Demographic Change, Fiscal Policy and Pension Systems in MENA Countries

This project examines the links between demographic change and fiscal policy regarding social security and education. Pension systems in MENA countries have structural problems. To start with they are financially unsustainable. While MENA countries have relatively young populations, they are not immune to demographic changes and some already show signs of aging populations. As MENA countries go through demographic transition to lower fertility rates, lower population growth rates and aging populations, their social security systems will be under even greater pressure in the near future. Such pressure could bring about serious conflict between government social security and education programs.