Although it accounts for just 0.42% of the worldwide premiums, the MENA region has witnessed an insurance growth rate of 26% in the course of the 2005-2008 period. During the same period, only Central and Eastern Europe have reported a faster development : +27%. In the MENA region, the insurance penetration rate remains poor, 1.05% in 2005 and 1.08% in 2008.