Tehran: population and official figures
What is the population of Tehran?
Tehran, the capital of Iran, had 8,693,706 inhabitants (city proper) on 24 September 2016, according to a complete census (usual residents) reported to the United Nations.
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyHow does Tehran rank among cities in Iran?
Of the 98 cities the UN table lists for Iran (capitals and places of 100,000 or more), it is the largest.
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyHow many women and men live in Tehran?
Women and girls made up 50.3% of residents (4,369,551 female, 4,324,155 male).
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyWho runs Tehran?
In Iran, cities and towns are run by cities: City and village Islamic councils directly elected for four years; the city council elects the mayor; village councils choose a village manager (dehyar). Councils approve local budgets and plans and supervise the mayor; municipalities run urban services, planning and permits.
Cities of a similar size in Iran
- Mashhad 3,001,184
- Esfahan 1,961,260
- Karaj 1,592,492
- Shiraz 1,565,572
- Tabriz 1,558,693
- Qom 1,201,158
- Ahwaz 1,184,788
- Kermanshah 946,651
- Orumiyeh 736,224
- Rasht 679,995
- Zahedan 587,730
- Hamadan 554,406
Up a level: all cities in Iran · Iran · government and power
Sources
- United Nations Statistics Division: Demographic Yearbook 2024, Table 8: Population of capital cities and cities of 100 000 or more inhabitants, latest available year, 2005-2024, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 0c6784df022e…)
- United Nations Statistics Division: Demographic Yearbook 2024, technical notes to Table 8, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 b0d2d6d8ccd6…)
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