86.7941st of 139 · position · derived | 97.1125th of 139 · position · derived |
| Female-Headed HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 12.692016 | 50.192020 |
| Gender Social Norms IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2022 · Lower is better | 95.4736th of 91 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 50.2282nd of 91 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Global Gender Parity IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · 2022 · Higher is better | 0.393 | 0.787 |
| Mean Age at First Marriage, WomenUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 23.12016 | 27.52010 |
| Sex Ratio at BirthUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 105.2 | 104.9 |
| Women's Empowerment IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · 2022 · Higher is better | 0.454 | 0.752 |
Measured for United States only: Firms with Female Participation in Ownership
Democracy & Civil Liberties
Iran:187thUnited States:68thof 198
Iran on Democracy & Civil Liberties →United States on Democracy & Civil Liberties →
Key statistics · the 4 the Democracy & Civil Liberties standing is built from
Civic Space Ratings
CIVICUS · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 198 countries measured, values run from 2.17 to 100; the middle country is at 50.46.
2.17dashed: the middle country, 50.46100
Iran: 8.74
United States: 56.4
Perceptions of Electoral Integrity Index
EIP · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 171 countries measured, values run from 12.86 to 88.61; the middle country is at 54.78.
12.86dashed: the middle country, 54.7888.61
Iran: 20.84
United States: 53.79
Rule of Law
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 211 countries measured, values run from -2.199 to 2.012; the middle country is at -0.102.
-2.199dashed: the middle country, -0.1022.012
Iran: -1.217
United States: 0.791
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.016 to 0.913; the middle country is at 0.497.
0.016dashed: the middle country, 0.4970.913
Iran: 0.159
United States: 0.735
| Also measured · 15 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Deliberative Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.094149th of 176 · position · derived | 0.48158th of 176 · position · derived |
| Egalitarian Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.152137th of 176 · position · derived | 0.47257th of 176 · position · derived |
| Exclusion by Socio-Economic GroupV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.54959th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.194129th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.166152nd of 176 · position · derived | 0.72984th of 176 · position · derived |
| Freedom of Foreign MovementV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.779157th of 176 · position · derived | 1.59468th of 176 · position · derived |
| Freedom of Peaceful AssemblyV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -2.15161st of 172 · position · derived | 0.42893rd of 172 · position · derived |
| Freedom of ReligionV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.632167th of 176 · position · derived | 0.953109th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Censorship of the MediaV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.494151st of 176 · position · derived | 0.87572nd of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Dissemination of False Information (Domestic)V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -2.267161st of 176 · position · derived | -0.664112th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Internet ShutdownsV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -2.061168th of 176 · position · derived | 1.02588th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Social Media CensorshipV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -2.24167th of 176 · position · derived | 1.05764th of 176 · position · derived |
| Mass MobilizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · No better end | 1.319 | 2.481 |
| Military Dimension IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.092 | 0 |
| Participatory Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.042168th of 176 · position · derived | 0.5136th of 176 · position · derived |
| Political PolarizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 1.05255th of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.316th of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Peace & Security
Iran:165thUnited States:136thof 177
Iran on Peace & Security →United States on Peace & Security →
Key statistics · the 4 the Peace & Security standing is built from
Global Militarisation Index
BICC · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 149 countries measured, values run from 3.512 to 351.09; the middle country is at 100.66.
3.512dashed: the middle country, 100.66351.09
Iran: 138.1838th of 149 · rank
United States: 153.2928th of 149 · rank
Physical Violence Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.053 to 0.989; the middle country is at 0.79.
0.053dashed: the middle country, 0.790.989
Iran: 0.236
United States: 0.789
Political Stability and Absence of Violence
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 211 countries measured, values run from -2.506 to 1.563; the middle country is at 0.171.
-2.506dashed: the middle country, 0.1711.563
Iran: -1.691
United States: -0.302
Political Violence by Non-State Actors
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 171 countries measured, values run from -3.182 to 3.375; the middle country is at -0.661.
