Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan (IDA & IBRD) Population 2026

As of 2025, the combined population of the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (classified as IDA & IBRD by the World Bank) is approximately 736,401,764. This region has experienced a steady 1-year growth rate of 1.73%, matching the average annual growth over the past decade.

Population
736,401,764
Estimate for 2026
1-year growth
+1.73%
10-year avg growth
+1.73%

Population Trend

Overview

The Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan aggregate represents a diverse set of countries that are part of the World Bank's IDA (International Development Association) and IBRD (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) classifications. With a population exceeding 736 million in 2025, this region is one of the most populous among World Bank aggregates. The consistent 1.73% annual growth rate over both the latest year and the past decade indicates sustained demographic expansion, driven by relatively high fertility rates in several countries and improvements in life expectancy.

Demographically, the region has a youthful age structure, with a significant proportion under age 30, which contributes to continued growth momentum. Urbanization is ongoing, particularly in Gulf states and parts of North Africa, while rural areas in Afghanistan and Pakistan still have high population densities. Migration patterns, including labor migration to oil-rich countries and refugee movements due to conflicts, also shape population dynamics.

Economic factors such as oil revenues in the Middle East and North Africa contrast with the agrarian and industrial bases of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The IDA & IBRD classification includes both lower-income (IDA) and middle-income (IBRD) countries, reflecting wide disparities in development. Population growth, if not matched by economic opportunities, could strain resources and infrastructure.

The 1.73% growth rate, if sustained, would double the population in about 40 years. This poses challenges for food security, water resources, and employment, but also offers a potential demographic dividend if investments in education and health are made. The region's geopolitical significance, combined with its demographic weight, makes it a critical area for global population and development trends.

FAQ

What is the population of Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan (IDA & IBRD) in 2025?
The population in 2025 is 736,401,764.
What is the population growth rate of this region?
The 1-year growth rate and the 10-year average growth rate are both 1.73%.
Which countries are included in this World Bank aggregate?
This aggregate includes countries in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan that are classified as IDA or IBRD by the World Bank. Specific countries include but are not limited to Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
What does IDA & IBRD stand for?
IDA stands for International Development Association, which provides concessional loans and grants to the world's poorest countries. IBRD stands for International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which offers loans and services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries.
Why is the population growth rate important for this region?
A sustained growth rate of 1.73% indicates ongoing demographic expansion, which has implications for economic development, resource allocation, and policy planning. It highlights the need for investments in education, healthcare, and job creation to harness a potential demographic dividend.

Data sources & terms