Demographic transition in Mashreq countries

Alberto Veira, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Jesús J. Sánchez-Barricarte, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

This poster attempts to illustrate the demographic situation of most Arab countries of the Mashreq region (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Syria). After having completed the transition from high to low mortality rates, these countries are currently undergoing the transition from high to low fertility demographic regimes. Analysis of official UN data show that most of the past decline on fertility experienced so far has been due to the delay of the age of marriage of Arab women, for marital fertility has continued to remain quite high. This rapid decline of fertility rates has reshaped the age structure of these populations, and will cause a dramatic reduction of the dependency ratio during the oncoming decades, opening a window of opportunity for strengthening the economic development of the region. The poster also aims to highlight the existing differences between these countries concerning the present level of mortality and fertility rates and the pace at which change is taking place.