-3.182dashed: the middle country, -0.6613.375
Iran: 0.078
United States: 0.752
| Also measured · 6 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Arms Imports (% of total imports)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · No better end | 0 | 0.2 |
| Civilian Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 463 | 0 |
| Deaths in Non-State ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 0 | 0 |
| Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 1,26817th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 059th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Deaths in State-Based Armed ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 1,249 | 0 |
| Refugees by Country of OriginUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 157,912 | 3,667 |
Measured for Iran only: Armed Forces Personnel (% of population)
Risk & Resilience
Iran:joint 116thUnited States:72ndof 193
Iran on Risk & Resilience →United States on Risk & Resilience →
Key statistics · the 4 the Risk & Resilience standing is built from
Able to Raise Emergency Funds Within 30 Days
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 142 countries measured, values run from 16.49 to 93.69; the middle country is at 53.85.
16.49dashed: the middle country, 53.8593.69
Iran: 75.952024
United States: 76.112021
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 190 countries measured, values run from 0.263 to 0.655; the middle country is at 0.45.
0.263dashed: the middle country, 0.450.655
Iran: 0.42981st of 190 · rank
United States: 0.31713th of 190 · rank
INFORM Risk Index
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 191 countries measured, values run from 0.7 to 8.5; the middle country is at 3.7.
0.7dashed: the middle country, 3.78.5
Iran: 5.9
United States: 3.2
World Risk Index
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 193 countries measured, values run from 0.18 to 46.56; the middle country is at 4.17.
0.18dashed: the middle country, 4.1746.56
Iran: 16.3
United States: 23.09
| Also measured · 6 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Asylum-Seekers by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 0 | 3,718,945 |
| Drought Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 2.8852nd of 138 · rank · 1 = worst | 1.974112th of 138 · rank · 1 = worst |
| Per Capita Food Supply VariabilityFAO · 2024 · Lower is better | 21 | 13 |
| Refugee Population by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 770,514 | 457,647 |
| Riverine Flood Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 1.841106th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst | 0.834141st of 163 · rank · 1 = worst |
| World Risk Poll Resilience IndexLloyd's Register Foundation · 2023 · Higher is better | 58 | 63 |
Measured for Iran only: Adults Who Experienced a Natural Disaster or Severe Weather
Measured for United States only: Firms Whose Assets Were Damaged by Extreme Weather
Mobility & Trade
Iran:143rdUnited States:7thof 177
Iran on Mobility & Trade →United States on Mobility & Trade →
Key statistics · the 4 the Mobility & Trade standing is built from
Container Import Dwell Time
World Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 156 countries measured, values run from 1 to 21.6; the middle country is at 4.4.
1dashed: the middle country, 4.421.6
Iran: no reading in this edition
United States: 3.4
ICT Goods Exports
UNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 120 countries measured, values run from 0 to 61.45; the middle country is at 0.975.
0dashed: the middle country, 0.97561.45
Iran: no reading in this edition
United States: 9.05
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index
UNCTAD · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 168 countries measured, values run from 4.13 to 1,313; the middle country is at 60.84.
4.13dashed: the middle country, 60.841,313
Iran: 58.8688th of 177 · rank
United States: 514.975th of 177 · rank
Logistics Performance Index
World Bank Group · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 139 countries measured, values run from 1.9 to 4.3; the middle country is at 2.9.
1.9dashed: the middle country, 2.94.3
Iran: 2.3123rd of 139 · rank
United States: 3.817th of 139 · rank
| Also measured · 5 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Cereal Import Dependency RatioFAO · 2022 · No better end | 40.6 | -20.3 |
| EmigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 1,733,468 | 3,186,999 |
| International MigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 3,840,654 | 52,375,047 |
| International Migrants as a Share of PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 4.194 | 15.16 |
| Net Migration RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 2.892 | 3.851 |
Measured for United States only: Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs · Digital Services Trade Restrictiveness Index · FDI Regulatory Restrictiveness Index
Food & Agriculture
Iran:joint 122ndUnited States:12thof 184
Iran on Food & Agriculture →United States on Food & Agriculture →
Key statistics · the 4 the Food & Agriculture standing is built from
Agriculture Orientation Index
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 132 countries measured, values run from 0.03 to 5.38; the middle country is at 0.305.
