| Sumario: | The population size of the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) quadrupled in the last half of the 20th century, thanks to rapidly falling death rates and slowly declining fertility rates. One outcome of MENA's recent demographic trends is an increasingly obvious youth bulge, which gives momentum to continued population growth in the region. Although the youth bulge provides a potential demographic dividend, there are barriers to reaping this windfall. If the members of this large youth cohort are to become healthy and productive members of their societies, much will depend on the ability of governments and civil societies invest in social, economic, and political institutions that meet the needs of youth. Demographic trends in MENA are explored in detail.
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