Youth movement
Young people in the Middle East and North Africa make up the highest proportion of the population. Such a demographic can be an advantage for countries with open political, economic and educational systems. But demonstrations across the region have shown how youths can also fuel instability when they lack representation in government or are unable to find jobs.
- Iran
- Algeria
- Saudi Arabia
- Yemen
- Jordan
- Egypt
- Bahrain
- Tunisia
- U.S.
ABOUT IRAN: Fertility rates were high in the 1980s after the Iranian revolution, resulting in today's large youth population, many of whom have called for a regime change in the country. Rates have since lowered to about 2.5 children per woman, and the number of youths is expected to drop.
ABOUT ALGERIA: Similar to Egypt's, Algeria's youth population is hitting its peak, and fertility rates have declined. Youth unemployment remains extremely high, although increased oil revenue has started to create more state-sector jobs.
ABOUT SAUDI ARABIA: Fertility rates remain higher than many of its neighbors, but the wealthy country is able to afford more social benefits to accommodate the bulge. Migrant workers account for the large proportion of working-age males in the country.
ABOUT YEMEN: High fertility rates persist in Yemen -- the average number of children per woman was the highest in the region, at 6.2 in 2005. Its youth population is expected to continue to grow, which could be a problem in a country rife with civil and economic problems.
ABOUT JORDAN: Jordan's youth bulge is also hitting its peak, but it is expected to last longer than Algeria's because its fertility decline has been more recent. Youth unemployment is also a big problem, as there are few outlets for its university graduates.
ABOUT EGYPT: Egypt's youth population is near a peak, which has put more pressure on high unemployment rates. A democratic Egypt could use this population to its advantage once it is able to accommodate more young people in the workforce.
ABOUT BAHRAIN: Shiites in Bahrain have maintained higher fertility rates than Sunnis, as part of an effort to gain a role in government where they have felt discrimination. Migrant workers account for the large proportion of working-age males in the country.
ABOUT TUNISIA: The youth bulge in Tunisia is less dramatic because fertility rates in the country started to decline sooner. A democratic Tunisia could be an opportunity for advancement if the large number of working-age people in relation to dependents can find productive employment.
ABOUT THE U.S.: The United States has a more even population distribution than countries in Western Europe or in Japan, because it has delayed the aging of its population by being more open to immigrants.
SOURCES: Ragui Assaad, University of Minnesota; Population Reference Bureau; U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division; NATO Parliamentary Assembly. GRAPHIC: Alicia Parlapiano and Laura Stanton/The Washington Post - February 15, 2011.
