What is the main religion practiced in Iran?
Iran practices predominantly Shia Islam. More than 95% of the population is Muslim, with approximately 89% Twelver Shias and 6% Sunnis. Shia Islam has been the official religion of the country since 1979.
Shiite Islam, official religion
Iran is an Islamic Republic where Twelver Shiite Islam has been the state religion since the 1979 revolution. This branch of Islam recognizes twelve imams as successors to the Prophet Muhammad.
Religious distribution of the population
- Twelver Shiite Islam: approximately 89% of the population
- Sunni Islam: approximately 6% (mainly in border regions)
- Religious minorities: Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians (less than 1% each)
- Bahais: minority not officially recognized
Impact on daily life
Religion strongly influences Iranian society: mandatory dress code, alcohol prohibition, separation of men and women in certain public spaces. Shiite holy sites such as Mashhad and Qom attract millions of pilgrims each year.