Asylum countries of origin: Iran

The facts and figures behind Iran, the eighth top country by applicant for asylum in the UK in 2002.

Some 2,685 asylum seekers arrived in the UK from Iran in 2002.

The number of applications from Iran has been steadily dropping from 5,610 in 2000.

Of the 2,945 initial decisions taken in 2002, 385 applicants were accepted as refugees and a further 150 given exceptional leave to remain.

Some 2,135 cases were rejected after a first appeal.

Iran is in the process of political and social change as reform-minded leaders wrestle with Islamic hardliners for the hearts and minds of the people.

President Mohammad Khatami's support for social and political freedoms means he is popular with the young - but liberal ideas have put him at odds with Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamene'i.

Human rights campaigners reserve some of their fiercest criticisms for Iran for its treatment of political dissenters.

IRAN FACTS

Population: 65 million

Capital: Tehran

Religion: Islam

Individuals are imprisoned for long sentences for breaking laws curtailing freedom of expression or association.

According to Amnesty International, at least 30 parliamentarians were arrested and interrogated in connection with allegations of defamation and spreading false information.

Journalists have also been jailed for "undermining national security".

Iran has the death penalty and public executions of criminals regularly take place.

Amnesty International says 139 people, including one minor, were executed in 2001. Another 285 were flogged.