Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Kuwait
دَولَةُ الكُوَيت
CapitalKuwait City
Population4,865,298
GDP$157.2bn
Area17,818 km²
RegionMiddle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Kuwait has been ruled by the AL-SABAH dynasty since the 18th century. The threat of Ottoman invasion in 1899 prompted Amir Mubarak AL-SABAH to seek protection from Britain, ceding foreign and defense responsibility to Britain until 1961, when the country attained its independence. Iraq attacked and overran Kuwait in 1990. After several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led UN coalition began a ground assault in 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days. In 1992, the Amir reconstituted the parliament that he had dissolved in 1986. Amid the 2010-11 uprisings and protests across the Arab world, stateless Arabs known as Bidoon staged small protests demanding citizenship, jobs, and other benefits available to Kuwaiti nationals. Other demographic groups, notably Islamists and Kuwaitis from tribal backgrounds, soon joined the growing protest movements, which culminated with the resignation of the prime minister amid allegations of corruption. Demonstrations renewed in 2012 in response to a decree amending the electoral law that lessened the voting power of the tribal blocs.
An opposition coalition of Sunni Islamists, tribal populists, and some liberals largely boycotted legislative elections in 2012 and 2013, which ushered in a legislature more amenable to the government's agenda. Faced with the prospect of painful subsidy cuts, oppositionists and independents actively participated in the 2016 election, winning nearly half the seats, but the opposition became increasingly factionalized. Between 2006 and his death in 2020, the Amir dissolved the National Assembly on seven occasions and shuffled the cabinet over a dozen times, usually citing political stagnation and gridlock between the legislature and the government.
The current Amir, who assumed his role in 2020, launched a "National Dialogue" in 2021 meant to resolve political gridlock. As part of this initiative, the Amir pardoned several opposition figures who had been living in exile, and they returned to Kuwait. Legislative challenges remain, and the cabinet has been reshuffled six times since 2020.
Reference: 2021, 2020, 2016, 2013An opposition coalition of Sunni Islamists, tribal populists, and some liberals largely boycotted legislative elections in 2012 and 2013, which ushered in a legislature more amenable to the government's agenda. Faced with the prospect of painful subsidy cuts, oppositionists and independents actively participated in the 2016 election, winning nearly half the seats, but the opposition became increasingly factionalized. Between 2006 and his death in 2020, the Amir dissolved the National Assembly on seven occasions and shuffled the cabinet over a dozen times, usually citing political stagnation and gridlock between the legislature and the government.
The current Amir, who assumed his role in 2020, launched a "National Dialogue" in 2021 meant to resolve political gridlock. As part of this initiative, the Amir pardoned several opposition figures who had been living in exile, and they returned to Kuwait. Legislative challenges remain, and the cabinet has been reshuffled six times since 2020.
Geography
Location
Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia
Map references
Middle East
Area
total: 17,818 sq km
land: 17,818 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 17,818 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than New Jersey
Land boundaries
total: 475 km
border countries: Iraq 254 km; Saudi Arabia 221 km
border countries: Iraq 254 km; Saudi Arabia 221 km
Coastline
499 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate
dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters
Terrain
flat to slightly undulating desert plain
Elevation
highest point: 3.6 km W. of Al-Salmi Border Post 300 m
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
mean elevation: 108 m
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
mean elevation: 108 m
Natural resources
petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas
Land use
agricultural land: 8.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 7.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 0.4% (2023 est.)
other: 91.2% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 7.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 0.4% (2023 est.)
other: 91.2% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
100 sq km (2015)
Reference: 2015Major watersheds (area sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km)
Major aquifers
Arabian Aquifer System
Population distribution
densest settlement is along the Persian Gulf, particularly in Kuwait City and on Bubiyan Island; significant population threads extend south and west along highways that radiate from the capital, particularly in the southern half of the country
Natural hazards
sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring heavy rain, which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year but are most common between March and August
Geography - note
strategic location at head of Persian Gulf
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Kuwaiti(s)
adjective: Kuwaiti
adjective: Kuwaiti
Ethnic groups
Kuwaiti 30.4%, other Arab 27.4%, Asian 40.3%, African 1%, other 0.9% (includes European, North American, South American, and Australian) (2018 est.)
