The Demographic Window and its Impact on Economic and Social Development in Qassim Region

Purpose: The paper aims to identify the age and gender structure, the stage of the demographic window of Qassim's population, the type of population pyramid and its impact on economic and social development in the region. Design/Methodology/Approach: As a preliminary study, this paper uses a descriptive and analytical methodology, using data, reports and estimates obtained from the General Authority for Statistics related to the General Population and Housing Census of Qassim for the years 2004/2010/2018. Comparisons are also made between the results of censuses and estimates to identify discrepancies, using inductive and deductive methods to arrive at the relationship between age and gender composition and economic and social development in Qassim. It also extracts scientific findings of the demographic window phenomenon through available data, and through the demographic reality and its analysis. Findings: The study finds coherence between population increases in male working age groups and their effect on economic activity. Also, the study finds that there is a decline in fertility rates in the Al-Qassim region. Finally, the study finds a strong link between the number of beds and hospitals, and healthcare personnel in the Al-Qassim region. Research limitation/implications: Although there was a problem of data saturation due to the sample size, the study conducted a triangulation process by sampling the General Population and Housing Census with similar cognitive processes as theorised. There are broader implications around the use of a qualitative, phenomenological approach to the study of personality types and cognitive processes. Originality/Values: Promoting diverse methods for optimal investments in the demographic window in Qassim, making it a development tool, and transforming it from a problem and burden into an opportunity and strength; this will help to achieve the Kingdom's vision 2030.