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Iran

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United States

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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.

Share

Country Index 2026 · standing

143rdIranof 183 placed · would sit between 137th and 147th if any one key statistic were dropped
37thUnited Statesof 183 placed · would sit between 36th and 38th if any one key statistic were dropped

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.

The full index
  1. Governance & Institutions168th · joint 25th of 194
  2. Economy & Innovationjoint 73rd · 28th of 176
  3. Work & Labour175th · 14th of 182
  4. Education & Knowledge104th · 60th of 198
  5. Health & Wellbeingjoint 67th · joint 30th of 200
  6. Development & Human Capital48th · 46th of 196
  7. Environment & Sustainability180th · 171st of 186
  8. Gender & Equality181st · joint 43rd of 183
  9. Democracy & Civil Liberties187th · 68th of 198
  10. Peace & Security165th · 136th of 177
  11. Risk & Resiliencejoint 116th · 72nd of 193
  12. Mobility & Trade143rd · 7th of 177
  13. Food & Agriculturejoint 122nd · 12th of 184
  14. Poverty & Inequalityjoint 82nd · 79th of 159
  15. Energy— · 59th of 165Iran has no standing on Energy: it holds fewer than the 2 of its 3 key statistics a standing needs.
  16. 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.

All statistics

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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

Governance & Institutions: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 22IranUnited States
Central Bank Independence IndexAna Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · 2023 · No better end0.470.391
Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better86.9201982.42023
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better0.379105th of 192 · rank0.63220th of 192 · rank
Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better98.62010too old to compare1002024
Control of CorruptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better-1.142182nd of 211 · position · derived0.86546th of 211 · position · derived
Disability Benefit CoverageILO · 2023 · Higher is better8.7100
Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.56110th of 176 · position · derived0.608102nd of 176 · position · derived
Foundational ID OwnershipWorld Bank Group (ID4D) · 2024 · Higher is better91.9789.8
Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · Higher is better15
Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.103139th of 176 · position · derived0.57151st of 176 · position · derived
Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.35286th of 176 · position · derived1.71722nd of 176 · position · derived
Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better0.81936th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.123144th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better87.220191002023
Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better0.76842nd of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.06155th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end13.21201973rd of 135 · position · derived12.88201876th of 135 · position · derived
Public Sector Wage BillWorld Bank Group · 2022 · No better end2.818162nd of 168 · position · derived9.25763rd of 168 · position · derived
Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better-1.525199th of 209 · position · derived1.00632nd of 209 · position · derived
Rigorous and Impartial Public AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-0.568126th of 176 · position · derived1.22352nd of 176 · position · derived
State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better86.7597.46
State Capacity IndexJonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · 2015 · Higher is better0.50481st of 166 · position · derived1.8616th of 166 · position · derived
State Fiscal Source of RevenueV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-0.137143rd of 176 · position · derived2.37733rd of 176 · position · derived
Voice and AccountabilityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better-1.627188th of 206 · position · derived0.64559th 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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

