Obsolete When All Are Employed

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red; the national emblem (a stylized representation of the word Allah in the shape of a tulip, a symbol of martyrdom) in red is centered in the white band; ALLAH AKBAR (God is Great) in white Arabic script is repeated 11 times along the bottom edge of the green band and 11 times along the top edge of the red band

*Here are the facts*:  

Capital:  Tehran Population: 66,429,284 (July 2009 est.) 

Country comparison to the world: 19 

Labor Force: 25.02 million *shortage of skilled labor 

Labor force by occupation: 

agriculture: 25% 

industry: 31% 

services: 45% (June 2007) 

Unemployment rate: 11.8% (2009 est.) 

Government type: theocratic republic (Islamic Republic of Iran) 

President: President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD (since 3 August 2005); • 

Cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president with legislative approval; Supreme Leader is appointed for life by the Assembly of Experts; president is elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term and third nonconsecutive term); next presidential election slated for June 2013 

More Facts: 

• Economy and government revenue rely on oil sector 

• State controlled economic activity 

• Private sector activity is typically limited to small-scale workshops, farming, and services 

• Price controls, subsidies, make it unfriendly to private-sector growth 

• Significant informal market activity flourishes (black market?) 

• The legislature recently passed President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD’s bill to reduce subsidies, particularly on food and energy. The bill helps Iran’s lower classes. 

• High oil prices in recent years allowed Iran to greatly increase its export earnings and amass nearly $100 billion in foreign exchange reserves. 

• budget constraints due to lower oil prices lower oil production  

 Iran continues to suffer from double-digit unemployment and underemployment. Underemployment among Iran’s educated youth has convinced many to seek jobs overseas, resulting in a significant “brain drain.” 

Population living under the poverty line: 18% (2007) 

Inflation Rate (consumer prices): 16.8% (2009 est.) 

If you have anything you would like to add, or have personal experience with Iran, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: questions@obsoletewhenallemployed.com 

*source: CIA World Fact Book 

Tomorrow: Employment answers from Iranian Correspondant