International Migrant Population Statistics in Iran (2026)
4.2% of the population in Iran were international migrants in 2024, World Bank World Development Indicators data show. Up from 3.2% in 2020 to 4.2% in 2024 (+1 percentage points). Iran ranks #14 of 23 economies in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan on this measure, and #122 of 216 globally.
Key Statistics
- Latest value (2024)
- 4.2% (2024)
- International Migrant Population in Iran as of 2024, the most recent observation in World Bank World Development Indicators data.
- Change since 2020
- +1 pp (2024)
- Up from 3.2% in 2020 to 4.2% in 2024 (+1 percentage points).
- Earliest value in this dataset (1990)
- 7.4% (1990)
- Earliest observation in this dataset, which covers 1990 onward (the source series may begin earlier). Down from 7.4% in 1990 to 4.2% in 2024.
- Peak value (1990)
- 7.4% (1990)
- Highest value in the available series; the 2024 value is 4.2%.
- Rank in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan
- #14 of 23 (2024)
- Iran ranks 14 of 23 countries in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan with data, based on each country's latest value.
- Global rank
- #122 of 216 (2024)
- Iran ranks 122 of 216 countries with data globally.
- Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan average
- 22.8% (2024)
- Iran (4.2%) is below the average of 22.8% across the 23 countries in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan with data.
- Internet use in Iran (2024)
- 85.3% (2024)
- 85.3% of the population in Iran used the internet in 2024 (World Bank); shown for context only.
- Population (2024)
- 91.6 million (2024)
- Iran had a population of 91.6 million in 2024 (World Bank); shown for scale only.
Trend, 1990–2024
| Year | % of population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4.2% | +1.0 pp |
| 2020 | 3.2% | −0.1 pp |
| 2015 | 3.3% | −0.2 pp |
| 2010 | 3.5% | −0.1 pp |
| 2005 | 3.6% | −0.1 pp |
| 2000 | 3.7% | −1.0 pp |
| 1995 | 4.7% | −2.7 pp |
| 1990 | 7.4% | — |
Frequently asked questions
What share of people in Iran were international migrants?
4.2% of the population in Iran were international migrants in 2024, according to World Bank World Development Indicators data.
How recent is the international migrant population data for Iran?
The most recent observation is from 2024. World Bank World Development Indicators data is reported with a lag, so 2024 is the latest available year for Iran.
Where does the international migrant population data for Iran come from?
The data comes from the World Bank World Development Indicators (indicator SM.POP.TOTL.ZS). The latest observation for Iran is from 2024; the snapshot was retrieved on 2026-06-10.
How has international migrant population in Iran changed over time?
World Bank World Development Indicators data show a decline from 7.4% in 1990 to 4.2% in 2024.
How does Iran compare with other countries in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan?
Iran ranks 14 of 23 countries in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan with data, with 4.2% versus a regional average of 22.8% (latest values per country).
Source & methodology
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators, indicator
SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, retrieved .
Figures are shown exactly as published in the source dataset; only the change column of the trend table is computed from adjacent published values.Read more on the methodology page. All figures are estimates and projections; this is not financial advice.
Last updated .