Population Policy for Cities in Iran

Demographic transition has led to the growth of population and urbanization in Iran. As in many other parts of the world, urbanization is now the dominant mode of residence in Iran. The aim of this paper is to answer the following two questions: (1) do we need a population policy for Iran's cities?, and (2) what should be the characteristics of a population policy for Iran's cities and what issues should be considered in designing such a policy? After a review of the causes and consequences of urbanization, urbanization policies, and urbanization data in Iran and the world, the paper concludes that it is better to have a population policy for Iran's cities. The recommended policy in this paper is the selection of some medium sized cities for population growth and discouragement of the growth of some other selected cities. The paper discusses the characteristics of such a population policy.