Middle East and North Africa

Abstract

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is an expansive geographical region that extends from Morocco in the West to Iran in the East. The region is historically, economically, and socially diverse. Arabic is the most widely spoken language with several subregional dialects. As a whole, the region is resource rich, with several economies primarily based on the exportation of natural resources, oil and gas in particular. A history of colonialism and imperialism has contributed to persisting socioeconomic challenges. Large populations of young, educated citizens are common to many countries in the region, providing a key asset to increasingly digital economies. For the past decade, MENA has been broadly associated with civil unrest. Political and social change has been unpredictable, and, in many places, tensions persist. As in much of the world, the region has also had to grapple with technological change, which has created opportunities for both governments and citizens. Data has been at the forefront of many discussions related to these issues, including the potential for open data to address socioeconomic challenges. 034