Politics:
In 2005 the conservative Iranian president Mahmud Ahmadinejad was elected.  His policies and Iran's nuclear program have continued to concern the US and other countries as well as the Int’l Atomic Energy Agency.  Islamic clergy continue to dominate the highest ranks of the government.  But they are divided into radical and conservative factions.  In the parliamentary election of 2004, the conservatives took control of the legislature.

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Religion:
With the revolution in 1979, Iran became an Islamic Republic.  The religious split is 90% Shia Muslim, 9% Sunni Muslim, and 1% Jews and Christians.  Religious tensions between Shia and Sunni Muslims surface frequently.  Most Christians are Armenians or Assyrians.  Most non- Armenian and Assyrian churches have been forced to go underground.  Christian evangelism is forbidden.   Since the revolution, Christians and Jews and other minorities suffer ranging degrees of discrimination, particularly in employment and education.

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Economy:
Oil and gas are the main exports.  Oil is 75% of export earnings, carpets are 11%.  Iran has one of the world’s largest copper reserves.  Over 30% of the land is cultivable, but only 9% is under cultivation.  Persian carpets are Iran’s most famous cultural export.  Unemployment is about 30%.  The average annual income is $1000.

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Stories:
Since the 2004 elections there has been less freedom for Christians.  Nevertheless, God is moving.  The nation is ripe for harvest.  Many Muslims have reported meeting Christ in dreams, visions, and through healings.  The church is growing despite the persecution.

Find out more about life in the Muslim world at the Open Doors online store.
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