Kuwait in numbers: A story of people, names, and occupations in 2024
Data may seem like just statistics, but it tells a living story of a nation made up of many parts
As the year 2024 came to a close, Kuwait stood as a bustling and diverse society of nearly five million people. According to the latest report by the Public Authority for Civil Information, the population had reached 4,987,826, made up of 1,567,983 Kuwaiti citizens and 3,419,843 expatriates. These numbers paint a clear demographic portrait: Kuwaitis represent 31% of the population, while non-Kuwaitis make up the remaining 69%, forming the majority of the country’s labor force and social fabric.
Among Kuwaitis, women slightly outnumbered men, with 794,923 females to 773,060 males — a split of 51% to 49%. Yet, when considering the entire population, men outnumber women significantly, comprising 61% of residents compared to 39% women. This disparity reflects the male-dominated expatriate workforce that fills many of the country’s labor-intensive sectors, reports Al-Jarida daily.
The report reaffirmed a familiar demographic trend: the Indian community remains the largest expatriate group, making up 29% of all non-Kuwaitis and accounting for 20% of Kuwait’s total population. Curiously, the report lists them as 64% of the total number of citizens, likely a statistical reference in proportion, not nationality. The Egyptian community followed, representing 19% of expatriates and 13% of the total population. Together, these two communities constitute one-third of Kuwait’s entire population — a striking testament to the country’s multicultural makeup.
But the story of Kuwait in 2024 goes beyond numbers. It is also one of names and professions, reflecting the cultural values and economic structure of the nation. The most popular names for Kuwaiti boys included Mohammed, Abdullah, Ahmed, Ali, and Khaled, while Fatima, Maryam, Sarah, and Noura topped the list for girls. These names, steeped in tradition and faith, echo through schools, homes, and workplaces across the country.
When it comes to work, Kuwaiti citizens most commonly held roles in government and education. The report highlighted positions such as government executive employees, military personnel, clerks, accountants, secretaries, and teachers, particularly in religious education, kindergartens, and Arabic language instruction.
On the other hand, non-Kuwaitis filled the ranks of many essential service and labor jobs. The most common professions included housemaids, private drivers, general laborers, janitors, market vendors, truck drivers, messengers, waiters, and warehouse workers. These roles, while often behind the scenes, form the backbone of daily life in Kuwait—keeping homes running, businesses stocked, and streets clean.
The data may seem like just statistics, but it tells a living story of a nation made up of many parts. Each number represents a person — a life shaped by history, tradition, and modern-day movement. From familiar names echoing generations of heritage to the quiet dignity of everyday jobs, Kuwait’s 2024 population report offers a snapshot of a country built on diversity, resilience, and shared purpose.
