This issue disseminates population census data and comparable national data on registered vital events in the ESCWA region, with complementary analysis. To optimize accuracy, data have been checked for consistency against national, regional and international sources and for comparability purposes, rates have been computed using the World Population Prospects: The 2006 Revision prepared by the United Nations Population Division. The production and dissemination of reliable vital statistics being central to optimal planning, this publication aims to encourage ESCWA member countries in such activities, with a view to strengthening civil registration systems across the region. It contains an assessment of data availability for key indicators in the region and provides technical notes on the method used for calculating those indicators, with the aim of supporting member countries in the production of statistics and indicators that conform to international standards and definitions.