The Baháʼí Faith is a relatively new religion[a] teaching the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people.[b] Established by Baháʼu'lláh in the 19th century, it initially developed in Iran and parts of the Middle East, where it has faced ongoing persecution since its inception. The religion is estimated to have over five million adherents, known as Baháʼís, spread throughout most of the world's countries and territories.