Reference: 2018Languages
Languages: Arabic (official), English widely spoken
major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Muslim (official) 74.6%, Christian 18.2%, other and unspecified 7.2% (2013 est.)
note: note: data represent the total population; about 72% of the population consists of immigrants
Reference: 2013note: note: data represent the total population; about 72% of the population consists of immigrants
Age structure
0-14 years: 23% (male 376,415/female 346,190)
15-64 years: 73.4% (male 1,386,349/female 917,465)
65 years and over: 3.6% (2024 est.) (male 47,778/female 64,158)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 73.4% (male 1,386,349/female 917,465)
65 years and over: 3.6% (2024 est.) (male 47,778/female 64,158)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 36.2 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 31.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 4.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 20.6 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 31.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 4.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 20.6 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 30.3 years (2024 est.)
male: 31.1 years
female: 28.9 years
Reference: 2024male: 31.1 years
female: 28.9 years
Population growth rate
1.1% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
17.5 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
2.3 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
densest settlement is along the Persian Gulf, particularly in Kuwait City and on Bubiyan Island; significant population threads extend south and west along highways that radiate from the capital, particularly in the southern half of the country
Major urban areas - population
3.298 million KUWAIT (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.51 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 1.36 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.51 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 1.36 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
8 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.08 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 5.8% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.27 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Reference: 2020Hospital bed density
2.4 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
37.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 22.4% (2025 est.)
male: 34.9% (2025 est.)
female: 1.9% (2025 est.)
male: 34.9% (2025 est.)
female: 1.9% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
2.8% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Currently married women (ages 15-49)
59.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2015 est.)
male: 13 years (2015 est.)
female: 16 years (2015 est.)
Reference: 2015male: 13 years (2015 est.)
female: 16 years (2015 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 1,271 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 92,000 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 92,000 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah | — | 2023-12-16 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah | — | — | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: State of Kuwait
conventional short form: Kuwait
local long form: Dawlat al Kuwayt
local short form: Al Kuwayt
etymology: the name derives from the capital city, which comes from the Arabic al-kuwayt, itself a diminutive of the Hindustani term kut, meaning a fortress-like house
conventional short form: Kuwait
local long form: Dawlat al Kuwayt
local short form: Al Kuwayt
etymology: the name derives from the capital city, which comes from the Arabic al-kuwayt, itself a diminutive of the Hindustani term kut, meaning a fortress-like house
Capital
name: Kuwait City
geographic coordinates: 29 22 N, 47 58 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name comes from the Arabic al-kuwayt, a diminutive of the Hindustani term kut, meaning a fortress-like house
geographic coordinates: 29 22 N, 47 58 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name comes from the Arabic al-kuwayt, a diminutive of the Hindustani term kut, meaning a fortress-like house
Administrative divisions
6 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Ahmadi, Al 'Asimah, Al Farwaniyah, Al Jahra', Hawalli, Mubarak al Kabir
Legal system
mixed system consisting of English common law, French civil law, and Islamic sharia law
Constitution
history: approved and promulgated 11 November 1962; suspended 1976 to 1981 (4 articles); 1986 to 1991; May to July 1999
amendment process: proposed by the amir or supported by at least one third of the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds consent of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the amir; constitutional articles on the initiation, approval, and promulgation of general legislation cannot be amended
note: note: in May 2024, Amir Sheikh MISHAL al-Ahmad al-Sabah dissolved the National Assembly and suspended several articles of the constitution for up to four years
Reference: 2024, 1999, 1991, 1986amendment process: proposed by the amir or supported by at least one third of the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds consent of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the amir; constitutional articles on the initiation, approval, and promulgation of general legislation cannot be amended
note: note: in May 2024, Amir Sheikh MISHAL al-Ahmad al-Sabah dissolved the National Assembly and suspended several articles of the constitution for up to four years
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Kuwait
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: not specified
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Kuwait
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: not specified
Suffrage
21 years of age and at least 20-year citizenship
Executive branch
chief of state: Amir MISHAL al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since 16 December 2023)
head of government: Prime Minister AHMAD ABDULLAH Al-Ahmad al Sabah (since 15 May 2024)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by the amir
election/appointment process: amir chosen from within the ruling family, confirmed by the National Assembly; prime minister appointed by the amir
Reference: 2024, 2023head of government: Prime Minister AHMAD ABDULLAH Al-Ahmad al Sabah (since 15 May 2024)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by the amir
