Kuwait’s population hits 4.9 million, with expats making up more than two-thirds

Dubai: Kuwait’s population reached nearly 5 million by the end of 2024, with expatriates continuing to make up the overwhelming majority of residents, according to newly released statistics from the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI).

The data reveals that the total population stood at 4,987,826 as of December 2024. Of that figure, only 1,567,983 were Kuwaiti citizens, while non-Kuwaitis numbered 3,419,843, representing approximately 68.6 per cent of the total population.

Among Kuwaiti nationals, women slightly outnumbered men, with 794,923 females compared to 773,060 males. Across the entire population, however, men made up a striking 61 per cent.

The Indian community remains the largest foreign nationality in Kuwait, with a population of 1,007,961, about 21 per cent of the overall population and 29 per cent of the expatriate segment. Egyptians followed with 657,280 residents, marking a 2 per cent increase from the previous year. Combined, Indians and Egyptians account for nearly half of Kuwait’s expatriate population.

The data also underscores stark disparities in employment sectors. While Kuwaitis make up 78 per cent of the public sector workforce, their presence in the private sector remains minimal, just 4 per cent, compared to 96 per cent for non-Kuwaitis. Overall, expatriate workers totaled 2,560,252, significantly outnumbering the 540,878 Kuwaiti workers across both sectors.

Domestic workers alone accounted for 780,930 people, a sizable portion of the expatriate labor force.

The average Kuwaiti household comprises seven individuals, compared to just two members in an expatriate family. Birth rates also vary sharply, with Kuwaitis averaging 21 births per 1,000 people, while non-Kuwaitis average only four.

In terms of professions, Kuwaitis predominantly occupy executive roles, government positions, and education jobs, while expatriates are most often employed in domestic service, manual labor, and low-wage service positions such as driving, cleaning, and waiting tables.

Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE.