Population

The Arab region has diverse demographic features as countries in the region are at different stages of the demographic transition. This is owing to a wide range of country-specific social, economic, political and cultural factors. Currently, the region includes countries with markedly different population sizes, age-sex structures and growth rates. These features are determined by the speed of three main components of demographic change, namely fertility, mortality, and international migration (including labour migration and war-related population displacements). Considering demographic change is crucial from a policy perspective because it affects all aspect of life and has important implications for the labour market, economic growth, employment potential, housing needs and demand for education, health and social services in any county. Reliable data on the size and structure of populations, as well as on components of demographic change are essential for understanding various aspects of social and economic trends and for informing public policy decisions.

Related Subject(s): Economic and Social Development