election/appointment process: amir chosen from within the ruling family, confirmed by the National Assembly; prime minister appointed by the amir
Legislative branch
expected date of next election: April 2028
note: note: the unicameral National Assembly was dissolved on 10 May 2024 by Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad AL-SABAH for a period of up to four years; the Emir and cabinet officials have assumed the role of the parliament
Reference: 2028, 2024note: note: the unicameral National Assembly was dissolved on 10 May 2024 by Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad AL-SABAH for a period of up to four years; the Emir and cabinet officials have assumed the role of the parliament
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Constitutional Court (consists of 5 judges); Supreme Court or Court of Cassation (organized into several circuits, each with 5 judges)
judge selection and term of office: all Kuwaiti judges appointed by the Amir on recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council, a consultative body comprised of Kuwaiti judges and Ministry of Justice officials
subordinate courts: High Court of Appeal; Court of First Instance; Summary Court
judge selection and term of office: all Kuwaiti judges appointed by the Amir on recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council, a consultative body comprised of Kuwaiti judges and Ministry of Justice officials
subordinate courts: High Court of Appeal; Court of First Instance; Summary Court
Political parties
none; the government does not recognize any political parties or allow their formation, although no formal law bans political parties
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador AL-ZAIN Sabah Naser Saud Al-Sabah (since 19 April 2023)
chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702
FAX: [1] (202) 966-8468
email address and website: info@kuwaitembassy.us
https://www.kuwaitembassy.us/
consulate(s) general: Beverly Hills (CA), New York
Reference: 2023chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702
FAX: [1] (202) 966-8468
email address and website: info@kuwaitembassy.us
https://www.kuwaitembassy.us/
consulate(s) general: Beverly Hills (CA), New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Steven R. BUTLER (since July 2025)
embassy: P.O. Box 77, Safat 13001
mailing address: 6200 Kuwait Place, Washington DC 20521-6200
telephone: [00] (965) 2259-1001
FAX: [00] (965) 2538-0282
email address and website: KuwaitACS@state.gov
https://kw.usembassy.gov/
embassy: P.O. Box 77, Safat 13001
mailing address: 6200 Kuwait Place, Washington DC 20521-6200
telephone: [00] (965) 2259-1001
FAX: [00] (965) 2538-0282
email address and website: KuwaitACS@state.gov
https://kw.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, CD, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, Paris Club (associate), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
19 June 1961 (from the UK)
Reference: 1961National holiday
National Day, 25 February (1950)
Reference: 1950Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red, with a black trapezoid based on the left side
meaning: green stands for fertile fields, white for purity, red for blood on Kuwaiti swords, and black for defeating the enemy
history: colors and design are based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I
meaning: green stands for fertile fields, white for purity, red for blood on Kuwaiti swords, and black for defeating the enemy
history: colors and design are based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I
National symbol(s)
golden falcon
National color(s)
green, white, red, black
National anthem(s)
title: "Al-Nasheed Al-Watani" (National Anthem)
lyrics/music: Ahmad MUSHARI al-Adwani/Ibrahim Nasir al-SOULA
history: adopted 1978; the anthem is only used on formal occasions
Reference: 1978lyrics/music: Ahmad MUSHARI al-Adwani/Ibrahim Nasir al-SOULA
history: adopted 1978; the anthem is only used on formal occasions
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuwait official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Assembly of Kuwait | — | 50 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
small, high-income, oil-based Middle East economy; renewable energy proponent; regional finance and investment leader; maintains oldest sovereign wealth fund; emerging space and tourism industries; mid-way through 25-year development program
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $225.947 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $231.884 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $235.815 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $231.884 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $235.815 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $45,400 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $47,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $51,400 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $47,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $51,400 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 0.5% (2024 est.)
industry: 57.1% (2024 est.)
services: 55.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 57.1% (2024 est.)
services: 55.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 32.6% (2022 est.)
government consumption: 20.7% (2022 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 16.1% (2022 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.8% (2022 est.)
exports of goods and services: 60.4% (2022 est.)
imports of goods and services: -30.5% (2022 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2022government consumption: 20.7% (2022 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 16.1% (2022 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.8% (2022 est.)
exports of goods and services: 60.4% (2022 est.)
imports of goods and services: -30.5% (2022 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
dates, eggs, milk, tomatoes, chicken, lamb/mutton, cucumbers/gherkins, vegetables, maize, eggplants (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, water desalination, food processing, construction materials
Industrial production growth rate
-5.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
3.003 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 15.4% (2024 est.)
male: 9.3% (2024 est.)
female: 28.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 9.3% (2024 est.)
