THE ZARATHUSHTI WORLD:
A GLIMPSE OF THE JOURNEY & A 2012 DEMOGRAHIC PICTURE
Roshan Rivetna
.
MOTHERLAND IRAN
PERSIAN EMPIRE (559 BCE - 651 CE)
936 CE (or 716 CE). Arrival “in seven shiploads”
at Sanjan on the Western shores of India.
Map of Achaemenian Persian Empire (ca 500 BCE)
Centuries after the birth of Zarathushtra (ca 1400 BCE), Zoroastrianism
was dominant for over 1000 years, during the Persian Empires. It was the
Imperial religion of the Sasanian Empire. Followers numbered in millions.
.
MOTHERLAND IRAN
THE DARK AGE (636 - 1925 CE)
The Dark Age. Over 1200 years following the Arab
conquest (in 636 CE …) through the Islamic
dynasties, was the dark age for Zoroastrians.
“Only 7,000 of them are left and only a miracle
may save them from extinction. They teach a
lesson that glory is not everlasting, because these
are the descendants of the people who once ruled
the world.”
- Count de Gabineau
French Ambassador to Iran, 1850s
A Gabar family
[photo: A.V.W.Jackson, 1906]
Easing of conditions in 1900s. Zoroastrian
luminaries emerged -- in business, industry and
government. Members of Parliament were:
Keikhosrow Shahrokh, Arbab Rustam Guiv, Dr.
Esfandiiyar Yeganegi ….. Esfandiyar Ekhtiyari.
.
EXODUS to INDIA
936 CE or 785 CE or 716 CE. Seeking refuge from
Arab oppression, some Zoroastrians set sail from
Hormuz “in seven shiploads” and landed at
Sanjan on the Western shores of India.
“Just as this small pinch of sugar has
sweetened this pot of milk, so will my
people live harmoniously with your people
and strive to enrich your country.”
- High Priest Neriosang Dhaval
.
THE FIRST DIASPORA
THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
(INDIA, PAKISTAN & SRI LANKA)
First 800 years. With their sacred Fire, the Parsis
journeyed inwards from Sanjan – and established
Iranshah at Udvada in 1742.
By the 1800s, under British rule, Parsis
became the foremost economic figures in
Bombay, and went on to blaze the trail in
commerce, science and industry; and built a
reputation for Integrity, Industry and
Philanthropy across the Indian subcontinent.
“The Parsis … are the principal native inhabitants of Bombay,
in regard to wealth and numbers; not only the most valuable
estates, but most of the shipping of the port belongs to them …
the favourites of fortune; let us add, they are deservedly so, for
we find them doing very extensive acts of charity and
benevolence.”
- Sir William Ouseley, 1813
THE WESTERN DIASPORA
BRITISH ISLES & EUROPE
Zoroastrians of UK -- oldest community of south Asian origin
in the Western world. Majority live in the British Isles, small
numbers also reside in countries across Europe.
1724. Nowroji Rustom Maneck Sett (1663 - 1732) -- first
Zoroastrian (and first Asian) to visit UK.
1861. Formal Association (now ZTFE) was established.
1890 - 1935. Three Zoroastrians (also first three Asians)
elected to Britain’s House of Commons - Dadabhai Naoroji,
Sir Muncherjee Bhownaggree and Shapurji Saklatvala
In recent years. Three Zoroastrians honored by British
Royalty - Lord Karan Bilimoria, CBE (House of Lords),
Cyrus Todiwala, OBE and Dorab Mistry, OBE.
Nowroji Rustom Maneck
Sett [photo: Parsee Lustre on Indian Soil]
PRESENCE IN THE FAR EAST
HONG KONG, SINGAPORE & …..
1800s. Parsi merchants traded along China coast - Canton,
Macao, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore …
1874. The Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong Kong, Canton
and Macao was established.
Today, the Hong Kong and Singapore communities of
successful businessmen and professionals have built a
reputation for generous philanthropy.
The HK$200 million 23-storey “Zoroastrian Building” in
downtown Hong Kong is possibly the most valuable Zoroastrian
asset in the world today.
