True. Multiple mission organizations, researchers, and sociological surveys identify as home to the fastest-growing Christian population (specifically evangelical) in the world.
While official government figures in Iran claim a 99.5% Muslim population, independent data suggests a massive shift:
- Growth Rate: Organizations like Operation World have documented an annual Christian growth rate in Iran of approximately 20%, the highest globally.
- Population Estimates: The number of believers has reportedly surged from about 500 in 1979 to estimates ranging between 800,000 and over 1 million by 2026. Some research by groups like GAMAAN suggests the number could be as high as 1.2 to 1.5 million.
- Nature of Growth: This movement is almost entirely underground, consisting of converts from Islam who meet in secret house churches to avoid severe state persecution.
- Key Drivers: Analysts attribute this "revival" to widespread disillusionment with the theocratic regime, the spread of digital Christian media, and personal evangelism among the youth.
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