Fertility policies in the Arab world

While several countries have recorded declines in their fertility rates, the overall level of fertility in the Arab world remains high. If prevailing levels persist, the population of the Arab world is expected to double every 23.3 years. Although many experts consider that an increase of this magnitude is a deterrent to socioeconomic development, the fertility policies of most Arab countries reflect a different view. The present study reviews the perceptions of 21 governments with regard to fertility behavior in the context of socioeconomic development. The factors that determine their willingness to intervene in order to discourage or promote fertility among their people and the measures taken to do so are discussed.