The energy cost of individual activities and the daily energy expenditure of female carpet weavers and villagers were measured in Iranian villages and in the town of Isfahan as part of a series of studies to assess the validity for the population of past and present FAO recommended energy allowances. The energy cost of typical activities was measured by indirect calorimetry using Max-Planck respirometers. Daily energy expenditure was assessed using these figures combined with a 24-hr activity diary. The results of standard activity values are compared with other published values for Europeans and populations of countries with hot climates. The mean daily energy expenditure for both groups was in the order of 2000 kcal/day, below but close to the FAO recommendations which appear valid for rural women in a large part of the country but are probably an underestimate for areas where the participation of women in agriculture is greater.