Kuwait Population 2026
As of 2025, the population of Kuwait stands at 4,897,263, reflecting a modest annual growth rate of 0.90% over the past year. This figure places Kuwait as the 127th most populous country globally, within the High income bracket of the Middle East & North Africa region.
Population Trend (Kuwait)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Kuwait's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
Kuwait, a high-income country in the Middle East & North Africa, has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade. Its population has grown at a 10-year average rate of 2.94%, driven largely by labor migration and economic development, though recent growth has slowed to 0.90% annually. The country’s population is heavily concentrated in urban areas, with a notable expatriate majority that outnumbers native Kuwaiti citizens. This demographic structure influences Kuwait’s social and economic policies, including labor market regulations and residency laws. Regional context places Kuwait among the smaller Gulf states by population, but its high income per capita and strategic location contribute to its role as a regional economic hub. The 2025 figure of 4.9 million reflects a stabilization after earlier periods of rapid expansion, with growth rates now aligning closer to global averages for high-income nations.
Key Facts
- Kuwait's population in 2025 is 4,897,263.
- The 1-year growth rate from 2024 to 2025 is 0.90%.
- Over the past 10 years, Kuwait's average annual growth rate has been 2.94%.
- Kuwait is ranked 127th in the world by population size.
- Kuwait is classified as a High income country in the Middle East & North Africa region.
- The population figure for 2025 marks a slight increase from previous years, reflecting a slowdown in growth.