Algeria leads Arab nations in education spending, allocating 9% of its GDP
via Algérie3602 min read
Algeria has emerged as the top Arab nation in education expenditure, dedicating a record 9% of its Gross Domestic Product GDP to the sector. This places Algeria ahead of all other Arab countries included in a ranking based on data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO, published by Our World in Data. The statistics highlight significant disparities in the region, with funding rates ranging from Algeria's high to a low of 1.22% in Lebanon. This indicator, which measures the share of public education spending relative to GDP, is a key international criterion for assessing government commitment to educational development and human resource valuation. Tunisia ranks second, allocating 6.73% of its GDP, followed by Kuwait in third place with 6.44%. Morocco is fourth with 6.02%, Palestine fifth with 5.43%, and Saudi Arabia sixth with 4.48%. Oman is seventh with 4.38%, ahead of the United Arab Emirates at eighth with 3.89%. Qatar and Jordan share ninth and tenth places, both allocating 3.23% of their GDP. Bahrain is eleventh with 1.89%, while Lebanon is last with 1.22%, representing the lowest investment in education in the region. The data from Our World in Data combines recent UNESCO figures, which measure current budgets including salaries, materials, and school construction, with historical data from sources like the League of Nations or the OECD. A high percentage, such as Algeria's, indicates a clear political choice and a significant
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Must ReadAlgeria has emerged as a significant player in the global helium market, becoming the third-largest supplier to the United States between 2021 and 2024. During this period, Algeria supplied 10% of US helium imports, trailing Canada at 47% and Qatar at 28%, but surpassing China's 5%. This rise is attributed to increasing global demand, geopolitical shifts, and disruptions in traditional supply chains. The country holds the fourth-largest helium reserves globally, with approximately 8 billion cubic meters and an annual production of 11 million cubic meters. The state-owned company Sonatrach aims to further capitalize on this potential. The global helium market has experienced instability since February, driven by geopolitical developments in the Middle East and trade tensions between the US and China, leading to a 50% increase in helium prices. The halt of Qatari exports and reduced Chinese supply have prompted international buyers to seek new, stable sources, with Algeria benefiting from this reconfiguration. Algerian helium is a byproduct of natural gas extraction, providing a competitive advantage. Helium is a strategic resource critical for advanced industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, medical imaging, and artificial intelligence, which require large volumes for cooling and purification. Algerian authorities, including the President of the Republic, are focused on strengthening the country's presence in the international helium market.
Algeria is experiencing an intense heatwave, with the National Meteorological Office issuing a special bulletin for exceptionally high temperatures. Over 35 wilayas across the country are expected to see temperatures between 45 and 48°C in the shade. This heatwave is projected to continue until at least July 20. A first group of wilayas, including Sidi Bel Abbès, Tissemsilt, Relizane, Béjaïa, M'Sila, Tiaret, Mila, Guelma, Tizi Ouzou, Chlef, Batna, Annaba, Djelfa, Constantine, Skikda, Jijel, Aïn Defla, Médéa, El Tarf, Saïda, Bouira, and Mascara, are under a direct alert. A second group, comprising Souk Ahras, Timimoun, In Salah, Laghouat, Bordj Bou Arréridj, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, Tamanrasset, Oum El Bouaghi, Tébessa, Sétif, Tlemcen, El Bayadh, Khenchela, Adrar, and Naâma, is also affected. The peak of the heatwave is anticipated on Monday, with interior regions of the west, center, and east expecting highs between 45 and 47°C. Coastal areas will experience temperatures between 38 and 45°C, while southern wilayas in the Sahara could reach 40 to 49°C. A significant concern is the lack of nocturnal relief, with night temperatures remaining high, between 25 and 28°C in the north and 30 to 35°C in the south, exacerbating health risks, especially for the elderly, children, and chronically ill. The Ministry of Interior advises avoiding direct sun exposure between 11 am and 4 pm, staying hydrated, and limiting travel during the hottest hours. It is also strictly forbidden to leave chil
The International Energy Agency IEA has updated its oil market forecast, anticipating a less severe decline in global oil demand for 2026 than previously projected. The organization now expects a contraction of 1 million barrels per day bpd in 2026, an improvement from the earlier estimate of 1.1 million bpd, with global consumption reaching an average of 103.5 million bpd. The IEA predicts a gradual recovery in consumption starting in late 2026, with demand expected to increase by 1.2 million bpd in the fourth quarter of 2026 after a slowdown in the first half of the year. This recovery is projected to accelerate in 2027, with demand growing by approximately 2 million bpd, although growth rates would remain below pre-crisis averages. Global oil consumption hit a low of 97.9 million bpd in May 2026, marking an annual decrease of 5.3 million bpd. However, the IEA expects this decline to moderate, forecasting a reduction of 1.7 million bpd in the third quarter before returning to growth in the final quarter. Demand could rise by over 8 million bpd by October, surpassing 2025 levels for the first time since February, driven by increased fuel consumption during the summer and deferred demand. On the supply side, the IEA projects a 3.7 million bpd decrease in global oil production for 2026, averaging 102.6 million bpd. However, supply could rebound by 7.5 million bpd in 2027, provided maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz continues to normalize. In June, global supply increased