Although the Provincial Governor was assassinated in August 2008, the security situation remains calm. The Provincial Council attributes the lack of violence to the common tribal and religious heritage of Muthanna’s population and the lack of unresolved territorial issues in the governorate.

The governorate has potential for economic growth in agriculture and the manufacturing of salt, cement, bricks and textiles. Manufacturing and agriculture combined provide 44% of jobs in the governorate. The Provincial Government aims to develop these sectors further and take advantage of the border with Saudi Arabia to make the governorate a major thoroughfare for trade and pilgrims.

Having suffered from chronic underdevelopment since the 1980s, Muthanna consistently fares poorly according to humanitarian and development indicators. Illiteracy, particularly among women, is widespread, averaging 36%. The youth illiteracy rate (29%) is one of the highest in the country. Primary and intermediate education enrolment rates in rural areas are far below average, with just 7% of rural girls aged 12-14 enrolled in intermediate education. Connection to the general water network is poor compared to the rest of Iraq, but electricity supplies are relatively reliable.

Muthanna hosts few IDPs compared to other governorates, but they are also among the worst off in Iraq. The majority of post-2006 IDPs are Shi’a Arabs who fled the violence in Baghdad and Diyala. Over half (57%) are under the age of 18. Over three quarters of IDPs cite shelter as a major need, while two thirds require access to employment and over half require food.