This report describes major trends in family structure, migration, demographic aging, the AIDS pandemic, and globalization that are affecting families in Arab North Africa. It also examines new challenges that are facing families in this region, such as increasing marital age, female participation in the labour force, and technological advances. The policy implications of these changes are discussed and the author argues that it is neccessary to implement policies and practices that enable the institution of the family to maintain a pivotal position in society.