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Survey of Economic and Social Developments in the ESCWA Region, 2010-2011

Symbol: 
E/ESCWA/EDGD/2011/8
Issued in: 
2011

In a very highly volatile and changing scene in the aftermath of the Arab uprising, understanding the present in view of the recent past and projecting the near future is almost an impossible task. The ground rules of the Arab economies that prevailed in the past decades have all been put to the test, and a dramatic review of the political economy of the previous social contract is out for questioning and even outright rejection by the masses who roamed the streets of cities since the beginning of 2010.
 
This survey is mainly a technical view of the major factors and variables affecting Arab economies, with an attempt to bridge the huge gap between the social and the economic by dedicating a chapter to social policy, with focus on major recent trends in health, education, and social protection in member countries. It provides data and attempts to understand and explain the dynamics of regional, sub-regional and country social and economic trends. The survey aims to provide interested readers, governments, and the general public with a snapshot of the current socioeconomic situation and the outlook for 2012.

Survey of Economic and Social Developments in the ESCWA Region, 2010-2011: Summary