Iran

Iran Factbook

Iran is completely dominated by Islam. Believers are few in number and are forced to live in fear. However, there has been some improvement in recent years. The current government is pushing for some moderation in Islamic law, and more Muslims are showing an interest in Christ.

Iran is located in the Middle East and shares borders with several nations including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It also includes the entire eastern shore of the Persian Gulf and much of the Gulf of Oman. The land is mostly desert or near desert with consistently hot dry weather.

The population of Iran is nearly 66 million. The people represent dozens of ethnic groups with the largest being of native Persian background.

The economy is based almost entirely on the export of oil and oil products. The oil industry is state owned, so the Iranian government is the primary beneficiary of the wealth oil provides. The current government has attempted to diversify the economy but has made little progress. Many Iranians are engaged in subsistence farming, but the climate makes farming difficult. Iran cannot produce enough food to feed everyone.

Iran was known as Persia until 1935. In 1979, the Shah was overthrown by Islamic fundamentalists and an Islamic state was declared with strict implementation of Islamic law. The current president is more moderate and was recently reelected by the people. However, the hard-line Muslims are still very influential. Reform is painfully slow.

Islam is the official religion. Constitutional rights are granted to other religious groups including Christians, but in practice many Christians suffer at the hands of Muslims. Persecution has increased since the late 1980s. Few Christians are known in Iran, but many Muslims have begun to show an interest in the gospel. There may be a few thousand believers among the Muslims who cannot speak out for fear of reprisal. Pray for the encouragement of all Christians, particularly converted Muslims. Iran is a lonely and dangerous place for believers.

The vast majority of Iranians have never heard the gospel. No missionaries are allowed in Iran but a number of Christians are working in aid ministries. Pray for opportunities for them to share their faith. Pray for other means to spread the gospel. Bibles and Christian literature are in short supply. Christian radio broadcasts are available for several hours each week. Pray for these and other means that we may be unaware of. Pray for ministries to reach the millions of Iranians who live outside of Iran that they may return to their land as believers.

Grace World View is a ministry of The King's Chapel West Chester, Ohio USA It is with great appreciation we thank Patrick Johnstone and WEC for their work in Operation World. I would encourage all to get their own copy via a Christian Bookstore near you.

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