Kuwait records rise in population, with surge in expat numbers

Latest population figures from the Central Statistical Bureau reveal that Kuwait’s total population rose by 5 percent in 2025, reaching 5.23 million and marking an annual increase of 249,540 people. The growth was largely driven by a surge in the numbers among the expatriate community.

While the overall population expanded, the number of Kuwaiti citizens declined slightly, falling by around 5,040 to 1.562 million by the end of 2025, compared with 1.567 million a year earlier In contrast, the non-Kuwaiti population grew by 7.4 percent, adding 254,580 residents to reach 3.674 million, up from 3.419 million at the end of 2024.

The Indian community remained the largest expatriate group, rising by 5.08 percent to approximately 1.059 million, an increase of 51,210 compared with the previous year. The Egyptian community ranked second, growing by 1.5 percent, with an additional 9,893 residents, bringing their total to about 667,173, compared with 657,280 at the end of 2024. Bangladeshi nationals ranked third, recording one of the fastest growth rates at 10.68 percent, adding 31,290 people to reach 324,100.

The total workforce in Kuwait reached 3.21 million by the end of 2025, including 462,538 Kuwaiti citizens and 2.749 million expatriates. Employment in the government sector stood at 525,522, comprising 395,112 citizens and 130,410 residents. Meanwhile, the private sector employed around 1.825 million people, including 66,416 citizens and 1.758 million expatriates. The domestic worker sector accounted for approximately 859,127 residents.

Births in Kuwait rose by 5.5 percent in 2025, increasing by 2,585 newborns to reach 49,433, compared with 46,848 in 2024. Kuwaiti births rose by 2.4 percent to 33,016, while non-Kuwaiti births increased by 12.38 percent to 16,417.

At the same time, deaths rose by 12.5 percent, totaling 7,857 in 2025, compared with 6,984 the previous year. Kuwaiti deaths increased by 13.4 percent to 4,283 and non-Kuwaiti deaths rose by 11.4 percent to 3,574.

The figures highlight Kuwait’s continued demographic shift, with population growth driven largely by expatriates, alongside a steadily expanding labor force and rising birth rates, even as mortality figures edged higher.