Iran

1980

2026

2030

1980

2026

2030

Iran Economic Statistics (2026)

GDP per capita (PPP) in 2026: $21,882—a middle income level.

The economy has grown at an average rate of 3.2% over the past 5 years.

Inflation is high at 41.6%, eroding purchasing power.

GDP per capita (PPP)

$21,882

GDP growth

+1.1%

Inflation rate

41.6%

Unemployment

9.2%

Key terms

GDP: — Gross Domestic Product—the total value of goods and services produced in a country annually.
GDP PPP: — GDP adjusted for purchasing power parity—what money actually buys in each country.
GDP per capita: — GDP divided by population—a measure of average economic output per person.
Inflation rate: — Annual percentage increase in the general price level of goods and services.
Fiscal balance: — Government revenue minus expenditure. Surplus if positive, deficit if negative.
Current account: — Net flow of goods, services, and transfers with the rest of the world.

Total economic output and annual growth rate

Total GDP is $376 billion, with slow growth of 1.1% in 2026.

Average economic output per person

GDP per capita is $4,250 in nominal terms, but $21,882 when adjusted for local purchasing power—indicating lower prices than in the US.

Consumer price inflation and labor market conditions

The economy is experiencing high inflation at 41.6% and high unemployment at 9.2%.

Government debt, revenue, and expenditure as percentage of GDP

Government debt is moderate at 36% of GDP. The government spends more than it collects (revenue: 10.0%, expenditure: 14.2% of GDP).

Fiscal balance and current account as percentage of GDP

The country is running a fiscal deficit of 4.3% and a current account surplus of 2.0% of GDP.

Iran is a middle-income economy with GDP per capita (PPP) of $22k. High inflation (41.6%) is a challenge.