Small numbers of Zoroastrians also reside in Malaysia, China,
Japan, Phillipines, Indonesia, Korea and Thailand.
PRESENCE IN AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICA & SEYCHELLES
South Africa -- Durban and Johannesburg
1870 - 1900s. First wave of 30 immigrants ventured to the “dark
continent” in sailing vessels. Second wave followed in early
1900s. They played significant roles in the colonial period, the
apartheid regime and the democracy gained in 1990s.
Among the earliest was “Parsee Rustomjee”, a businessman,
philanthropist and political activist for down-trodden Indians and
Africans in South Africa.
1948. After Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, Sohrabjee Rustomjee, brought
Gandhiji’s ashes to South Africa in recognition of his prominent role in South
Africa’s struggle against apartheid.
The Seychelle Islands
Around 1880, Mr. Temooljee ventured 2,400 miles across the Indian Ocean, in
a ‘dhow’ to the Seychelle Islands. Today Temooljee & Co, run by 80-year old
Soona Oliaji, is the largest general store in Mahe Island.
“In a country of 100,000, our tiny community of 21 still has
a visible and influential presence.” - Soona Oliaji
PRESENCE IN AFRICA
EAST AFRICA & ADEN
East Africa -- Mombasa, Nairobi, Dare Salam and Zanzibar
1963. 250-300 Zoroastrians in Zanzibar -- in civil service,
business or professions. After revolution in 1963, almost all left
for UK, USA, Canada or India. The Agiary and aramgah are
defunct, and used as a godown by the Mussalmans.
Aden
1976. Aden Fire was ceremoniously moved to the Lonavla Agiary,
when Zoroastrians left Aden after handover to Yemen.
Above, Diana Darukhanavala, and
her 83-year old father are the only
two remaining Zarathushtis now, in
Zanzibar.
Left, Shamba ya Parisi -- Swahili
for Temple of the Parsis.
[Photos: Farah Bala]
PRESENCE IN GULF REGION
UAE (Dubai), Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait
1960s. Sitting on top of the greatest pool of oil reserves in the world, Gulf
Region offers good job and business opportunities. Zarathushtis started
arriving after oil was discovered in 1960s.
1979. The resident population was 300, and is growing steadily.
The Region has an active chapter of WZCC and produces WZCC’s flagship
magazine SynergyZ.
Regional director Meher
Bhesania [center] with
Board Members of WZCC
(Middle East).
WESTERN DIASPORA
NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA
New Zealand.
1877. First known migrant to New Zealand was Hormuzji Ratanji Shroff
with wife and three children. Set up hardware business “Shroff and Sons” in
Auckland. Still run by descendants.
1960s. Zarathushtis seeking a better life, started migrating to New Zealand.
Growth has been significant.
Australia.
1950s. Migration started and has grown steadily, to Sydney (NSW), Melbourne
(Victoria), Western Australia, Adelaide (South Australia) and Brisbane
(Queensland).
Far left, Inaugural jashan,
Parsiana Lodge, Auckland,
2004.
Left, Unveiling Cyrus the
Great statue in Bicentennial
Park, Sydney. Persian
Cultural Festival, 1994.
WESTERN DIASPORA
NORTH AMERICA - CANADA & USA
1799. Early trade relations between
Bombay and Salem, MA
“The business was carried on by Parsees,
some of the most intelligent people I have
ever known, rich and very honorable in their
dealings. The merchant with whom I did
business, Nasser Vanji Monackjee, was a
very fine man.”
- George Nichols, 1799, collection of
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem MA
WESTERN DIASPORA
NORTH AMERICA - CANADA & USA
1851. Possibly the first Zoroastrian to
visit USA.
“… a friend brought a real live Parsee, with a tall
headdress, to take tea with us. It was a revelation to
me that a fire worshipper could take tea like ordinary
mortals.
“ …He drank his tea and ate his bread and butter
quite like other folks … He spoke in a very low,
cultivated, refined voice, using much better English
than we did!”
Ardeshir Cursetjee
Wadia came to
Boston area in 1851
to set up trade with
the Americans.
