Aleppo has a population of some 2.4 million of which almost half are estimated to live in 22 informal settlements (IS) of different types and sizes . The city grew dramatically in the 1970s and early ’80s largely through migration from small towns and rural areas mostly in Eastern Syria. This has subsequently slowed down and the city’s growth rate is currently estimated to be 2.9% per year with projections for a further drop to 2.6% over the coming decade.

However, it may be assumed that the greater part of the growth through migration is amongst the lower income groups, the majority of whom populate the city’s informal settlements. Thus it is likely that the informal settlements are currently growing at some 4.0% per year. That is by some 48,000 people per year or 8,000 households per year – requiring some 150 new dwellings per week in informal settlements.