RESUMO
PIP: The responsiveness of population research in the Arab countries to the development needs of these countries was studied. The needs are determined on the basis of official government positions and an analysis of the population and development situations prevailing in the countries. Population research is research that deals primarily with 1 or more of 5 categories of variables generally considered the main concern of the population field: 1) the size, growth and structure of the population; 2) morbidity and mortality; 3) reproduction and family formation; 4) population distribution and internal migration; and 5) international migration. An intensive search was made to locate published and unpublished population research undertaken between 1960 and 1976 dealing with the Arab countries. Except for Egypt and Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia), interest in population concerns is generally of relatively recent origin in the Arab countries. The population issues of major concern to most Arab countries relate to population distribution and internal migration, international migration, and the shortage of qualified demographers. There is also general concern for differential mortality and the persistence of high mortality rates among certain socioeconomic groups and in certain geographic areas; and, in a few countries, for high rates of fertility and population growth. Egypt, Tunisia, and to some extent Morocco should be singled out for their long-term preoccupation with questions of overpopulation and their relatively long interest in the control of fertility and the implementation of family planning programs.^ieng