Middle East population dynamics (EIU)

EIU reported that the population in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is on average growing faster than in most other areas of the world, according to World Bank. The Bank’s forecast of an average yearly expansion of 1.7% is exceeded only in Sub-Saharan Africa, where growth is expected to average 2% annually over the 12 years ending in 2015.
Highlights of the report:
· Palestinian Territories and Yemen are the fastest population growth with 3.1% and 2.9% respectively and with Youth Population (15 years of age) make up in excess of 45%. This will be problematic due to lack of resources (water) and increased dependency that may require increased taxes to support young population
· Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan and Sudan expected growth rate of 2% with Saudi expected to double population by 2015. Youth will make quarter of the population in UAE and Kuwait.