Iran, Islamic Republic of Maternal Mortality Ratio
Maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births SH.STA.MMRT
Iran, Islamic Republic of's maternal mortality ratio was 21.20 in 2025, ranked 129th globally. This represents a 32.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1985–2025.
Overview
Iran, Islamic Republic of's maternal mortality ratio stood at 21.20 in 2025, a rise of +5.20 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 21.20 by 2025. Iran, Islamic Republic of ranked 129th globally.
Iran’s maternal mortality ratio fell dramatically from an all‑time peak of 160.00 in 1985 to a trough of 16.00 in 2023, before rising slightly to 21.20 in 2025, ranking 129th globally. This 86.9 % decline over four decades reflects sustained investment in obstetric care, expanded prenatal services and the introduction of universal health coverage for women. The recent modest increase reverses a long‑term downward trajectory but still leaves Iran well below the 2025 averages of peer countries such as Sri Lanka (21.40) and Oman (20.80). The slight uptick may be linked to demographic shifts, health‑system strain from economic sanctions and reduced funding for rural health facilities, which can affect timely access to skilled birth attendants. Continued emphasis on primary health‑care networks, especially in underserved provinces, and the scaling up of emergency obstetric interventions are likely to restore the historic decline and push the ratio toward the lower end of regional peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Maternal Mortality Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 19.50 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 21.20 | - | - |
| 2025 | 21.20 | +5.20 | #129 |
| 2023 | 16.00 | −5.00 | #64 |
| 2022 | 21.00 | −30.00 | #62 |
| 2021 | 51.00 | +17.00 | #75 |
| 2020 | 34.00 | +16.00 | #75 |
| 2019 | 18.00 | −1.00 | #64 |
| 2018 | 19.00 | −1.00 | #65 |
| 2017 | 20.00 | −1.00 | #65 |
| 2016 | 21.00 | −1.00 | #65 |
| 2015 | 22.00 | −1.00 | #67 |
| 2014 | 23.00 | −1.00 | #68 |
| 2013 | 24.00 | −1.00 | #68 |
| 2012 | 25.00 | −1.00 | #69 |
| 2011 | 26.00 | −1.00 | #69 |
| 2010 | 27.00 | −1.00 | #69 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iran, Islamic Republic of matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2019. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw maternal mortality ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Iran, Islamic Republic of's maternal mortality ratio was 21.20 in 2025. Ranked 129th globally. This represents a 32.5% increase from the previous year.
Iran, Islamic Republic of's maternal mortality ratio peaked at 160.00 in 1985.
The lowest maternal mortality ratio in Iran, Islamic Republic of was 16.00 in 2023.
Iran, Islamic Republic of ranks 129th globally in maternal mortality ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.STA.MMRT. Data sourced from World Bank.
Iran, Islamic Republic of's maternal mortality ratio is projected to reach 21.20 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The maternal mortality ratio of Iran, Islamic Republic of in 2025 was 21.20. This ranks 129th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iran-islamic-republic-of_maternal-mortality,
title = {Iran, Islamic Republic of Maternal Mortality Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iran-islamic-republic-of/maternal-mortality/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}