Tehran's 2026 population is now estimated at 9,840,100. In 1950, the population of Tehran was 1,041,350. Tehran has grown by 110,360 in the last year, which represents a 1.13% annual change. These population estimates and projections come from the latest revision of the UN World Urbanization Prospects. These estimates represent the Urban agglomeration of Tehran, which typically includes Tehran's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas.
Situated in the northern center of the country, Tehran is Iran’s capital city – which is also its largest city. Iran is situated between the Middle East and Asia and has a history of changing its capital city – Tehran being the 32nd one chosen. The population of the city of Tehran has been steadily growing over the last few decades and is now around 8.3 million. There is an estimated number of nearly 8.5 million in the middle of 2014. Interestingly, the Tehran metro system, which opened in 1999 - currently boasts the cleanest train carriages in the world.
The 8.3 million people of Tehran make their homes in the 1,700 square kilometers in the sprawling urban city. The city is very densely populated, with an average of 1.6 people per room in the houses across the city - and 11,800 residents per square kilometer.
With the city’s population growing, the areas suffering most are the south and east of the city – the newer parts of the city are still catching up in terms of population numbers. The structure of the city has had a history of flux with buildings, boundaries and road layouts being altered over time. There still remains “Old Tehran”, with its traditional buildings, ancient bazaar’s and other architectural treasures. Most of Tehran today has a cosmopolitan feel and this is mostly felt in the northern area where individuals are more liberal in their outlook. This area of Tehran is wealthy - and is also where the newest and more upper class shops are being developed.
Despite the modern and international flavor of the city, 75% of people living in Tehran would identify themselves as Persian and 63% of inhabitants were born there. Around 99% of the residents in Tehran would speak and understand Persian. 13%, however, do have a good level of understanding of a European language. The most prevalent religion in Tehran is a discipline of Islam, but there are other minority religions including Christianity. A small number of Sikh’s are also residents here.
The city has a reputation for the oppression of women and being restrictive in acceptable behaviors. Women still have to respect a very strict dress code. In addition, places of worship still have male and female sections. Compounding this is the fact that there is not a heavy presence of foreign companies operating in Tehran; however, Tehran continues to be one of the best in the world on the stock exchange. The mean age of Tehran is 31.2 compared with the country of Iran’s mean age being 27.9. Unsurprisingly, the older members of the city are more central and in the wealthy areas in the north with the younger members more commonly situated around the outskirts of the city.
The city as a whole is growing in terms of population numbers and economy. In 2008, it was the least expensive capital city in the world in relation to cost of living; today, prices are rising rapidly and have reached 56th in the world on the GDP scale. In Tehran, cars are very popular with its residents and is one of the world’s busiest cities in regards to traffic. It will be interesting to watch how Tehran develops with its struggle between a desire to grow and become an economical player - and that of its strictly traditional religious history.
| City | 2026 Pop. ↓ | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Mashhad | 3,503,160 | 1.23% |
| Shiraz | 1,784,280 | 1.16% |
| Tabriz | 1,713,390 | 1.04% |
| Karaj | 1,627,960 | 0.82% |
| Qom | 1,409,610 | 1.24% |
| Ahvaz | 1,339,790 | 1.13% |
| Kermanshah | 1,131,900 | 1.3% |
| Orumiyeh | 871,090 | 1.27% |
| Rasht | 766,257 | 1.12% |
| Bandar Abbas | 702,281 | 1.64% |
| Zahedan | 650,565 | 1.07% |
| Ardabil | 621,815 | 1.25% |
| Hamadan | 618,469 | 1.09% |
| Yazd | 616,739 | 1.22% |
| Arak | 596,642 | 1.17% |
| Kerman | 564,192 | 0.9% |
| Zanjan | 516,352 | 1.31% |
| Sanandaj | 488,805 | 1.27% |
| Qazvin | 449,852 | 1.09% |
| Khorramabad | 425,870 | 1.16% |
| Gorgan | 395,930 | 1.13% |
| Sari | 341,682 | 1.05% |