Economy & Innovation: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 29IranUnited States
Commodity Export DependenceUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end51.3835.25
Complexity Outlook IndexGrowth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · No better end0.3761.372
Comprehensive Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better47,54574th of 150 · position · derived751,6328th of 150 · position · derived
Container Port TrafficUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end2,921,35945th of 103 · position · derived59,707,4902nd of 103 · position · derived
Crop Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better77.41184th of 195 · position · derived92.96165th of 195 · position · derived
Export Concentration IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end0.1260.106
Food Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better83.89183rd of 195 · position · derived100.86130th of 195 · position · derived
Foreign Direct Investment InflowsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end0.4050.901
Frontier Technology Readiness IndexUNCTAD · 2023 · Higher is better0.54472nd of 170 · position · derived11st of 170 · position · derived
GDP GrowthWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better-2.826185th of 186 · position · derived2.161128th of 186 · position · derived
Gini Index of Disposable Income (SWIID)Frederick Solt, University of Iowa · 2023 · Lower is better35.433rd of 79 · position · derived · 1 = worst39.220th of 79 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Global Innovation IndexWorld Intellectual Property Organization · 2025 · Higher is better28.5270th of 139 · rank61.693rd of 139 · rank
Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison)GGDC · 2022 · Higher is better18,47363rd of 166 · position · derived58,4878th of 166 · position · derived
Income Share Held by Lowest 20%World Bank Group · 2023 · Higher is better7.0232nd of 60 · position · derived5.0553rd of 60 · position · derived
Income Share Held by Richest 10%World Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better28.1623rd of 60 · position · derived · 1 = worst30.9115th of 60 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Inflation, GDP DeflatorWorld Bank Group · 2025 · No better end28.782.801
Informal Output (DGE Model Estimate)World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · 2020 · Lower is better16.187.953
Livestock Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better99.85139th of 194 · position · derived110.5581st of 194 · position · derived
Merchant Fleet by Country of OwnershipUNCTAD · 2026 · No better end19,44445,645
Palma RatioWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better1.50224th of 60 · position · derived · 1 = worst2.04312th of 60 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Price Level of Household ConsumptionGGDC · 2023 · No better end0.2951.067
Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · Higher is better44.72114th of 195 · position · derived70.492nd of 195 · position · derived
Researchers per Million InhabitantsUIS · years differ · Higher is better2,240202143rd of 145 · position · derived4,937202224th of 145 · position · derived
Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · No better end78,047700,214
Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · No better end465.621,257
Terms of Trade IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end119.08108.14
Total Factor Productivity LevelGGDC · 2023 · Higher is better0.8121
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · No better end30.459th of 180 · position · derived1.28106th of 180 · position · derived
Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · Higher is better5.1949.26

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

  1. 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

  2. Labour Income Share

    ILO · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 9.691 to 75.13; the middle country is at 46.23.

    9.691dashed: the middle country, 46.2375.13

    Iran: 34.95

    United States: 55.81

  3. 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

  4. 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

Work & Labour: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 18IranUnited States
Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · No better end45.9814th of 182 · position · derived36.27122nd of 182 · position · derived
Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · Lower is better103.83
Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · No better end13.6296th of 182 · position · derived1.525165th of 182 · position · derived
Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · No better end34.76th of 182 · position · derived18.9190th of 182 · position · derived
Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · No better end51.67118th of 182 · position · derived79.5623rd of 182 · position · derived
Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · 2023 · Higher is better45.987.2
Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better14.01178th of 182 · position · derived56.3474th of 182 · position · derived
Female Share of Senior and Middle ManagementILO · 2024 · Higher is better21.3682nd of 86 · position · derived44.3314th of 86 · position · derived
GDP per Person EmployedWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better57,46869th of 168 · position · derived156,9839th of 168 · position · derived
Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better11,813104th of 151 · position · derived503,3504th of 151 · position · derived
Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better40.97171st of 182 · position · derived61.791st of 182 · position · derived
Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · Higher is better23.5585th of 182 · position · derived81.812th of 182 · position · derived
Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better2700
Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better140
Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · No better end42.9468th of 182 · position · derived6.074175th of 182 · position · derived
Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better5.3202350.52021
Youth Not in Education, Employment or TrainingILO · 2024 · Lower is better24.3218th of 97 · position · derived · 1 = worst11.665th of 97 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · Lower is better21.937th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst9.34120th 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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

