Kuwait's Population Nears 5 Million With 68.6% Expatriates

By the end of 2024, Kuwait’s total population stood at 4,987,826, according to new data from the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI). Of that number, 1,567,983 are Kuwaiti nationals, while 3,419,843 are expatriates, meaning expats now make up 68.6% of the population.

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Kuwaitis Make Up Just 31.4% of the Population

With Kuwaiti nationals accounting for just 31.4%, the country continues to be shaped by a majority expat population. Interestingly, Kuwaiti women outnumber Kuwaiti men, there are 794,923 women and 773,060 men, giving Kuwaiti women a 51% share.

But when looking at the total population, the picture flips. Men make up 61% of everyone living in Kuwait, while women account for 39%, due to the large number of male expats in labor and service roles.

Indians and Egyptians Dominate the Expat Landscape

The Indian community remains the largest expat group in Kuwait, with 1,007,961 residents as of the end of 2024. That’s up slightly from 2023 and makes up 21% of the country’s population and 29% of all expats.

Following closely are Egyptians, now numbering 657,280, a 2% increase from the previous year. They represent 13% of the total population and 19% of expatriates.

Together, Indians and Egyptians make up nearly half of Kuwait’s expat population (48%) and more than a third of the total population (34%).

Who Does What: A Look at Employment Trends

When it comes to employment, Kuwaitis are mostly in public sector jobs, from executive and military roles to clerical work and teaching Arabic or religious studies.

Expats, on the other hand, dominate private sector and service roles, including positions like housemaids, drivers, market vendors, laborers, janitors, and waiters.

A Diverse Demographic Landscape

This snapshot highlights the unique makeup of Kuwait’s population, where expatriates play a vital role in the workforce and economy, while Kuwaitis continue to shape leadership and education sectors.

As the population continues to grow and shift, Kuwait’s diversity remains central to its identity and future development.