- Caroline King’s memoirs.
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA
WESTERN DIASPORA
NORTH AMERICA - CANADA & USA
1866. Gold Rush. Possibly the first
Zoroastrian to visit Canada.
• In 1866, the Gold Rush was on.
Maneckji Faramji Javeri came to
California prospecting for gold.
•Javeri also visited Barkerville, north of
Vancouver, making him possibly the first
Zoroastrian to visit Canada.
WESTERN DIASPORA
NORTH AMERICA - CANADA & USA
1876. From Baroda to the New World.
“Many enterprising and intelligent Parsis are desirous of
emigrating to the New World … where they can … preserve and
follow the religion of their forefathers …
“A settlement in America has become the subject of our grave
considerations …”
-- Letter to US Consul by Parsis of Baroda, 1876.
WESTERN DIASPORA
NORTH AMERICA - CANADA & USA
1860. First to settle in USA.
•1860. Conjee Rustomjee Cohoujee Bey (aka Antonio
Gomez) of Lahore came to New York and served in US
Civil War.
• 1866. Possibly first South Asian to settle in San
Francisco.
• 1911. Interned in The Presidio with full military honors.
WESTERN DIASPORA
NORTH AMERICA - CANADA & USA
1885. First US citizen - in Los Angeles.
1892. First Zoroastrian born in USA.
1885. Eduljee Sorabjee, god-son of Sir Dinshaw Manockjee Petit, came to
Los Angeles and became a naturalized US citizen.
“Mr. Sorabjee was a thorough man of the world, there
was little in his manner or speech to distinguish him from
a cultured Englishman or American.”
- H. D. Barrows, 1912
Historical Society of Southern California
1892. Pestonji Framji Davar settled in San Francisco. Son Jamshed was the
first Zoroastrian born in North America.
WESTERN DIASPORA
NORTH AMERICA - CANADA & USA
1900. First naturalized US citizen.
1929. Zoroastrian Association of NY.
1900. Bhicaji Balsara came to settle in New York and became the first
naturalized US citizen, after courts opined that:
“Parsees do belong to the white race .. are intelligent and wellto-do, principally engaged in commerce.”
1904. Phiroze Saklatwala ‘Parsi Oil King’ came to New
York and became part owner of an oil company..
1929. The first Zoroastrian Association of New York
was born in his living room on West 11th Street.
22-year-old Jamshed Irani
Arrived at Ellis Island in
1920. His name is on the
American Immigrant Wall of
Honor.
ELLIS ISLAND
RECORDS
1900 - 1920s
•1903. Merwan Irani, 35 on the
Philadelphia,Southampton.
•1905. Phiroize Sethna, 38 on the Cedric from Liverpool
•1909. Nanabhoy Sethna, 25 on the Adriatic
Southampton.
• 1910 Pestorg Patel, 40 on the Lusitania, Liverpool.
•1914. Maneckji Dhalla, 39, and Cuvarbai Dhalla, 36, on
Carmania, Liverpool.
•1923. Minochie Irani, 25, on Canopic, from Bremerhaven.
WESTERN DIASPORA
NORTH AMERICA - CANADA & USA
PROMOTING THE VISION
1977. Arbab Rustom Guiv and Morvarid Guiv came to the
USA with the vision to establish dar-e-mehers. Their
generosity bore fruit with dar-e-mehers across North America.



FEZANA (estd. 1987) serves to coordinate the work of the Associations,
to collectively strengthen the community in NA.
NAMC (estd. 1992) serves to preserve and perpetuate the religion in NA.
Today there are 28 Associations and 11 dar-e-mehers / Centers.
Six Fezana Presidents at
25th anniversary. Seventh
President Katayun
Kapadia not in picture.
“DEMOGRAPHICS DETERMINES DESTINY”
•
•
2004. FEZANA World Zarathushti population Survey.
Population and intermarriages.
2012. Repeated 2004 survey, Added data on children/seniors,
Parsi/Iranian and male/female breakdown.