Education & Knowledge: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 16IranUnited States
Academic Freedom IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.06170th of 176 · position · derived0.397117th of 176 · position · derived
Bachelor's or Higher AttainmentUIS · 2023 · Higher is better17.9250th of 90 · position · derived38.66th of 90 · position · derived
Expected Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better13.9788th of 195 · position · derived15.9247th of 195 · position · derived
Harmonized Test ScoresWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better432.1170th of 172 · position · derived511.824th of 172 · position · derived
Intergenerational Persistence in EducationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better0.416201492nd of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.413201594th of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Learning PovertyWorld Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 2021 · Lower is better41.5457th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst9.69295th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Learning-Adjusted Years of SchoolWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better8.19283rd of 172 · position · derived10.5634th of 172 · position · derived
Lower Secondary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · Higher is better92.174th of 164 · position · derived99.0318th of 164 · position · derived
Mean Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better10.8573rd of 193 · position · derived13.913rd of 193 · position · derived
Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of Lower SecondaryUIS · years differ · Higher is better28.55202366.082022
Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of PrimaryUIS · 2023 · Higher is better31.1667.84
Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of PrimaryUIS · 2021 · Higher is better58.694.51
Nobel Prize Laureates by Country of BirthNobel Prize Outreach · 2025 · No better end3296
Primary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · Higher is better96.7488th of 165 · position · derived99.996th of 165 · position · derived
Trust in ScientistsWellcome Trust · 2020 · No better end50.8353.94
Upper Secondary AttainmentUIS · 2023 · Higher is better45.6864th of 95 · position · derived91.467th 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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

Health & Wellbeing: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 36IranUnited States
Adolescent Birth Rate (Ages 15–19)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better26.2116th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst13.14148th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Adult Mortality (Probability of Dying Between 15 and 60)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better82.03161st of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst107.7133rd of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Adults Who Have Been Too Anxious or Depressed to Carry OnWellcome Trust · 2020 · No better end25.9621.26
Agreement That Vaccines Are SafeWellcome Trust · 2018 · Higher is better68.52108th of 144 · position · derived72.0997th of 144 · position · derived
Antenatal Care Coverage, At Least Four VisitsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better93.4201633rd of 153 · position · derived96.62011too old to compare14th of 153 · position · derived
Births Attended by Skilled Health StaffUNICEF and WHO (Joint Database on Skilled Birth Attendance) · 2023 · Higher is better9946th of 84 · position · derived98.849th of 84 · position · derived
Caesarean Section RateUNICEF · years differ · No better end50.1201631.12007too old to compare
Catastrophic Out-of-Pocket Health SpendingWorld Bank Group · 2016 · No better end17.564.467
Coefficient of Variation of Habitual Caloric ConsumptionFAO · 2024 · Lower is better0.250.17
Contraceptive Prevalence (Any Method)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end57.160.4
Cost of a Healthy DietFAO · 2025 · No better end4.82.86
Days Above 35°CECMWF · 2025 · Lower is better98.1512.49
Demand for Family Planning Satisfied by Modern MethodsUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better75.971st of 196 · position · derived80.149th of 196 · position · derived
Excess Mortality During the COVID-19 PandemicAriel Karlinsky and Dmitry Kobak (World Mortality Dataset) · years differ · Lower is better313.62022405.52023
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six MonthsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better47.4201751st of 136 · position · derived25.82018108th of 136 · position · derived
Fish and Seafood Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end11.321.94
Fruit Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · Higher is better123.37169.2
Gender Inequality IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better0.482123rd of 172 · rank0.16945th of 172 · rank
Human Capital IndexWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better0.59375th of 172 · position · derived0.70235th of 172 · position · derived
Immunisation Coverage, DTP3WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better9894
Immunisation Coverage, Measles First Dose (MCV1)WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better9992
Infant Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better10.32115th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst5.482146th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Life Expectancy at Age 65UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better17.5980th of 222 · position · derived2043rd of 222 · position · derived
Meat Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end29.9122.06
Modern Contraceptive PrevalenceUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end45.752.8
Mortality Rate, Ages 5–14UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better3.18690th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst1.487149th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Neonatal Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better7.202109th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst3.652148th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Overweight Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · 2024 · Lower is better2.742140th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst9.69440th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Pesticide Use per HectareFAO · 2024 · No better end0.33150th of 178 · position · derived2.7873rd of 178 · position · derived
PM2.5 Air Pollution ExposureAtmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · 2023 · Lower is better33.426th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst8.6162nd of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Prevalence of Moderate or Severe Food InsecurityFAO · 2024 · Lower is better37.740th of 135 · position · derived · 1 = worst10.788th of 135 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Prevalence of UndernourishmentFAO · 2023 · Lower is better6.870th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst2.5104th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Share of Dietary Energy Supply from Cereals, Roots and TubersFAO · 2022 · Lower is better5224
Stillbirth RateUN IGME · 2023 · Lower is better5.422127th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst2.681173rd of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Vegetable Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · Higher is better105.38129.06
Wasting Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · years differ · Lower is better4.3201771st of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.12022163rd 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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. Social Protection Coverage

    ILO · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 209 countries measured, values run from 0 to 100; the middle country is at 52.1.

