Iran is hurting because of the long drop in world oil prices. The rial fluctuates on the free market as much as 15 percent a day. About 3,000 rials are equal to US$1. Inflation is between 60-100 percent a year, and a thriving black market takes advantage of outrageous official rates. Government employees make the equivalent of US$60 a month, and many Iranians are forced to take two jobs to get by. Iran is home to more refugees than any other country in the world. There are an estimated 2.2 million Afghans, 1.2 million Iraqis and 1.2 million others who have fled the strife in Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. The country is held together by a wide net of informers. But give Iran credit-like most exporters of terror, it's a peaceful country.
About three times the size of Arizona, Iran is a constitutional Islamic republic, governed by executive and legislative branches that derive national leadership primarily through the Muslim clergy. Shi'a Islam is the official religion of Iran, and Islamic law is the basis of the authority of the state. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. Shiites comprise about 95 percent of the country. Sunnis make up about 4 percent. The literacy rate is at about 75 percent. Iran is a developing country.
The workweek in Iran is Sunday through Thursday. Electricity is 220V/50Hz. Languages are Farsi, Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic and scattered English. Only about half of Iran's population speaks Farsi.
Temperatures for Tehran can be very hot in the summer and just above freezing in the winter. The northern part of the country can experience very bitter winters. Iran has a mostly desert climate with unusual extremes in temperature. Temperatures exceeding 130ûF occasionally occur in the summer, while in the winter the high elevation of most of the country often results in temperatures of 0ûF and lower.
There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Iran. The United States does have an interests section at the Swiss embassy in Tehran:
Swiss Embassy, U.S. Interests Section
Bucharest Avenue
Argentine Square
17th street, No. 5
Tehran
Tel.: [Tel.:98] (21) 625-223-224 and 626-906
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