9781422275740

Young people in Iran.

Islam is the center of Iranian life and law.

The Iranian government tries to keep itself in favor withworking Iranians by creating ambitious social and economic projects. Some projects haveworkedwell; others have resulted in unfinished build- ings covering several city blocks. Iran has one of the most advanced health-care systems in the region. Free K–12 education is offered to every Iranian. However, economic pressures take many young people around 15 years old out of school and into the workplace. Although the government relies heavily on its oil exports, the country has several other significant exports, like saffron. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. In contrast, Iran must import many of its basic foods, though the country has plenty of unused farmland.

13 Introduction