Essay Sample on Youth Unemployment in MENA: High Fertility, Low Jobs

Introduction

The population of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) consist of about 20% of youths between the age brackets of 15 to 24. The job market has been tight for the past decade. The unemployment rate is high within this demographic. Experts estimate a youth bulge in the coming three decades. Unemployment is damaging to educated young adults because of the decline in the availability of jobs. The increase in the number of youths is due to the high fertility of the populace of MENA countries.

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The unemployment of youths within this demographic has resulted in increased poverty and inequality, increased crime rate and mortality, and magnified generational disparity. Religion and state in MENA countries are intertwined. In the western countries, separation of religion and government is entrenched. Some aspects engender conflict between the state and religion such as state restrictions on religion, restrictions on smaller religion, the formal role of religion within the state, directive on all religion, and state legislation on the faith of choice.

MENA countries face emigration issues resulting from the Arab Spring. Some factors that led to the Arab Spring include a high rate of joblessness, low economic prospects, lack of democratic representation, and continued corruption within administrations. The education sector within MENA is in bad condition with a decline in investment in primary education.

Natural Environment

Many countries in the region don't prioritize the environment. The main focus is on industrialization, energy, and modernization. The population is also vital. MENA's renewable energy market has increased due to factors such as energy security and demand growth. Population expansion, economic progress, urbanization, and water scarcity have led to the demand for renewable energy.

The shortage of water has negatively impacted on MENA by reducing productivity, degrading natural resources, downgrading economy, and depleting livestock, decreasing agricultural capacity, and degrading humanitarian and social conditions. Scarcity of water has also affected economic activities by increasing expenditure on food and water, creating import and export imbalance, price volatility and market failure, a depleted surplus of commodities, and lower-income levels. There is the problem of air pollution in MENA countries (Akrout & Ben Othman, 2016).

Netflix, Amazon Prime, Starz Play, Wavo, and Shahid

Strengths and Weaknesses

There is competition for streaming services in the Middle East and North Africa. Starz Play and Wavo have emerged as local competitors to other platforms. Netflix is streaming four Arabic-language dramas while Starz Play is streaming three series also in Arabic. Starz Play is not interested in taking on traditional TV but focused on streaming relevant Arabic content. Statistics indicate that about 85% to 90% view TV while only 25% to 30% like online streaming in MENA countries. Amazon Prime has also entered the market to woo TV fans and compete for space in the streaming services.

Amazon shows include Hollywood films and Bollywood movies with the inclusion of Hindi and Tamil movies. Netflix has released most original Arabic content and hence leads in this category. At third place is Starz play while Wavo and Shahid take the last position. However, Shahid tops in showing original content.

Amazons prices are fair; hence, it tops the list for best price followed by Shahid, Netflix, and lastly Starz Play. Netflix tops incompatibility since it is available in major streaming platforms. Amazon leads in offering extra-benefits to its customers. It is noticeable that Netflix leads in both quantity and quality of content.

Reference

Akrout, M. M., & Ben Othman, H. (2016). Environmental disclosure and stock market liquidity: evidence from Arab MENA emerging markets. Applied Economics, 48(20), 1840-1851.