Self-Sustainability: Syria

• Declining death rate of children due to improved health resources
• Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of Syria: 6.3--reflects existing cultural pattern
• Mediterranean rim and valley of the Euphrates both fertile
• Much of the country is desert--map

If the TFR remains well above replacement value of two (one child for each parent), will the country be self-sustaining in the long range view?

The level of education of women has a close correlation with the TFR: the higher the level of education the lower the TFR (and vice-versa).

Thus, one way to bring the high fertility rate in line with the declining death rate is to work at opportunities that involve education of women. One such opportunity is through sponsored clinics in which women learn to care for themselves and their children.

If the two rates are not aligned, can Syria become self-sustaining?