• The Middle East and North Africa region has “more frequent and severe conflicts than any other part of the world.” This has inflicted not only a “devastating human toll” but also “massive and persistent economic costs,” both within the countries directly affected by war and in neighboring countries, the IMF finds in a 16 September report.

• The situation is getting worse not better. The region accounted for 60% of global battle-related deaths since 2000 with a notable further deterioration over the last five years (see maps). MENA has not only seen more conflicts, but these conflicts have typically been more intense and longer-lasting than those in other parts of the world, the IMF finds. (CONTINUED - 414 WORDS)