NOTE: This is not an official, statistically correct census. Data
may be inconsistent, inaccurate and incomplete and our
estimates may be incorrect. We present the raw data here, as
gathered, to get a flavor of the Zarathushti World.
THE ZARATHUSHTI WORLD
A Demographic Picture
Grateful Thanks to:
•
•
•
•
All the sources and contact persons from 25 countries, 50 US
States and 10 Canadian provinces.
FEZANA Administrator Zenobia Damania for data collection.
Parsiana (Roxana Driver) and FEZANA Journal (Aban Vazifdar).
My family and friends for help in making these fancy slides.
IRAN
1850 7,000 (Est)
1986 32,589 (SCI)
1996 27,920 (SCI)
2006 19,823 (SCI) 24,000 (Est)
2012 25,271 (SCI) 15,000 (Est)
Decline by -37.5% (Est)
• Population is “no more
than 15,000” (Dr. Ekhtiyari)
• Intermarriages: almost zero
• Family size: 3.5 persons
• Male-Female ratio:
51.1%, 48.9%
Concerns:
Census data unreliable
Emigration to the west
Late marriages and
fewer children.
•
•
•
Source:
Dr. Esfandiar Ekhtiyari
Mobed Mehraban Firouzgary
INDIA & SRI LANKA
Intermarriages:
39% of marriages in Mumbai
in 2011 were intermarriages.
Children:
17.6% in 2001.
Seniors:
24.1% were 65 or over in 2001.
Males - Females:
48.8% - 51.2% in 2001.
Concerns:
Late marriage, no marriage
Low fertility rate = 0.9.
Replacement level is 2.1.
Deaths outnumber births.
1891 89,490
1901 94,140
(+5.2%)
1911 100,096
(+6.3%)
1921`101,778
(+1.7%)
1931 109,329
(+7.4%)
1941 114,890
(+5.1%)
1951 111,791
(-2.7%)
1961 100,772
(-9.9%)
1971 91,266
(-9.4%) •
1981 86,013
(-5.8%)
1991 77,353
(-10.1%)
•
2001 69,601
(-10.0%)
2011 61,000(est) (-12.4%) Source:
Prof. Armaity Desai
2004 66
Prof. S. Siva Raju
2012 37 (-43.9%)
Prof. Jamsheed K. Choksy (for
Sri Lanka)
PAKISTAN
Intermarriages:
2.6% (10 men and 33 women)
are married outside. These
women and their offspring are
not counted in the totals.
Students.
Also not included are 47
students studying abroad.
“None are expected to return.”
Children and Seniors:
1995
2001
2004
2012
2831
2378 (-16.0%)
2121 (-10.8%)
1675 (-21.0%)
“No doubt the majority are old. In
last six months, 7 more have died.”
Origin: All are Parsis.
Males- Females: 45.6%, 54.4%
Source:
Toxy Cowasee
GREAT BRITAIN
2004
----------------------------------GREAT BRITAIN 5,000
England 4,900
Scotland 65
N. Ireland 25
REP OF IRELAND
10
----------------------------------2012:
“Increased to around 5,500”
Intermarriages:
In 2004, percentage of non
Zarathushti spouses in a
sampling of ZTFE directory
was estimated to be 5.2%.
Age distribution:
“Average age is coming
down. More deaths than
births is balanced by a small
inflow of new immigrants.”
Source:
Rusi Dalal
Parsi-Iranians
2004: About 1,000.
2012: (In progress)
EUROPE & CENTRAL ASIA
Note: Work is in progress to collect
accurate and consistent data.
Zarathushtis by Choice.
2004: 125 officially initiated.
2012: (In progress)
Dr. Khosro Khazai, European Centre
for Zoroastrian Studies, Belgium:
“1,832 initiated in past 10 years.”
•
•
Mobed Kamran Jamshidi, Sweden.
“2,000 initiated and 20,000 want to
be initiated.”
Source:
Dolly Dastoor et al.