0.03dashed: the middle country, 0.3055.38
Iran: no reading in this edition
United States: 0.37
Cereal Yield
FAO · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 23 to 29,147; the middle country is at 3,072.
23dashed: the middle country, 3,07229,147
Iran: 2,420
United States: 8,330
Dietary Energy Supply
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 155 countries measured, values run from 1,757 to 3,962; the middle country is at 2,982.
1,757dashed: the middle country, 2,9823,962
Iran: 2,876
United States: 3,962
Progress Toward Productive and Sustainable Agriculture (SDG 2.4.1 Proxy)
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 186 countries measured, values run from 1.67 to 4.57; the middle country is at 3.14.
1.67dashed: the middle country, 3.144.57
Iran: 2.83
United States: 4
Poverty & Inequality
Iran:joint 82ndUnited States:79thof 159
Iran on Poverty & Inequality →United States on Poverty & Inequality →
Key statistics · the 3 the Poverty & Inequality standing is built from
Gini Index
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 159 countries measured, values run from 23 to 59.07; the middle country is at 33.72.
23dashed: the middle country, 33.7259.07
Iran: 35.88
United States: 41.82
Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 159 countries measured, values run from 0 to 48.69; the middle country is at 0.345.
0dashed: the middle country, 0.34548.69
Iran: 0.49
United States: 0.95
Share of Population Unable to Afford a Healthy Diet
FAO · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 145 countries measured, values run from 0.6 to 93.9; the middle country is at 26.4.
0.6dashed: the middle country, 26.493.9
Iran: 37.4
United States: 4.5
| Also measured · 3 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Income Growth of the Poorest 40%World Bank Group · 2022 · Higher is better | -0.119 | 1.454 |
| Median Daily Income or Consumption per PersonWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Higher is better | 10.1948th of 60 · position · derived | 69.745th of 60 · position · derived |
| Societal Poverty RateWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better | 21.8120th of 60 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 19.925th of 60 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Money & Public Finance
No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.
Measured for Iran only: Made or Received a Digital Payment · Saved at a Financial Institution or with Mobile Money · Short-Term Share of External Debt
Measured for United States only: Firms Using Banks to Finance Investment · Share of Firms' Payments Made Electronically
Energy
Iran:no standingUnited States:59thof 165
Key statistics · the 3 the Energy standing is built from
Carbon Intensity of Electricity
Ember · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 165 countries measured, values run from 23.73 to 1,306; the middle country is at 433.75.
23.73dashed: the middle country, 433.751,306
Iran: no reading in this edition
United States: 383.81
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation
Ember · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 165 countries measured, values run from 0 to 100; the middle country is at 32.06.
0dashed: the middle country, 32.06100
Iran: no reading in this edition
United States: 24.06
World Energy Trilemma Index
World Energy Council · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 126 countries measured, values run from 27.7 to 83.2; the middle country is at 63.8.
27.7dashed: the middle country, 63.883.2
Iran: no reading in this edition
United States: 78.910th of 99 · rank
| Also measured · 7 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Oil ProductionEIA · 2025 · No better end | 4,051 | 13,586 |
| Natural Gas ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end | 279 | 1,069 |
| Photovoltaic Power Potential (PVOUT)World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · 2020 · No better end | 4.916 | 4.358 |
| Primary Energy Consumption per CapitaEIA · 2024 · No better end | 152.46 | 278.47 |
| Primary Energy ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end | 20.18 | 103.55 |
| RISE Energy Efficiency Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better | 72.4 | 81.64 |
| RISE Renewable Energy Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better | 38.33 | 74.8 |
Measured for United States only: Firms Identifying Electricity as a Major Constraint · Firms Owning or Sharing a Generator · Gas Share of Electricity Generation · Hydro Share of Electricity Generation · Net Electricity Imports (share of generation) · Nuclear Share of Electricity Generation
Digital & Technology
Iran:joint 109thUnited States:8thof 198
Iran on Digital & Technology →United States on Digital & Technology →
Key statistics · the 4 the Digital & Technology standing is built from
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports
UNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 170 countries measured, values run from 0.377 to 87.15; the middle country is at 25.42.
