ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the nature of inter-country variations in levels of human development within the Arab region using cross-national data and examines levels of human development for the countries of the region. It explores the factors that account for inter-country variations in the levels of human development within the Arab region. The chapter also offers recommendations for achieving sustainable human development within the region in the new millennium. It shows that the macroeconomic environment—as measured by economic growth—plays an important role in explaining inter-country differences in levels of human development. Prospects for progress in human development within the Arab region will also be determined by the degree of macroeconomic stability in the respective countries. The chapter suggests that Arab countries located within the African continent have low levels of human development. Good governance plays an important role in enhancing levels of human development within the Arab region.