FAR EAST
Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, China,
Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam
Hong Kong
2004: 210
2012: 204 (-3%)
Singapore
2004: 162
2012: 372 (130%)
Intermarriages:
Hong Kong: 15.5%
Singapore: 13.0%
Children:
Hong Kong: 27.2%
Singapore: 39.4%
Seniors:
Hong Kong: 16.3%
Singapore: 9.3%
Origin:
Almost all are Parsis
Male-Female:
Hong Kong: 46.7%, 53.2%
Singapore: 51.9%, 48.1%
Source:
Hong Kong: Yazdi Parekh
Singapore: Russi Ghadiali
and Homiyar Vasania
Intermarriages:
S. Africa: 20.1%
AFRICA
E. Africa: “Of the 15 in Mombasa,
7 are unmarried, 3 married (1 to
EAST AFRICA
non-Z), 2 widows, 1 separated.”
Kenya (Mombasa, Nairobi)
Children - Seniors:
Tanzania (Dare Salam, Zanzibar)
S. Africa: 8.2% children and
25.4% seniors.
2004: 78
E. Africa: 60% over 65. “In
2012: 37 (-53%)
Mombasa no one is below 40.”
SEYCHELLES Origin:
Almost all (but 1 or 2) are Parsis.
2004: 21
Male - Female:
2012: 21
S. Africa: 44.0%, 56.0%
E. Africa: 53.3%, 46.7%
SOUTH AFRICA
(Jo’burg, Durban)
2004: 114
2012: 134 (+17.5%)
Source:
S. Africa: Solly Shapurjee
E. Africa: Vistasp Vatchha
Seychelles: Soona Oliaji
GULF REGION
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE
Intermarriages:
4.1%.
Children (under 21):
27%
Seniors:
“Not many above 65
are able to stay, unless
sponsored or have special
visas.”
Origin: Almost all Parsis. Data
not available on Iranians.
GULF REGION
2004: 2,200
2012: 1900 (-13.6%)
Male - Female:
53.0%, 47.0%
Source:
Meher Bhesania
AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND
Australia
2004: 2601
2012: 2577 (-0.9%)
New Zealand
2004: 900
2012: 1231 (+36.8%)
Intermarriages:
Australia: 4.0%
New Zealand: 2.6%
Children:
Australia: 9.3%
New Zealand: 24.4%
Seniors:
Australia: 29.6%
New Zealand: 3.2%
Origin (Parsi - Iranian):
Australia: 71.1%, 28.9%
New Zealand: 98%Parsis
Male - Female:
Australia: 50.3%, 49.7%
N. Zealand: 48.8%, 51.2%
Source:
Australia: Arnavaz Chubb
New Zealand: Tehmus Mistry
 2004 Estimated (Recorded)
 2012 Estimated (Recorded)
CANADA & USA
Canada
5,975 (5,341)
6,442 (5,995)
7.8% (12.2%)
Total NA
16,769 (14,499)
20,847 (16,759)
24.3% (15.6%)
USA
10,794 (9158)
14,405 (10764)
33.5% (17.5%)
Intermarriages:
Canada: 5.6%
USA: 9.9%
Children:
Canada: 16.8%
USA: 18.7%
Seniors:
Canada: 15.8%
USA: 12.2%
Origin Parsi - Iranian:
Canada: 72.0%, 28.0%
USA: 68.1%, 31.9%
Male - Female:
Canada: 51.4%, 48.6%
USA: 51.7%, 48.3%
Concern:
Assimilation.
Source:
Association / individual in
each of 50 US States and
10 Canadian provinces.
IMMIGRATION TO NA (2004 - 2012)
(Full Report in FEZANA Journal Fall 2013 and at www.fezana.org)
Canada
Immigration to Canada, based on only 5 of 10 provinces reporting is roughly
estimated at 500; 300 (mostly from Iran) to British Columbia and 200 to rest
of Canada.
USA
Immigration to USA, based on only 10 of 50 states reporting is roughly
estimated at 1870, rounded to 2000; 1670 to California (mostly from Iran)
and 200 to rest of USA.
North America.
Estimated immigration, based on only a few states/provinces reporting is roughly
estimated to be 2,500, most of them from Iran.
