Statistical Abstract » Population

The chapter focuses on the population of ESCWA member countries, covering size and distribution by age, sex and economic activity. Data were provided by the national statistical offices of ESCWA member countries.

Table 1 presents estimates of population and sex ratio, birth and death rates, growth and fertility rates for the world, Arab countries and ESCWA member countries for the years 2005 and 2010. The table shows that the population of ESCWA region was estimated to be 192 million in 2005 and is expected to grow to 214 million in 2010 with annual growth rate of 2.5 per cent. Geographic details on Arab and ESCWA member countries are given in the explanatory notes.

Table 2 provides estimates of population in ESCWA member countries by broad age group for 2005 and 2006. In 2005, the population in the ESCWA region is fairly young, with 37 per cent under 15 years of age. Youth those aged 15 to 24 years make up 20 per cent of the entire population, while people aged 60 and over constitute 5 per cent of the total ESCWA population.

Table 3 highlights estimates of birth and death rates, and growth and fertility rates in ESCWA members for the periods 1995-00 and 2000-2005. Data for the tables I.1 through I.3 were obtained from the 2004 revision of the World Population Prospects prepared by the United Nations Population Division.

Table 4 examines the population by age group in ESCWA, using information from the latest national population censuses. Data refer to the de facto population. No data is presented for Lebanon, since population censuses have not been carried out in the country since 1932.

Table 5 presents the urban and total population in ESCWA members, by census years, using information from national population censuses. Urban area is determined according to the respective national census definition. No data is presented for Lebanon, since population censuses have not been carried out in the country since 1932.

Table 6 provides vital statistics in ESCWA member countries for the period 1999-2004, including births and deaths, infant deaths, marriages and divorces. Data were obtained from civil registration systems, and were provided by national statistical offices. Rates have been calculated using national estimates of population. Whenever national figures are not available, estimates of population were taken from the 2004 revision of the World Population Prospects.

Table 7 highlights economic activity rates by age group, age composition of the active population and the percentage of active women according to the latest available data. It indicates that while progress has been made in terms of the economic activity of women, the participation of women, as a percentage of the total labour force in ESCWA member countries, has remained low compared with men, ranging from 10.6 per cent in Iraq in 1997 to 25.6 per cent in Kuwait in 2002.