Analysis of Sustainable Development Indices in Iran: Population and Health Sections

Sustainable development refers to the process of development that, while meeting the current needs of society, can provide the needs of future generations without any reduction in their ability to meet their needs. The Sustainable Development Program through its 17 defined goals covers a wide range of human activities in economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The present study set out with the aim of assessing the Iran's sustainable development indicators in two parts of population and health that in turn affect different dimensions of economic, social and human development. A documentary methodology was adopted in this research. Indicators related to the population and health targets were selected and have been analyzed by comparing the country with the international average and the countries of the region. The required information was compiled from international references and reports, including the World Bank and the Statistics Organization of Iran. The average population growth rate in Iran fairly equals the world average and most countries. Compared to the most of the communities, Iran has a better status than the world average in terms of population and health-related indicators of sustainable development, and is among the high-income and upper middle-income countries. Also, in some indices such as vaccination coverage, diabetes and high mortality rates from accidents Iran has the highest score and also the lowest rate in the world with regard to the infection rate. There is no favorable situation regarding environmental issues. Although Iran shows a better status than the world average in most of the population and health related indicators of sustainable development, the country's environmental issues, the aging population structure and its consequences, death from accidents will be a major challenge for the future, which will require rapid and effective management measures in this area.