"The urban setting is under extreme pressure in MENA [Middle East and North Africa Region] today, as a result of a very rapid urbanization rate over the past 10 years. Out of a population of 300 million, 170 million reside in urban areas and according to UN projections the MENA population will reach 430 million by 2020, of which 280 million are expected to be urban." (Quoted from article)