    0dashed: the middle country, 52.1100

    Iran: 100

    United States: 78.8

Development & Human Capital: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 13IranUnited States
Access to ElectricityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better100100
Access to Electricity, RuralWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better100100
Coefficient of Human InequalityUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better19.0878th of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst10.7120th of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Gender Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Closer to 1 is better0.875164th of 184 · position · derived1.00933rd of 184 · position · derived
Inequality-adjusted Human Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better0.64374th of 169 · position · derived0.83229th of 169 · position · derived
Multidimensional Poverty MeasureWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better2.548202389th of 157 · position · derived · 1 = worst1.2762024110th of 157 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better0.72549th of 156 · position · derived0.68673rd of 156 · position · derived
Poverty Headcount at $3.00 a Day, Line-up EstimatesWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better2.391.02
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a DayWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better2.4919th of 58 · position · derived · 1 = worst1.225th of 58 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $4.20 a DayWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better7.5316th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst1.430th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a DayWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better36.0515th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst2.141st of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Poverty Severity (Squared Poverty Gap) at $3.00 a DayWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better0.170.79
Prosperity GapWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better3.3216th of 60 · position · derived · 1 = worst1.43434th 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

  1. 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

  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

  3. 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

  4. 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

Environment & Sustainability: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 30IranUnited States
Agricultural EmissionsFAO · 2023 · No better end87,28217th of 193 · position · derived501,6314th of 193 · position · derived
Agricultural Emissions IntensityFAO · 2023 · Lower is better1.1124th of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.97141st of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Agricultural Irrigated LandFAO · 2023 · No better end16.9421st of 121 · position · derived5.10152nd of 121 · position · derived
Agricultural LandFAO · 2023 · No better end29.01129th of 209 · position · derived46.0874th of 209 · position · derived
Annual Forest Area Change RateFAO · 2025 · Higher is better0-0.04
Arable Land per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end0.17373rd of 206 · position · derived0.4517th of 206 · position · derived
Baseline Water Stress (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better4.6532.604
Burned AreaGWIS · 2025 · No better end300,0072,560,985
Children's Climate Risk IndexUNICEF · 2020 · Lower is better5.370th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst580th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst
Consumption-Based CO₂ EmissionsGlobal Carbon Project · 2023 · No better end182.471,482
Cropland Nitrogen BalanceFAO · 2023 · No better end54.1135.6
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)EIA · 2024 · Lower is better9.2434.16
Fertilizer Consumption per HectareFAO · 2023 · No better end68.29106th of 188 · position · derived127.869th of 188 · position · derived
Fisheries and Aquaculture ProductionFAO · 2024 · No better end1,498,2254,220,467
Forest AreaFAO · 2023 · No better end6.649175th of 210 · position · derived33.8796th of 210 · position · derived
Forest Area within Legally Established Protected AreasFAO · 2025 · Higher is better14.059.99
Land Under Cereal ProductionFAO · 2023 · No better end8,661,54422nd of 179 · position · derived55,537,6733rd of 179 · position · derived
Livestock DensityFAO · 2023 · No better end0.47104th of 188 · position · derived0.31133rd of 188 · position · derived
Mangrove AreaGlobal Mangrove Watch (Aberystwyth University, JAXA, soloEO, Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy) · 2025 · No better end10,704252,545
Methane EmissionsEDGAR · 2025 · No better end5,51629,362
Municipal Solid Waste GenerationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better0.632022141st of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst2.178201818th of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst
ND-GAIN Country IndexNotre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better47.5192nd of 190 · rank65.7517th of 190 · rank
Operating Coal Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end0184,448
Operating Wind Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end502157,594
Population Living Below 5 m ElevationCenter for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · 2015 · No better end0.9291.98
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per CapitaFAO · 2022 · Higher is better1,435114th of 181 · position · derived8,43754th of 181 · position · derived
Solar Electricity Installed CapacityEIA · 2024 · No better end0.782176.68
Temperature Change on LandFAO · 2025 · No better end2.0741.758
Tree Cover LossWorld Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · 2025 · No better end80.491,573,245
Water Withdrawal by SectorFAO · 2022 · No better end92.1818th of 171 · position · derived39.66109th 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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

