Once an important agricultural and industrial centre, Missan’s economy has declined due to crumbling infrastructure and poor access to resources. The population of the Marshlands relies heavily on the marsh eco-systems for water and livelihoods, which continue to suffer from environmental changes. The unemployment rate is 17%, slightly above the 15% national average. In addition, female labour force participation is very low at 8%, particularly in rural areas, where this figure drops to 4%.

Missan performs poorly – and often worst – according to many developmental and humanitarian indicators. Lack of access to safe water supplies and poor sanitation are coupled with high prevalence of diarrhea and fever in most districts. All districts except Al-Maimouna also suffer poor access to electricity. Illiteracy is above average for both men and women outside Amara, and education levels are very low in all districts except Amara and Al-Mejar Al-Kabir. The youth illiteracy rate (31%) is the worst in the country. Just two thirds of children aged 6-11 are enrolled in primary education, a figure which drops to 39% among rural girls – the lowest rates in the country. In addition, only 7% of rural children aged 12-14 are enrolled in intermediate education.

Missan hosts a large number of IDPs, the vast majority of whom come from Baghdad. Just over half live in Amara district. Three in five IDPs in the governorate are under the age of 18. 80% of IDPs identified shelter as a priority need, while 76% cite access to job opportunities. 71% of IDPs families do not have a member in employment.