0.377dashed: the middle country, 25.4287.15
Iran: 11.7
United States: 65.92
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 195 countries measured, values run from 12.12 to 88.36; the middle country is at 40.19.
12.12dashed: the middle country, 40.1988.36
Iran: 48.3476th of 195 · rank
United States: 88.361st of 195 · rank
Government Cyber Security Capacity
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from -2.66 to 3.715; the middle country is at 0.196.
-2.66dashed: the middle country, 0.1963.715
Iran: -0.66
United States: 2.555
GovTech Maturity Index
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 196 countries measured, values run from 0.01 to 0.997; the middle country is at 0.63.
0.01dashed: the middle country, 0.630.997
Iran: 0.686
United States: 0.771
| Also measured · 7 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| AI User Share of the Working-Age PopulationMicrosoft AI Economy Institute · 2026 · Higher is better | 12.8 | 33 |
| GitHub DevelopersGitHub · 2026 · No better end | 898,557 | 32,410,529 |
| GitHub Git PushesGitHub · 2025 · No better end | 798,320 | 40,768,192 |
| GitHub RepositoriesGitHub · 2026 · No better end | 1,142,310 | 77,284,974 |
| Internet Use Among AdultsWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 77.4886th of 140 · position · derived | 97.816th of 140 · position · derived |
| Mobile Phone OwnershipWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 87.0194th of 140 · position · derived | 98.0115th of 140 · position · derived |
| Smartphone OwnershipWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 73.7976th of 140 · position · derived | 92.649th of 140 · position · derived |
Measured for United States only: Anthropic AI Usage Index · Firms Experiencing Internet Disruptions · Firms with Their Own Website
People & Population
No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.
| Measured · 16 | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Average Household SizeUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 3.492011too old to compare | 2.492020 |
| Crude Birth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 12.95 | 10.65 |
| Crude Death RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 4.672 | 8.663 |
| Historical Index of Ethnic FractionalizationLenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · 2013 · No better end | 0.743 | 0.527 |
| Mean Age at ChildbearingUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 28.78 | 29.9 |
| Median Age of the PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 32.87 | 38.02 |
| One-Person HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 8.482016 | 282020 |
| Population Aged 65 and OverUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 7.916 | 17.43 |
| Population DensityUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 55.63 | 37.55 |
| Population Growth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 1.117 | 0.584 |
| Population Living in Cities (Degree of Urbanisation)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end | 60.8 | 34.97 |
| Population Under Age 15UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 22.84 | 17.59 |
| Sex Ratio of the Total PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 103.4 | 100.99 |
| Total Dependency RatioUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 44.41 | 53.91 |
| Total Fertility RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 1.695 | 1.624 |
| Urban Population Share (National Definitions)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end | 77.38 | 80.19 |
04Over time
How the two have moved
Iran solid, United States dashed. Values from 2000; ranks are the publisher’s own, each year counted in that year’s field.
GDP per person
international $, PPP · World Bank Group
- Iran, 2025
- 16,834
- United States, 2025
- 76,931
United States’s GDP per person was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2025.
Life expectancy at birth
years at birth · UN DESA Population Division
- Iran, 2023
- 77.65
- United States, 2023
- 79.3
United States’s life expectancy was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2023.
Population
people · UN DESA Population Division
- Iran, 2023
- 90,608,707
- United States, 2023
- 343,477,335
United States’s population was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2023.
