UNICEF MENA

The Middle East and North Africa region covers countries and territories from Morocco to the Islamic Republic of Iran, including Djibouti and Sudan in sub-Saharan Africa. The region is home to nearly 418 million people, including 157 million, or 38 per cent, who are under the age of 18. Nearly 10,000 children are born across the region every year. The region is marked by significant disparities – Saudi Arabia, one of the region’s richest countries, shares borders with Yemen, one of its poorest and most conflict-ridden. Disparities are also evident within countries: income, gender and geographical inequalities in MENA keep many children in a state of poverty and vulnerability.