Iran - Public finance



Iran's fiscal year coincides with its calendar year, beginning on 21 March. The budget is prepared by the Finance Ministry and submitted to Parliament. Trade reforms implemented since 1991 have boosted economic growth and reduced budget deficits. The general government deficit fell from 9% of GDP in 1988 to 2% in 1992, but was up to almost 7% again in 1998. By 2002, however, external debt was equivalent to less than 2% of GDP as a result of market refroms.

The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) estimates that in 2001 Iran's central government took in revenues of approximately $24 billion and had expenditures of $22 billion. Overall, the government registered a surplus of approximately $2 billion. External debt totaled $8.2 billion.

The following table shows an itemized breakdown of government revenues and expenditures. The percentages were calculated from data reported by the International Monetary Fund. The dollar amounts (millions) are based on the CIA estimates provided above.

Iran

REVENUE AND GRANTS 64.2% 15,410
Tax revenue 4.0% 956
Non-tax revenue 58.7% 14,077
Capital revenue 1.6% 378
EXPENDITURES 100.0% 22,000
General public services 4.0% 869
Defense 14.3% 3,154
Public order and safety 5.0% 1,110
Education 18.6% 4,091
Health 6.5% 1,429
Social security 16.5% 3,620
Housing and community amenities 5.8% 1,280
Recreation, cultural, and religious affairs 3.1% 678
Economic affairs and services 14.8% 3,245
Other expenditures 10.8% 2,383
Interest payments 0.6% 141
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