Background
In the fifth and latest wave of the Arab Barometer, we asked over 25,000 citizens throughout the Middle East and North Africa to evaluate their satisfaction level with the education system in their country, and to report on their perception of corruption — in particular, the perceived need to pay a bribe to access better educational services.
The following factsheet sets out some of the main findings and links to wider information where it is available.
Key facts and figures
EVALUATION OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM
- The percent of individuals who reported that they were either very satisfied, or satisfied, with the education system in their country ranged from a high of 65% in Palestine, to a low of 26% in Iraq.
- Across MENA, individuals who were older, less educated, and female, reported higher levels of satisfaction with their education systems, as compared to individuals who were younger, more educated, and male.
- By contrast, no significant difference in evaluations of the education system were found when comparing levels of income, and when comparing urban and rural areas.
PERCEIVED CORRUPTION IN EDUCATION
- The perception that bribes are required in order to receive better access to educational opportunities was highest in Lebanon (63%) and lowest in Kuwait (14%).
- The perceived need for a bribe to access improved education services was highest among the youngest age group — 18 to 29 years (46%), and lowest among the oldest age group — 60 years and older (36%).
- Levels of perceived corruption in the education system were higher among individuals living in rural areas (48%) than those individuals living in urban areas (41%).
- No significant difference was detected on basis of education, income levels or gender view points.
To further explore our data on this topic, we invite you to use our online data analysis tool.
*Data findings and graph in the “perceived corruption in education” section of this factsheet have been updated.
