ESCWA prepared this study in the context of its activities aimed at improving statistical work in member countries. The purpose of the study consists of enhancing capacities of member countries in designing and implementing the integrated household survey which contributes to promoting capacities to develop, follow up and evaluate plans and programmes, and to building social and economic indicators which allow to monitor progress achieved in realizing the Millennium Development Goals, in particular the goal of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.

The study presents four research papers on how Islamic finance should be handled in the System of National Accounts 2008 (2008 SNA) and monetary statistics based on discussion and research papers presented in the workshop organized by ESCWA and UNSD on  Islamic finance in national accounts. Research and best practices are needed beyond the financial assets and liabilities and their classification by type of financial instrument described within the framework of monetary and financial statistics, in line with the 2008 SNA.

This publication presents time series comparative statistics and indicators on core areas of economic and social development in ESCWA member countries for 2008. This issue of the Statistical Abstract consists of 11 chapters, each focusing on one of the following: population and labour force, education and illiteracy, health, gender equality, national accounts, energy, industry, transport, foreign trade, financial statistics and prices, and information and communications technology.

This publication explores what the women, peace, and security agenda is and how institutions in the Arab region are responding to it in times of peace and of war.