Kuwait
State of Kuwait
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +1.25%
Situated in Western Asia, Kuwait has a population of approximately 4.88 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 17,818 km², translating to a density of 274 people per km². Its capital is Kuwait City, and Arabic is the official language, while the Kuwaiti dinar serves as the national currency.
Population
4,881,254
Area
17,818 km²
Density
274/km²
World Rank
#128
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 10.3 per thousand against deaths at 1.5 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 18.2% of residents under 15 and 3.1% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Kuwait City
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Western Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Arabic
- Currencies
- Kuwaiti dinar (د.ك)
- Calling Code
- +965
- Top-Level Domain
- .kw
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 4,881,254
- Land Area
- 17,818 km²
- Population Density
- 274 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +1.25%
- Annual Growth
- +61,016 people
- Daily Growth
- +167 people
- World Population Share
- 0.06%
- Coordinates
- 29.50°, 45.75°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $32.7k, Kuwait sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 2.2%—well below the world average.
Life Expectancy
83.2 years
GDP per Capita
$32,718
Birth Rate
10.3 per 1,000
Death Rate
1.5 per 1,000
Urban Population
100.0%
Fertility Rate
1.52 births/woman
Infant Mortality
7.6 per 1,000
Unemployment
2.2%
Literacy Rate
96.5%
Internet Users
99.8%
Under 15
18.2%
Over 65
3.1%
Health Spending
5.0% GDP
Age Distribution
0-14 years
889K
15-64 years
3.8M
65+ years
151K
Urbanization
Kuwait is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 100% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. Kuwait City serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net inward migration of 42775.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
4.9M
100.0%
0
0.0%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 83.2 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality stands at 7.6 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 96.5% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Kuwait
Kuwait has 4 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Kuwait is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.5 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Kuwait participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 4,881,254 |
| 2030 | 5,123,296 |
| 2035 | 5,428,476 |
| 2040 | 5,737,234 |
| 2045 | 6,050,327 |
| 2050 | 6,368,548 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Kuwait.
Largest Cities in Kuwait
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Kuwait by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Kuwait?
The population of Kuwait is approximately 4.9 million as of 2026, making it #128 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Kuwait?
The capital of Kuwait is Kuwait City.
What languages are spoken in Kuwait?
The main languages spoken in Kuwait are Arabic.
How big is Kuwait?
Kuwait covers an area of 17,818 km² with a population density of 274 people per km².
Is Kuwait growing or shrinking?
Kuwait is growing at a rate of 1.25% per year, adding approximately 61,016 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Kuwait?
The average life expectancy in Kuwait is 83.2 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Kuwait?
The GDP per capita of Kuwait is $32,718.