GCC population to reach 61.2 million
Sharp growth reflects post-pandemic recovery
KUWAIT: The population of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is projected to reach 61.2 million by the end of the year, according to figures released Saturday by the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf. The data, issued in conjunction with World Population Day, marks a notable increase of over 2.1 million people compared to 2023—a 3.6 percent rise—indicating a robust recovery from the demographic slowdown experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report highlighted that the population has grown by approximately 7.6 million since 2021, reflecting a strong rebound and resumption of growth across member states.
The center revealed that the male population across the GCC countries currently stands at around 38.5 million, making up 62.8 percent of the total population. The female population is estimated at approximately 22.7 million, or 37.2 percent. This results in a gender ratio of 169 males for every 100 females—significantly higher than the global average of 101 males per 100 females. According to the center, the population of GCC countries represents about 0.7 percent of the total global population. The GCC Statistical Center, headquartered in Oman, serves as the official regional authority responsible for compiling and disseminating statistical data for all member states. — KUNA
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