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MIDDLE EAST Iran, located in the Middle East between Iraq and Pakistan, has a population of 69 million; approximately 28 percent of its citizens are younger than 15 years, and the median age is 24 years. The country’s estimated population growth rate is 1.07 percent, and its birth and death rates are 17.1 and 5.53 per 1,000 population, respectively. While Iran still faces many problems and constraints inherited from the recent past, the country is experiencing a period of transformation, prompted by its youthful population and popular demand for reforms. The debate over issues such as freedom of the press, civil society participation, and the role of its citizens is dynamic. Both women and young people are pressing for fuller participation. It is an historic time in Iran’s attempt at democracy. Within Iran, a movement has begun to strengthen civil society and fledgling nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Indeed, those committed to a more open society are looking to NGOs and other civil society organizations as a key avenue to channel their energies creatively. At the same time, NGOs are seeking avenues through which to connect with international counterparts, which they view as an essential means toward building capacity and strengthening their effectiveness. Experience has shown that civil society actors are able to manage diversity, promote free debate, and achieve consensus in areas where doing so is difficult for the public sector. NGOs are able to deal with sensitive issues, and to come up with practical solutions to chronic problems. The Population Council has marshaled its international technical resources to assist this process in its early stages in Iran. Project Offsite Links
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