ABSTRACT
In most parts of the world competition among water users is rising as people demand more and more from limited water resources. Particularly in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, the demand for water is rapidly overtaking the existing supply. As the major rivers of these regions are shared by two or more countries, disputes over the sharing of the water are becoming increasingly contentious. Tensions over decreased water supplies are emerging in these areas, which face population pressures, rapid urbanization and pressing development needs. Global climate change may further complicate the situation.
