Statistical Centre of Iran

Dr. Fatemi Ave., Tehran 14144, lslamic Republic of Iran
Tel:   (98-21) 8855022 and 8854189
Fax:   (98-21) 8855032 and 653451
Access to the lnternet:   Yes

       The Statistical Centre of Iran is the focal point for the Islamic Republic of Iran in Asia-Pacific POPIN. Appointed by the government as such in 1995, the Centre has broadened the nature of its work to include the dissemination of population information in addition to statistical data.

       The establishment of the Centre as the country's national population information centre reflects the seriousness with which the government is implementing its population and family planning programme. Although the existence of the programme can be traced back to 1967, it only started to be vigorously implemented since 1989 when it became apparent that the population growth rate was among the highest in the world at an estimated 3.8 per cent annually. The population reached 55 million in 1990; the 1996 census registered a population of 60 million.

The Statistical Centre of Iran has excellent resources in terms of computer hardware and software to collect and analyse population data. With the addition of expertise in the area of bibliographic information as a member of Asia-Pacific POPIN, the Centre is well placed to maximize the benefits for the country of investments made in this sector.

       Owing to the strong political, ideological and economic support for the population programme, contraceptive use is increasing steadily throughout the country. Some internationally well-known figures in the field of population have called the programme one of the world's most successful — a model for other countries to follow. In 1999, a prominent Iranian figure won the United Nations Population Award for his role in the national success story.

       Information also played a major role in this success story, since it is on the basis of informed awareness that people take action. It was reliable data and information supplied by the Centre that first generated concern among various members of the government; the population was shown to have increased from 33.7 million in 1976 to 49.4 million in 1986. Based on those reliable data, officials did not have any difficulty forecasting the likely negative impact of unabated population growth on the country. Yet, the most important aspect of the programme's success has been the interest, support and guidance of religious leaders. Once it was demonstrated that there was no conflict between the programme and Islamic values, religious leaders gave their support.

       All disciplines face the challenge of "translating" what has been learned from data collection and research into a form usable by persons who apply knowledge to problem-solving. The challenge is particularly demanding in the economic and social fields, especially in the field of population, because of the sensitivities involved in attempting to effect changes in attitudes and behaviour with regard to marriage, reproduction and family life.

       Thus, research studies such as those based on KAP (knowledge, attitude and practice) surveys will continue to provide the Centre and, in turn, its audiences with valuable data and information about the situation in each area of the country, thereby enabling improved policy formulation and programme implementation over time.

       The country's information requirements cover a wide spectrum of users, and it is for this reason that the government has designated the Centre as the country's primary source of population data and information.

       Such an empirical basis is considered a necessary element in planning future policies affecting the development of the country. The Second Social, Economic and Cultural Development Plan of the Islamic Republic of Iran (1995-1999) reflects this integrated approach. Not only does it reinforce the strong official support to be given to the population programme, but it also places emphasis on the provision of a wide array of nationwide health care services, including family planning, as part of efforts to improve the quality of life of the people.

The Statistical Centre of Iran is the primary source in the Islamic Republic of Iran for reliable population data and information.

       As part of the Plan, the Statistical Centre produces demographic data at one-year intervals in addition to conducting decennial censuses as well as a variety of intercensal surveys. As the national population information centre and focal point for the country in Asia-Pacific POPIN, the Centre will also branch out into the supply of other types of information in support of the population programme and overall socio-economic development.

       The Centre's publication programme will be expanded to fulfil the broader mandate. Its publications up to the time the Centre was established as the POPIN focal point include such major works as statistical yearbooks and monographs on the results of its various surveys.

       Future works will be aimed at filling the gaps between the results of research and official statistics, information which is needed by government organizations. In addition, the government's promotional and motivational work through IEC (information, education and communication) needs appropriate technical and scientific information that is produced by the Centre.