The population of the Arab world has reached 501 million, placing it third globally after China and India. About 60% of this population lives in the African part of the Arab world, specifically in Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, and Morocco, which together account for 51% of the total, according to the Arab Council for Population.
اضافة اعلان
Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, marks the Arab Population and Development Day, coinciding with the establishment of the Arab Council for Population and Development in 2019.
The council stated that this occasion provides an opportunity to evaluate demographic conditions and promote Arab developmental work, sharing expertise on population dynamics and their impact on sustainable development.
Key Demographic Insights:
Arab societies display diverse population sizes and structures, each at different stages of demographic transition.
Understanding past and projected demographic changes is crucial for labor markets, economic growth, housing, education, health, and social services.
Population Growth Projections:
Expected to reach 548 million by the end of the decade and 591 million by 2035, an increase of 90 million over ten years (~9 million per year) with an annual growth rate of 1.65%.
By mid-century, the Arab population could rise to 756 million.
Fertility Rates:
Low fertility (<2 children per woman): Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Tunisia.
Moderate fertility (2.1–2.9): Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Syria, Djibouti, Egypt.
High fertility (3–3.9): Algeria, Iraq, Palestine.
Highest fertility (>4.5): Yemen, Somalia, Mauritania.
Age Structure:
Arab populations are generally young, though variations exist due to demographic transitions and migrant populations.
Children under 15 years:
High proportions in low-income countries: Somalia 47%, Yemen 45%, Mauritania & Sudan 41%.
Low proportions in Gulf states: Qatar 14%, UAE 16%, Kuwait 18%, reflecting demographic transition and young migrant workforce.
Elderly population (65+):
Less than 5% in most Arab countries; Qatar & UAE below 2%.
Highest in Tunisia (10%), Lebanon (8%), Morocco (7%), due to high emigration rates.
This demographic diversity presents both opportunities and challenges for education, healthcare, economic planning, and social services across the Arab world.
