The ESCWA region has an arid to semi-arid climate and the livelihood of its population is significantly affected by the scarcity of water. This series aims to enhance the application of integrated water resources management (IWRM) concepts in Western Asia and this second issue provides an overview of the state of water resources in the ESCWA region, based on the most recent data obtained from member countries, analysed and assessed in the context of IWRM. It offers a comprehensive picture of the current situation of water resources in each member country in terms of availability, accessibility and sustainability.