TEHRAN -- According to Iran’s 2016 National Population and Housing Census, Tehran was the most desired destination for Iranians living in other cities.

According to the census, from Iranian calendar year 1390 to 1395 (March 2011-March 2017), Tehran province hosted over 20 percent, equaling 951,248 persons, of people who migrated to other places across the country.

Meanwhile, 979,636 individuals decided to leave their cities to live in Tehran during years 1385 to 1390, which was 17.7 percent of total migrations inside the country.

Tehran gained importance when the city was named the capital by the Qajar dynasty in 1778. Today, Tehran, with a population of over 12 million, is ranked amongst the 40 most populous metropolitan cities of the world.

Furthermore, it houses approximately 16% of the country's population. 

Tehran Province is the most industrialized province in Iran; 86.5% of its population resides in urban areas and 13.5% of its population resides in rural areas, according to the 2016 census.

Khorasan Razavi is runner-up

Khorasan Razavi province, northeastern Iran, is the runner-up hosting 7.3 percent of migrants over the past five years.

Mashhad is the center and capital of the province. The city is named after and known for housing the tomb of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit the city and Imam Reza shrine. 

Isfahan at third place

Isfahan province, central Iran, ranked third by attracting 6.8 percent of immigrants.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Isfahan province enjoyed high standards of prosperity as it became the capital of Safavid dynasty. While the city of Isfahan was their seat of monarchy, the city of Kashan was their place of vacation and leisure.

SB/MG