Generating Reliable Data to Perform Distributional Analysis in the Arab Region

The objective of this paper is twofold. Firstly, we show how reliable datasets can be generated to perform distributional analysis in the Arab region, based on a useful procedure of desegregating grouped data published by official statistical agencies. Secondly, using accessible raw micro data and synthetic datasets, we rely on the existing conventional set of inequality indices to assess the degree of disparity and its evolution over time in the Arab region. The paper fills in an important gap of knowledge on data access and the level and patterns of inequality in the Arab region.