ADDRESSING CONCERNS OF ASSIMILATION IN NORTH AMERICA-1
(Full Report in FEZANA Journal Fall 2013 and at www.fezana.org)
Inter-married couples were asked:
“How can we inspire and engage inter-married
couples and their children to remain in the fold …?
Reasons why participation is not higher. Top 5 answers
1. Turned off by prejudices and doctrinal conflicts.
2. Too busy with work/school. Community is not a priority.
3. Turned off by dissensions among elders.
4. There are very few or no Z’s where we live, work or at school.
5. We feel uncomfortable at community events.
ADDRESSING CONCERNS OF ASSIMILATION IN NORTH AMERICA-2
Inter-married couples were asked:
“How can we inspire and engage inter-married
couples and their children to remain in the fold …?
What can FEZANA do to help families stay connected? Top 5 answers
1. Have structured online religious education classes.
2. Simple books and websites to introduce the religion.
3. Have an inter-married couples support group.
4. Strengthen “small groups” network to engage families in outlying areas.
5. Enhance the priesthood to also provide ministerial services and be
learned teachers and inspirational speakers.
ADDRESSING CONCERNS OF ASSIMILATION IN NORTH AMERICA-3
Intra-married couples were asked:
“How can we facilitate and inspire young Z’s
to marry within the faith?”
Top 5 answers:
1. Youth get-togethers: congresses, camps, professional meets, trips…
2. “Introductions” by family and friends.
3. Parents to show benefits of intra-marriage -- for the couple and the
community -- from early childhood.
4. “Introductions” by match-makers (e.g. FEZANA Journal matrimonials page).
5. Matrimonial websites. Have online dating service at fezana.org.
ADDRESSING CONCERNS OF ASSIMILATION IN NORTH AMERICA-4
A glimpse of the responses from a cross-section of N.A. elders as well as
“next generation” Z’s suggesting “actions” to address concerns.
1. It all starts at home.
2. Religious Education from early childhood is the key.
3. Maintain our cultural traditions and religious practices.
4. Encourage marriages within the faith, and larger families.
5. Inspire and engage the Next Generation and those on the fringes.
6. Provide spiritual upliftment.
7. Celebrate the togetherness - Iranian and Parsi.
(contd next page)
ADDRESSING CONCERNS OF ASSIMILATION IN NORTH AMERICA-5
8. Revive the entrepreneurial spirit.
9. Get politically active.
10. Adapt and adjust.
11. Attitudes towards inter-marriage and their offspring.
12. Accept conversions.
(Full report in FEZANA Journal Fall 2013, www.fezana.org).
ZARATHUSHTI POPULATION 2012.
Countries with population less than 100 are not shown.
CANADA
6,442(+7.8%)
GR.BRITAIN
5,500(+10%) EUROPE/C.ASIA
1,000(0.0%)
USA
14,405(+33.5%)
IRELAND
10 (0%)
NORTH AMERICA
20,847(+24.4%)
IRAN
15,000(-37.5%)
CHINA
21 (+5%)
PAKISTAN
1,675(-21.0%)
GULF
1,900(-13.6%)
MEXICO
10 (0%)
SOUTH AMERICA
10 (0%)
E. AFRICA
37 (-52.6%)
2004 = 124,953
2012 = 111,691
Decline by -13,262 (-10.6%)
S. AFRICA
134(+17.5%)
KOREA
5
HONG KONG
204(-2.9%)
INDIA
61,000(-12.4%)
THAILAND
16
SRI LANKA
37 (-43.9%)
MALAYSIA
43 (+43.3%)
SEYCHELLES
21 (0%)
WORLD POPULATION
JAPAN
21 (-30.0%)
SINGAPORE
372(+129.6%)
PHILLIPINES
15
INDONESIA
5
AUSTRALIA
2,577(-0.9%)
NEW ZEALAND
1,231(+36.8%)
39
WORLD POPULATION
Country
Iran
India
USA
Canada
Gr. Britain
Australia
Persian Gulf
Pakistan
New Zealand
Europe/Asia
Singapore
Hong Kong
Other countries
2004
2012 Diff
24,000 15,000 -9,000
69,601 61,000 -8,601
10,794 14,405
3,611
5,975 6,442
467
5,000 5,500
500
2,601 2,577
-24
2,200 1,900
-300
2,121 1,675
900 1,231
1,000 1,000
162
210
389
372
204
385
-446
331
0
210
-6
-4
THE ZARATHUSHTI
WORLD POPULATION
TOTALS
2004 TOTAL
= 124,953
2012 TOTAL
= 111,691
In 2012, we estimate
13,262 fewer (-10.6%)
Zarathushtis in the world
than in 2004.
