The religion of Iran is overwhelmingly Islam, with the vast majority of its population adhering to the Shia branch.
Dominant Religion: Islam (Shia)
Islam is the official state religion of Iran, and it deeply influences the country's laws, culture, and governance. The vast majority of the population identifies as Muslim, specifically following the Twelver Shia Islam tradition. Estimates indicate that Muslims constitute approximately 99.4 percent of Iran's population.
Within the Muslim population, the distribution is heavily skewed towards Shia Islam:
- Shia Muslims: Account for an estimated 90 to 95 percent of the Muslim population, making them the overwhelming majority.
- Sunni Muslims: Represent a smaller but significant minority, comprising about 5 to 10 percent of the Muslim population.
Sunni Muslim Communities
Sunni Muslims in Iran are primarily found among various ethnic groups and are concentrated in specific regions of the country. These communities include:
- Turkmen: Residing in the northeast provinces.
- Arabs: Predominantly found in the southwest.
- Baluch: Living in the southeast.
- Kurds: Inhabiting the northwest provinces.
This ethnic and geographic distribution highlights the diversity within Iran's Muslim population.
Religious Demographics at a Glance
To provide a clearer picture of Iran's religious landscape, here's an approximate breakdown of the total population:
| Religious Group | Approximate Percentage of Total Population |
|---|---|
| Shia Islam | 89-94% |
| Sunni Islam | 5-10% |
| Other Religions | <1% |
Other Religious Minorities
While Islam is dominant, Iran is also home to several religious minorities, some of whom are officially recognized by the constitution, and others who face significant restrictions.
Recognized Minorities
The Iranian constitution officially recognizes several non-Muslim religious minorities, granting them some protections and reserved parliamentary seats. These include:
- Zoroastrians: An ancient indigenous religion of Persia.
- Jews: Iran hosts one of the largest Jewish communities in the Middle East outside of Israel.
- Christians: Including Armenian and Assyrian Christians, among others.
These communities generally have dedicated places of worship and are permitted to observe their religious customs, though they may still face societal discrimination.
Unrecognized and Persecuted Groups
Other religious groups in Iran, such as Baha'is, are not officially recognized and face severe persecution, including legal discrimination, restrictions on their religious practices, and denial of various civil rights.
For more detailed information on religious freedom in Iran, you can refer to reports by international human rights organizations or governmental bodies.
