ABSTRACT
With its 100 million inhabitants, Egypt has become the most populous country in the Mediterranean. In the Middle East region other significant demographic changes include Saudi Arabia, with a population of over 34 million, UAE with almost 11 million and Israel with over 9 million, no longer a small country. The impact of demographic changes is analysed, notably the dramatic decline in birth rates which will have implications for future employment. Educational standards have improved considerably, but unemployment and underemployment remain significant issues. The Gulf economies host substantial numbers of migrant workers, mainly from Asia, but their replacement with local citizens raises many complex issues.