female: 28.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Average household expenditures
on food: 19.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 0.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 0.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 0% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 0% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $44.254 billion (2015 est.)
expenditures: $59.584 billion (2015 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants and social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2015expenditures: $59.584 billion (2015 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants and social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 9.9% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $46.703 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $51.396 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $63.078 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $51.396 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $63.078 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $89.71 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $95.476 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $110.923 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $95.476 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $110.923 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 25%, India 13%, Japan 13%, Taiwan 7%, UK 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, natural gas, hydrocarbons, plastics (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $61.521 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $63.43 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $55.909 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $63.43 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $55.909 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 18%, UAE 10%, USA 9%, Saudi Arabia 6%, Japan 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, natural gas, garments, broadcasting equipment, packaged medicine (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $50.728 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $52.619 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $52.462 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $52.619 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $52.462 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Kuwaiti dinars (KD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 0.307 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.307 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.306 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.302 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.306 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 0.307 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.307 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.306 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.302 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.306 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $46.703 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $51.396 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $63.078 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $51.396 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $63.078 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $89.71 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $95.476 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $110.923 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $95.476 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $110.923 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 25%, India 13%, Japan 13%, Taiwan 7%, UK 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, natural gas, hydrocarbons, plastics (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $61.521 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $63.43 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $55.909 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $63.43 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $55.909 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 18%, UAE 10%, USA 9%, Saudi Arabia 6%, Japan 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, natural gas, garments, broadcasting equipment, packaged medicine (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 20.294 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 78.047 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 7.516 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 78.047 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 7.516 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 97.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 60,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 11 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 152,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023exports: 11 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 152,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 2.91 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 430,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 101.5 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 430,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 101.5 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 19.207 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 26.296 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 8.433 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 1.784 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 26.296 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 8.433 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 1.784 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 389.848 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 573,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
8 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 5.8% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.27 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Reference: 2020Hospital bed density
2.4 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
37.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 22.4% (2025 est.)
male: 34.9% (2025 est.)
female: 1.9% (2025 est.)
male: 34.9% (2025 est.)
female: 1.9% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2015 est.)
male: 13 years (2015 est.)
female: 16 years (2015 est.)
Reference: 2015male: 13 years (2015 est.)
female: 16 years (2015 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system consisting of English common law, French civil law, and Islamic sharia law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Constitutional Court (consists of 5 judges); Supreme Court or Court of Cassation (organized into several circuits, each with 5 judges)
judge selection and term of office: all Kuwaiti judges appointed by the Amir on recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council, a consultative body comprised of Kuwaiti judges and Ministry of Justice officials
subordinate courts: High Court of Appeal; Court of First Instance; Summary Court
judge selection and term of office: all Kuwaiti judges appointed by the Amir on recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council, a consultative body comprised of Kuwaiti judges and Ministry of Justice officials
subordinate courts: High Court of Appeal; Court of First Instance; Summary Court
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Kuwait Armed Forces (KAF): Kuwait Army (aka Kuwait Land Forces, KLF), Kuwait Navy (aka Kuwait Naval Force), Kuwait Air Force; Kuwait National Guard (KNG)