Gender & Equality: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 7IranUnited States
Account Ownership Among WomenWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better86.7941st of 139 · position · derived97.1125th of 139 · position · derived
Female-Headed HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end12.69201650.192020
Gender Social Norms IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2022 · Lower is better95.4736th of 91 · position · derived · 1 = worst50.2282nd of 91 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Global Gender Parity IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · 2022 · Higher is better0.3930.787
Mean Age at First Marriage, WomenUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end23.1201627.52010
Sex Ratio at BirthUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end105.2104.9
Women's Empowerment IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · 2022 · Higher is better0.4540.752

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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

Democracy & Civil Liberties: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 15IranUnited States
Deliberative Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.094149th of 176 · position · derived0.48158th of 176 · position · derived
Egalitarian Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.152137th of 176 · position · derived0.47257th of 176 · position · derived
Exclusion by Socio-Economic GroupV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2023 · Lower is better0.54959th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.194129th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.166152nd of 176 · position · derived0.72984th of 176 · position · derived
Freedom of Foreign MovementV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-0.779157th of 176 · position · derived1.59468th of 176 · position · derived
Freedom of Peaceful AssemblyV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.15161st of 172 · position · derived0.42893rd of 172 · position · derived
Freedom of ReligionV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-1.632167th of 176 · position · derived0.953109th of 176 · position · derived
Government Censorship of the MediaV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-1.494151st of 176 · position · derived0.87572nd 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 · derived1.02588th of 176 · position · derived
Government Social Media CensorshipV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.24167th of 176 · position · derived1.05764th of 176 · position · derived
Mass MobilizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · No better end1.3192.481
Military Dimension IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better0.0920
Participatory Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.042168th of 176 · position · derived0.5136th of 176 · position · derived
Political PolarizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better1.05255th of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst2.316th 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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

Peace & Security: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 6IranUnited States
Arms Imports (% of total imports)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · No better end00.2
Civilian Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better4630
Deaths in Non-State ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better00
Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better1,26817th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst059th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Deaths in State-Based Armed ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better1,2490
Refugees by Country of OriginUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end157,9123,667

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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

Risk & Resilience: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 6IranUnited States
Asylum-Seekers by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end03,718,945
Drought Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better2.8852nd of 138 · rank · 1 = worst1.974112th of 138 · rank · 1 = worst
Per Capita Food Supply VariabilityFAO · 2024 · Lower is better2113
Refugee Population by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end770,514457,647
Riverine Flood Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better1.841106th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst0.834141st of 163 · rank · 1 = worst
World Risk Poll Resilience IndexLloyd's Register Foundation · 2023 · Higher is better5863

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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

Mobility & Trade: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 5IranUnited States
Cereal Import Dependency RatioFAO · 2022 · No better end40.6-20.3
EmigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end1,733,4683,186,999
International MigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end3,840,65452,375,047
International Migrants as a Share of PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end4.19415.16
Net Migration RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end2.8923.851

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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

Poverty & Inequality: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 3IranUnited States
Income Growth of the Poorest 40%World Bank Group · 2022 · Higher is better-0.1191.454
Median Daily Income or Consumption per PersonWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Higher is better10.1948th of 60 · position · derived69.745th of 60 · position · derived
Societal Poverty RateWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better21.8120th of 60 · position · derived · 1 = worst19.925th 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

