What is the religious makeup of Iran?

What is the religious makeup of Iran?

• A. 70% Shi'ite, 20% Sunni, 10% others
• B. 50% Shi'ite, 50% Sunni
• C. 89% Shi'ite
• D. 95% Shi'ite, 5% Sunni

Answer: (C)

Iran is overwhelmingly Shia Muslim, with the vast majority of the population practicing Twelver Shia Islam. Estimates typically place Shia Muslims in the high 80s to around 90 percent, while Sunni Muslims are a minority concentrated in specific border regions, and there are smaller communities of Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, Bahá’ís, and others. Saying about 89% Shia fits well with these common estimates, making it the best representation among the options. The other choices imply a much larger Sunni share or an even split, which does not reflect Iran’s actual religious landscape.

Iran is overwhelmingly Shia Muslim, with the vast majority of the population practicing Twelver Shia Islam. Estimates typically place Shia Muslims in the high 80s to around 90 percent, while Sunni Muslims are a minority concentrated in specific border regions, and there are smaller communities of Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, Bahá’ís, and others. Saying about 89% Shia fits well with these common estimates, making it the best representation among the options. The other choices imply a much larger Sunni share or an even split, which does not reflect Iran’s actual religious landscape.