WANA (Nov 22) – The latest edition of the “Reading Culture in Iran” survey, conducted by the Public Opinion Group of the National Projects Center at the Research Institute for Culture, Art and Communication, has been released.

 

The survey, carried out via telephone in November 2025, included 1,234 Iranian citizens aged 18 and over and provides an updated picture of reading habits, content preferences, and access to books in the country.

 

Reading Rates and Daily Time Spent

According to the findings, 41.1% of respondents said they read books, while 58.9% reported that they do not read books at all.

 

Among those who read non-academic books, the average reading time is 26.6 minutes per day. When considering the entire population—including non-readers—the national average drops to 10.9 minutes of daily reading.

Iranians visit the International Book Fair

Iranians visit the International Book Fair in Tehran, Iran, May 13, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Respondents who identified as book readers reported reading 186 minutes per week, equivalent to 26.6 minutes a day. However, due to the high proportion of non-readers, the overall average is significantly lower.

 

When the definition of “reading” was broadened to include printed or digital texts, podcasts, and documentaries, the results shifted. On average, respondents spend 70 minutes per day reading scientific texts (articles, analytical pieces, etc.) or watching scientific documentaries on social media and other digital platforms.

 

What Iranians Read: Fiction Tops the List

The survey shows that fiction and novels are the most popular genre, preferred by 21.2% of readers. Historical books follow at 15.4%, psychology and educational content at 14.7%, and professional or specialized books at 14.5%.

 

Print Books Remain Dominant

Despite the rise of digital media, 52.4% of respondents prefer printed books. E-books account for 18.5% of reading choices, and audiobooks for 11.7%.

Book Fair

Iranians visit the International Book Fair in Tehran, Iran, May 12, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Average of 11 Books Purchased Annually

Among book readers, the average annual purchase is 11 books, whether print, digital, or audio. Additionally, 22.1% of participants said they spend more than two million tomans (approximately 18 dollars) per year on books.

 

41% Read a Complete Book in the Past Week

When asked about the last time they finished an entire book, 41.7% reported completing a book within the past week.

 

Main Barriers to Reading

Nearly half of respondents (49.7%) cited lack of time as the primary obstacle to reading. Mental fatigue and the high cost of books ranked next among the most common barriers.

 

Public Recommendations to Improve Reading Culture

When asked about the most effective ways to strengthen reading culture, two solutions stood out:

  • Reducing financial and livelihood pressures (35.3%)
  • Affordable and easy access to books (21.8%)