United States on Energy →

Key statistics · the 3 the Energy standing is built from

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

Energy: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 7IranUnited States
Crude Oil ProductionEIA · 2025 · No better end4,05113,586
Natural Gas ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end2791,069
Photovoltaic Power Potential (PVOUT)World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · 2020 · No better end4.9164.358
Primary Energy Consumption per CapitaEIA · 2024 · No better end152.46278.47
Primary Energy ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end20.18103.55
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better72.481.64
RISE Renewable Energy Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better38.3374.8

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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

Digital & Technology: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Also measured · 7IranUnited States
AI User Share of the Working-Age PopulationMicrosoft AI Economy Institute · 2026 · Higher is better12.833
GitHub DevelopersGitHub · 2026 · No better end898,55732,410,529
GitHub Git PushesGitHub · 2025 · No better end798,32040,768,192
GitHub RepositoriesGitHub · 2026 · No better end1,142,31077,284,974
Internet Use Among AdultsWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better77.4886th of 140 · position · derived97.816th of 140 · position · derived
Mobile Phone OwnershipWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better87.0194th of 140 · position · derived98.0115th of 140 · position · derived
Smartphone OwnershipWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better73.7976th of 140 · position · derived92.649th 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.

People & Population: statistics measuring both Iran and United States
Measured · 16IranUnited States
Average Household SizeUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end3.492011too old to compare2.492020
Crude Birth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end12.9510.65
Crude Death RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end4.6728.663
Historical Index of Ethnic FractionalizationLenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · 2013 · No better end0.7430.527
Mean Age at ChildbearingUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end28.7829.9
Median Age of the PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end32.8738.02
One-Person HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end8.482016282020
Population Aged 65 and OverUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end7.91617.43
Population DensityUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end55.6337.55
Population Growth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end1.1170.584
Population Living in Cities (Degree of Urbanisation)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end60.834.97
Population Under Age 15UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end22.8417.59
Sex Ratio of the Total PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end103.4100.99
Total Dependency RatioUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end44.4153.91
Total Fertility RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end1.6951.624
Urban Population Share (National Definitions)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end77.3880.19

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

020,00040,00060,000200020132025Iran: 16,834 in 2025United States: 76,931 in 2025
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

0204060200020122023Iran: 77.65 in 2023United States: 79.3 in 2023
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

0100,000,000200,000,000300,000,000200020122023Iran: 90,608,707 in 2023United States: 343,477,335 in 2023
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

20th40th60th80th200020122023Iran: 75th of 193 in 2023United States: 17th of 193 in 2023
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

50th100th150th201220192025Iran: 153rd of 181 in 2025United States: 29th of 181 in 2025
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

25th50th75th100th200020122023Iran: 123rd of 172 in 2023United States: 45th of 172 in 2023
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

20th40th60th202220242025Iran: 70th of 139 in 2025United States: 3rd of 139 in 2025
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

25th50th75th100th200020122024Iran: 87th of 145 in 2024United States: 18th of 145 in 2024
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

20th40th60th80th202020232025Iran: 76th of 195 in 2025United States: 1st of 195 in 2025
Iran, 2025
76th of 195
United States, 2025
1st of 195

05Recorded facts

The two countries

Fact Iran United States
CapitalTehranWashington, D.C.
LanguagesPersianCarolinian, Chamorro, English, Hawaiian, Samoan, Spanish
CurrencyIranian rial (IRR)United States dollar (USD)
Calling code+98+1
Internet domain.ir.us
ISO codesIR · IRNUS · USA
WhereSouthern Asia · AsiaNorthern America · Americas

No shared land border

Iran in black and United States in blue-grey on a map
Iran United StatesOutlines from Natural Earth, which draws borders as they are held on the ground. No line on this map is a statement about where a border should be.

06Keep comparing

Compare more

Every comparison, and a picker for any two countries →

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

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