Yes, Iran is exceptionally rich in culture, boasting one of the world's oldest and most influential heritages, known for its profound contributions to art (architecture, painting, calligraphy), literature (poetry), science (mathematics, medicine), philosophy, music, and distinctive cuisine, all deeply rooted in Persian history and enriched by Islamic traditions, alongside incredibly warm hospitality.
Iran has a long history of scholarship that has created a rich culture of art, literature, poetry, music, cuisine, and architecture. Ancient Iranian thinkers wrote influential texts on philosophy and medicine, and it was an Iranian mathematician who invented algebra.
Iran is a lower-middle-income country, ranking as the 92nd richest economy per capita out of 145 studied. Its 85.8 million inhabitants have a GDP per capita of $4,347 ($18,658 PPP; 2023).
Yes, $100 is a significant amount of money in Iran, especially for daily expenses, as it converts to millions of Iranian Rials (IRR), allowing for substantial purchases like multiple restaurant meals, accommodation, or local tours, though it's a small sum compared to average annual salaries. Due to rapid currency devaluation and sanctions, foreigners need to carry large amounts of cash (often in large USD/EUR bills) because credit cards don't work, and you get a huge stack of banknotes for $100.
International rankings of Iran
Quality of Life
Compared with the other countries in the Middle East, Iran is performing close to average when we look across the rights for which we have data (this comparison is calculated using the 'Income adjusted' benchmark).
In Iran, women are expected to keep their legs covered down to the ankles. You should wear loose tunics or coats with long sleeves that cover your lower waist. Despite common misconceptions, skinny pants and leggings are very popular in Iran. Long dresses and skirts are also suitable, but they must not be see-through.
Alcohol—in all its glorious manifestations—is illegal in Iran. Possession, production or consumption can lead to lashes, prison, or worse. I know people who've been jailed and whipped for drinking. Repeat offenses can even carry the death penalty.
The northern part of the city is considered wealthier, where you can expect down payments in the $15K-$20K range and monthly rent in the $250 – $1,000 range. The rest of the city is less expensive – $8K down and $150 a month, for example. You can buy a super cheap apartment for $50K, but it won't be good.
Despite being the 17th most populous country in the world, the UBS ranked Iran 14th in the world in terms of the number of millionaires.
1. Qatar. At number one is Qatar, which leads in per capita prosperity in the Arab world. In the IMF's World Economic Outlook mapping (April 2025), Qatar's GDP per capita (PPP) is USD 121,610 (121.61 thousand).
With 10% of the world's proven oil reserves and 15% of its gas reserves, Iran is considered an "energy superpower". Nevertheless, since 2024 Iran has been suffering from an energy crisis, and a wider economic crisis, which has led to massive protests erupting in late 2025.
In Iran, marrying a non-Muslim requires adherence to specific rules. A non-Muslim groom must convert to Islam to marry a Muslim bride. Conversely, conversion is not mandated for a bride of an Abrahamic faith when marrying a Muslim groom.
In Iran, the thumbs-up gesture (👍) traditionally signifies a crude insult, meaning something like "up yours" or "sit on it," but due to Western media and social media, its negative meaning is fading, and younger Iranians often understand it as a positive sign (like "good job") or are indifferent, though older generations might still find it offensive.
In Iranian culture, there are core values that influence the basic principles of the society. Among them, the most important are family, hospitality, respect to elders, and honor. Family relations in Iran are highly valued since families are considered to be the smallest units in society.
Yes, $100 is a significant amount of money in Iran, especially for daily expenses, as it converts to millions of Iranian Rials (IRR), allowing for substantial purchases like multiple restaurant meals, accommodation, or local tours, though it's a small sum compared to average annual salaries. Due to rapid currency devaluation and sanctions, foreigners need to carry large amounts of cash (often in large USD/EUR bills) because credit cards don't work, and you get a huge stack of banknotes for $100.
As of January 2026, the median housing price in Iran is about 1.22 billion IRR per square meter ($976 or €833), which equals roughly 113 million IRR per square foot ($91 or €78). The average price is higher at 1.36 billion IRR per square meter ($1,085 or €925), or about 126 million IRR per square foot ($101 or €86).
In Iran, showing affection like kissing or hugging in public between couples is not culturally acceptable. Holding hands discreetly is usually fine, but keeping gestures private is more respectful. Why it matters: Understanding these norms avoids awkward situations and shows cultural sensitivity.
While Iran lacks nightclubs and bars, there are many other forms of evening entertainment. These include traditional tea houses, parks and gardens, cultural performances (music, dance, theater), art galleries, and rooftop lounges in hotels and restaurants offering beautiful views of the cityscape.
Russia and Australia have the highest prevalence of alcohol dependence overall, with 2.61 per cent and 2.58 per cent, respectively. According to the WHO, US has the lowest rate of alcohol dependence with only 1.92 per cent.
The law considers these activities to be proselytizing and punishable by death. In addition, citizens who are not recognized as Christians, Zoroastrians, or Jews may not engage in public religious expression, such as worshiping in a church or wearing religious symbols such as a cross.
Iranian girls, in particular, are known for their exotic beauty, with their olive skin, dark eyes, and sleek black hair. Their features are often accentuated by the use of makeup and intricate hairstyles, which are an important aspect of their cultural identity.
Basic Etiquette
It is rude to put your feet on the table. Burping and sniffing in front of others is considered rude. One should not touch people of the opposite gender unless they are very close family or friends.