This report, the first regional HDR for the Arab States, is the result, covering a total of 22 countries from the Maghreb to the Gulf. The report has some encouraging findings. Overall, it shows that Arab states have made substantial progress in human development over the past three decades. Life expectancy
has increased by about 15 years; mortality rates for children under five years of age have fallen by about two thirds; adult literacy has almost doubled—and women’s literacy has trebled— reflecting very large increases in gross
educational enrollments, including those of girls. Daily caloric intake and access to safe water are higher, and the incidence of dire poverty is lower than in any other developing region.