Surge in Multiple Births: Over 11,000 Twins and Triplets Registered in Just 7 Months!

In a recent report from the Civil Registration Organization, it was revealed that a total of 11,169 births were registered in Iran during the first seven months of the current Iranian calendar year, which commenced in March 2025. This statistic highlights important trends in birth rates and the demographic shifts occurring within the country.

Among the births recorded, there were notable occurrences of multiple births: 1,086 twins, 352 triplets, and 11 quadruplets, according to Mehr news agency. This data underscores not only the growing number of families but also the complexities associated with multiple births in the region.

The report from the National Organization for Civil Registration also provided insights into the average age of parents in Iran. The findings revealed:

• The average age for women giving birth to their first child is 27.5 years.
• The average age for men becoming fathers is 32.3 years.
• In urban areas, first-time mothers average 28.2 years, while in rural areas, the average is 24.4 years.
• For first-time fathers, the average in urban settings is 32.8 years versus 30 years in rural settings.

Moreover, the data indicates that the average age of first-time parents varies significantly across different regions in Iran. For example, the average age of first-time fathers and mothers is highest in Tehran, at 34.8 years and 30.6 years, respectively. Conversely, Sistan-Baluchestan shows the lowest averages, with first-time fathers at 27.2 years and mothers at 22.6 years.

Transition to an Aging Population

Another critical aspect highlighted in the report is the transition of Iran into an aging country. The fertility rate has stabilized at approximately 1.6 children per woman, significantly lower than the rate necessary to maintain a balanced population. This decline has prompted concerns about the shift from a young to a middle-aged demographic.

According to Mohammad-Javad Mahmoudi, an official with the National Institute for Population Research, the shift in population dynamics is largely attributed to policies implemented during the first five-year national development plan (1989-1993). These policies aimed to:

• Reduce the total fertility rate from 6.4 children in 1986 to 4 children by 2011.
• Decrease the population growth rate from 3.2 percent to 2.3 percent during the same period.

However, the outcomes of these initiatives resulted in a significant transformation of population indicators. The actual decline in population growth and fertility rates exceeded the goals initially set in the development plan.

Statistics on Aging Population

The latest census data reveals alarming trends regarding the aging population in Iran. The number of citizens aged 60 and above is increasing at a rate of 3.62 percent, which is five times greater than the overall population growth rate of 1.24 percent.

To provide a clearer picture:

• In the Iranian year 1385 (2006-2007), there were 5,121,043 individuals aged 60 and above.
• By 2015, 10 percent of the population was over the age of 60.
• Projections indicate that by 2050, the elderly population (aged 60 years and older) will make up 32 percent of the total population.

Currently, individuals over 60 constitute approximately 11.5 percent of Iran’s population, with elderly women making up 52.3 percent of this demographic, outnumbering men at 47.7 percent, as reported by Saber Jabbari from the health ministry.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for policies and programs to address the challenges posed by an aging population, ensuring that the needs of elderly citizens are met as Iran navigates this demographic shift.