This report presents a broad illustration of Arab society and the ways in which it is changing.
● The population in the Arab region continues to grow rapidly, and the region is expected to double in size in approximately 35 years.
Graph 1.6
● The population is young overall, but the proportion of older people is increasing fast in several countries.
1.7
● The number of international migrants in the region consistently increased over the past 20 years, and the region houses has the largest number of refugees and displaced populations worldwide.
1.12
● Child and early marriage has been decreasing but still common high in some countries.
2.5
● Extended living arrangement is no longer universal, but current economic hardship facing several countries may give rise to three generation families.
2.6
● Availability of improved drinking water sources, electricity and sanitation facilities are increasing in most countries, but are still lacking in some rural areas .
3.1
● Home ownership is the norm for households, especially in rural areas.
3.4
● Reproductive and maternal health has improved significantly in the region, but disparities both within and between countries persist .
4.3
● Maternal mortality continues to decline, but is still high in some countries.
4.4
● Adult obesity is common, particularly among women.
4.10
● GCC countries have reported the highest numbers of cases per capita in the region since the pandemic broke out.
5.4
● Half the countries reported summer spikes in daily deaths due to COVID-19, and in some countries further surges were observed afterwards.
5.5
● Education has improved dramatically over the years, but illiteracy is still high in some countries.
6.1
● The gender gap in net enrollment has significantly narrowed in most countries.
6.3
● Labour force participation is low in the region, mainly because of very low participation rates among women.
7.1
● Unemployment is disproportionally high among women and youth.
7.2; 7.5
● Poverty as measured by the national poverty line increased in many countries.
8.1
● Education and health account for the smallest shares of household consumption expenditure.
8.5
● The overwhelming majority of adults in the region practice a religion, and women tend to be more religious than men.
9.1
● Trust in ‘other’ people is relatively low everywhere.
9.2