Demographic Transition in the Middle East - Implications for Growth, Employment, and Housing

by Rina Bhattacharya

The population of the Middle East has grown very rapidly in the past three decades, faster than all regions in the world except sub-Saharan Africa. 2 This demographic explosion went hand in hand with an expanded labor force, increased urbanization and rural-urban migration, and a rising gap in food self-sufficiency. Yet, for much of the period rapid population growth was of little concern to policymakers. Regional economies were undergoing rapid structural transformation and GDP growth performance was above the average of developing countries. Moreover, the state expanded its role as employer and consumer, and the oil boom stimulated substantial flows of labor and capital within the region.

27 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2000