WORLD POPULATION
GROWTH/DECLINE OF POPULATION BY COUNTRY 2004 - 2012
All others
S. Africa
Hong Kong
Singapore
Europe
Pakistan
UAE+
Australia
Gr. Britain
New Zealand
-5,000
Canada
-3,000
USA
-1,000
India
1,000
Iran
Number of Zarathushtis
3,000
-7,000
-9,000
-11,000
How can we sustain a loss of 13,262 Zarathushtis in less than a decade?
25
20
15
10
5
0
China
Seychel les
Japan
Malaysi a
Sri Lanka
E. Africa
S. Africa
Hong Kong
Singapore
Europe
N.Zealand
Paki stan
UAE+
2004
Australi a
Gr. Britai n
Canada
USA
India
Iran
INTERMARRIAGE
S
Percentage of non-Zarathushti spouses
in the Zarathushti population, 2004 and 2012
2012
INTERMARRIAGE
S
PERCENTAGE OF INTERMARRIAGES
from Parsiana (for Mumbai) and
FEZANA Journal (for N. America)
70
60
50
40
30
20
Mumbai (Parsiana)
10
N. America (Fezana Jr)
2011
2009
2007
2005
2003
2001
1999
1997
1995
1993
1991
0
Malaysia
Sri Lanka
E Africa
S. Africa
HongKong
Singapore
N. Zealand
Pakistan
UAE+
Australia
Gr. Britain
Canada
50
USA
India
Iran
AGE DISTRIBUTION
PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN (18 & UNDER)
AND SENIORS (65 & OVER)
60
% children
% Seniors
40
30
20
10
0
BIRTHS AND DEATHS
NUMBER OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS PER YEAR
N. America (FEZANA Jr)
Mumbai (Parsiana)
70
1200
60
1000
50
800
40
30
20
Births/yr
Deaths/yr
10
600
Births/yr
400
Deaths/yr
200
0
2011
2007
2003
1999
1995
1991
2011
2007
2003
1999
1995
1991
0
BIRTHS AND DEATHS
NUMBER DEATHS PER 100 BIRTHS FOR
NORTH AMERICA (FEZANA JR) AND
MUMBAI (PARSIANA)
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
In North America:
In 21 years:
1,022 births and 706 deaths
In Mumbai:
In 20 years:
N. America
Mumbai
2011
2007
2003
1999
1995
1991
3456 births and 17,715 (!) deaths
0
Malaysia
Sri Lanka
E Africa
S. Africa
HongKong
Singapore
N.Zealand
Parsis
Pakistan
UAE+
Australia
Gr. Britain
Canada
USA
India
Iran
Percentage
ORIGIN - PARSIS, IRANIANS
PERCENTAGE OF PARSIS AND IRANIANS
Iranians
100
80
60
40
20
0
Malaysia
Sri Lanka
E Africa
S. Africa
HongKong
Singapore
N. Zealand
Males
Pakistan
UAE+
Australia
60
Gr. Britain
Canada
USA
India
Iran
Percentage
MALE-FEMALE DISTRIBUTION
PERCENTAGE OF MALES AND FEMALES
Females
40
20
WE NOW HAVE A FLAVOR OF
THE ZARATHUSHTI WORLD….
Where we have come from.
Where we are today.
Where are we going?
EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US SHARES
AN AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY
TODAY WE ARE SPREAD AROUND THE WORLD
CAN WE COME TOGETHER AND WORK TOGETHER
WE HAVE THE RESOURCES