DR Congo vs Iran: population comparison
Current population of DR Congo
116,821,540
Live estimate, extrapolated from the latest official figures
- Births today
- 2,630
- Deaths today
- 541
- Change today (UTC)
- +2,060
Current population of Iran
93,360,283
Live estimate, extrapolated from the latest official figures
- Births today
- 662
- Deaths today
- 250
- Change today (UTC)
- +486
DR Congo has a population of 112,832,473 and Iran has 92,417,681 (2025 estimates). DR Congo is currently larger by 20,414,792 people — about 1.2 times Iran's population. They rank 15 and 17 in the world respectively.
Their trajectories differ: DR Congo grows at +3.20% per year versus +0.92% for Iran. At current rates the balance between them keeps shifting.
The lead has changed hands: DR Congo overtook Iran in 2016, according to the historical series.
Beyond size, the structures differ: DR Congo is the younger society (median age 15.8 vs 34.0); Iran is far more crowded at 56 people per km² against 47.
DR Congo vs Iran population, 1960–2025
Side by side
| Indicator | DR Congo | Iran |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,832,473 | 92,417,681 |
| Annual growth | +3.20% | +0.92% |
| Yearly change | +3,556,208 | +849,943 |
| Density (P/km²) | 47 | 56 |
| Land area (km²) | 2,267,050 | 1,622,500 |
| Median age | 15.8 yrs | 34.0 yrs |
| Fertility rate | 5.98 | 1.68 |
| Life expectancy | 62.1 yrs | 77.9 yrs |
| Urban population | 45% | 77% |
| World share | 1.37% | 1.12% |
| 2050 projection (UN) | 218,246,072 | 101,861,993 |
Latest World Bank estimates; median age and 2050 projections from UN WPP 2024. Full profiles: DR Congo · Iran
DR Congo vs Iran FAQ
Is DR Congo bigger than Iran by population?
DR Congo currently has the larger population: 112,832,473 versus 92,417,681 (2025 estimates) — a gap of 20.41 million people.
When did DR Congo overtake Iran in population?
DR Congo passed Iran in 2016, based on the countries' official population series.
Which grows faster, DR Congo or Iran?
DR Congo currently grows faster: +3.20% per year versus +0.92%.
How do DR Congo and Iran compare in 2050?
UN medium-variant projections put DR Congo at 218,246,072 and Iran at 101,861,993 in 2050.