Human Development Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · UNDP Human Development Report Office
- Iran, 2023
- 75th of 193
- United States, 2023
- 17th of 193
Corruption Perceptions Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Transparency International
- Iran, 2025
- 153rd of 181
- United States, 2025
- 29th of 181
Gender Inequality Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · UNDP Human Development Report Office
- Iran, 2023
- 123rd of 172
- United States, 2023
- 45th of 172
Global Innovation Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · World Intellectual Property Organization
- Iran, 2025
- 70th of 139
- United States, 2025
- 3rd of 139
Economic Complexity Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Growth Lab at Harvard University
- Iran, 2024
- 87th of 145
- United States, 2024
- 18th of 145
Government AI Readiness Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Oxford Insights
- Iran, 2025
- 76th of 195
- United States, 2025
- 1st of 195
05Recorded facts
The two countries
| Fact | Iran | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Tehran | Washington, D.C. |
| Languages | Persian | Carolinian, Chamorro, English, Hawaiian, Samoan, Spanish |
| Currency | Iranian rial (IRR) | United States dollar (USD) |
| Calling code | +98 | +1 |
| Internet domain | .ir | .us |
| ISO codes | IR · IRN | US · USA |
| Where | Southern Asia · Asia | Northern America · Americas |
No shared land border
06Keep comparing
Compare more
Iran compared with
07Questions
Iran and United States: common questions
Which is bigger, Iran or United States?
People: Iran 90,608,707 and United States 343,477,335 in 2023, according to UN DESA Population Division. United States has 3.8 times as many. Land area, in square kilometres: Iran 1,622,500 and United States 9,147,420 in 2024, according to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). United States’s is 5.6 times as large.
Which has the higher GDP per person, Iran or United States?
United States. GDP per person at purchasing power parity, in international dollars: Iran 16,834 and United States 76,931 in 2025, according to World Bank Group.
Where are Iran and United States placed in the Country Index 2026?
Iran is placed 143rd of 183, and United States is placed 37th of 183. The Country Index 2026 is this site’s own ordering of published statistics, subject by subject; it is not a rank any publisher printed.
Do Iran and United States share a border?
No: the two share no land border in the Natural Earth outlines.
How many statistics compare Iran and United States?
285 statistics from 59 publishers measure both. 35 more measure only Iran, and 67 only United States; those are listed under each subject rather than left out.
Why do some rows give two different years?
For 20 of the 285 shared statistics the publisher compiles each country’s latest survey, so the two readings describe different years. Both years are printed, and those rows are left out of every comparison in the summary.
08Method
Sources and how to read them
Every value is the newest reading the publisher issued, exactly as each country’s profile prints it: Iran and United States. A rank is a number the publisher printed; a position · derived is this site’s ordering of one published statistic; a standing is a place in the Country Index 2026.
Where a publisher compiles each country’s latest survey, the two readings can describe different years. Both years are then printed, and the row is left out of every comparison in the summary. How every number on the site is read is set out on the methodology page.
The banner photographs are credited beside each picture.
The 59 publishers behind the shared statistics
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · Ariel Karlinsky and Dmitry Kobak (World Mortality Dataset) · Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · CIVICUS · Electoral Integrity Project (EIP) · European Commission Joint Research Centre — Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) · European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · European Commission, Joint Research Centre (EDGAR) · Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Frederick Solt, University of Iowa · GitHub · Global Carbon Project · Global Energy Monitor · Global Mangrove Watch (Aberystwyth University, JAXA, soloEO, Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy) · Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC) · Growth Lab at Harvard University · Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · International Labour Organization (ILO) · Jonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · Lenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · Lloyd's Register Foundation · Maddison Project, Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC) · Microsoft AI Economy Institute · Nobel Prize Outreach · Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · OECD · OpenAlex (OurResearch) · Oxford Insights · Transparency International · U.S. Department of State · U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · UN DESA Population Division · UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · UNDP Human Development Report Office · UNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · UNICEF · UNICEF and WHO (Joint Database on Skilled Birth Attendance) · UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Wellcome Trust · WHO and UNICEF (WUENIC) · World Bank Group · World Bank Group (Climate Change Knowledge Portal), from Copernicus ERA5 (ECMWF) · World Bank Group (ESMAP) · World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · World Bank Group (ID4D) · World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · World Energy Council · World Intellectual Property Organization · World Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · World Resources Institute (WRI)
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry. Iran and United States, compared. Country Index 2026 edition. https://nationsinquiry.com/compare/iran-vs-united-states