Ministry of Interior: Kuwait Police, State Security, Kuwait Coast Guard (2025)
note: note 1: the Emiri Guard Authority and the 25th Commando Brigade are special units within the KAF that exercise independent command authority, although activities such as training and equipment procurement are often coordinated with the other services; the 25th Commando Brigade is Kuwait's leading special forces unit; the Emiri Guard Authority (aka Emiri Guard Brigade) is responsible for protecting Kuwait's heads of state
note 2: the National Guard reports directly to the prime minister and the amir and possesses an independent command structure, equipment inventory, and logistics corps separate from the Ministry of Defense, the regular armed services, and the Ministry of Interior; it is responsible for protecting critical infrastructure and providing support for the Ministries of Interior and Defense as required
Ministry of Interior: Kuwait Police, State Security, Kuwait Coast Guard (2025)
note: note 1: the Emiri Guard Authority and the 25th Commando Brigade are special units within the KAF that exercise independent command authority, although activities such as training and equipment procurement are often coordinated with the other services; the 25th Commando Brigade is Kuwait's leading special forces unit; the Emiri Guard Authority (aka Emiri Guard Brigade) is responsible for protecting Kuwait's heads of state
note 2: the National Guard reports directly to the prime minister and the amir and possesses an independent command structure, equipment inventory, and logistics corps separate from the Ministry of Defense, the regular armed services, and the Ministry of Interior; it is responsible for protecting critical infrastructure and providing support for the Ministries of Interior and Defense as required
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 4.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 4.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 4.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 6.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 6.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 4.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 4.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 6.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 6.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 17,000 active Kuwait Armed Forces; approximately 7,000 National Guard (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory consists of weapons from a wide variety of sources, including Western Europe, Russia, and particularly the US (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-55 years of age for voluntary military service; Kuwait reintroduced 12-month mandatory service for men aged 18-35 in May 2017 after having suspended conscription in 2001; mandatory service is divided in two phases – 4 months for training and 8 months for military service; women were allowed to volunteer in 2021 (2023)
note: note: the National Guard is restricted to citizens, but in 2018, the Army began allowing non-Kuwaitis to join on contract or as non-commissioned officers; that same year, it also began allowing stateless people (Bidoon) to join
Reference: 2023, 2021, 2018, 2017note: note: the National Guard is restricted to citizens, but in 2018, the Army began allowing non-Kuwaitis to join on contract or as non-commissioned officers; that same year, it also began allowing stateless people (Bidoon) to join
Military - note
the Kuwaiti Armed Forces (KAF) are responsible for defending Kuwait's sovereignty and territory; Kuwait’s security concerns include regional threats from state and non-state actors, maritime security, and terrorism; the KAF participates in bilateral and multilateral exercises, as well as a limited number of multinational security operations such as maritime patrols in the Persian Gulf; it also provided a few fighter aircraft to the Saudi-led coalition intervention in Yemen in 2015; the KAF is part of the Peninsula Shield Forces, a joint military force established by the GCC countries with the aim of maintaining security and stability in the region
Kuwait's key security partner since the 1991 Gulf War has been the US; the US maintains thousands of military personnel as well as logistics and training facilities in Kuwait as part of mutual cooperation agreements signed in 1991 and 2013; the KAF conducts bilateral exercises with the US military and would look to US assistance in the event of an external attack; Kuwait has Major Non-NATO Ally status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2015, 2013, 1991Kuwait's key security partner since the 1991 Gulf War has been the US; the US maintains thousands of military personnel as well as logistics and training facilities in Kuwait as part of mutual cooperation agreements signed in 1991 and 2013; the KAF conducts bilateral exercises with the US military and would look to US assistance in the event of an external attack; Kuwait has Major Non-NATO Ally status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador AL-ZAIN Sabah Naser Saud Al-Sabah (since 19 April 2023)
chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702
FAX: [1] (202) 966-8468
email address and website: info@kuwaitembassy.us
https://www.kuwaitembassy.us/
consulate(s) general: Beverly Hills (CA), New York
Reference: 2023chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702
FAX: [1] (202) 966-8468
email address and website: info@kuwaitembassy.us
https://www.kuwaitembassy.us/
consulate(s) general: Beverly Hills (CA), New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Steven R. BUTLER (since July 2025)
embassy: P.O. Box 77, Safat 13001
mailing address: 6200 Kuwait Place, Washington DC 20521-6200
telephone: [00] (965) 2259-1001
FAX: [00] (965) 2538-0282
email address and website: KuwaitACS@state.gov
https://kw.usembassy.gov/
embassy: P.O. Box 77, Safat 13001
mailing address: 6200 Kuwait Place, Washington DC 20521-6200
telephone: [00] (965) 2259-1001
FAX: [00] (965) 2538-0282
email address and website: KuwaitACS@state.gov
https://kw.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, CD, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, Paris Club (associate), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Arab League (Arab League) | member | 1961-07-20 |
| OPEC (OPEC) | member | 1960-09-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1963-05-14 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
International organization participation
ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, CD, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, Paris Club (associate), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 1,271 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 92,000 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 92,000 (2024 est.)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
9K
Airports
6 (2025)
Heliports
20 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 176 (2023)
by type: general cargo 15, oil tanker 28, other 133
Reference: 2023by type: general cargo 15, oil tanker 28, other 133
Ports
total ports: 6 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 2
small: 1
very small: 3
ports with oil terminals: 4
key ports: Al Kuwayt, Doha Harbor, Mina Abd Allah, Mina Al Ahmadi, Mina Ash Shuaybah, Mina Az Zawr
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 2
small: 1
very small: 3
ports with oil terminals: 4
key ports: Al Kuwayt, Doha Harbor, Mina Abd Allah, Mina Al Ahmadi, Mina Ash Shuaybah, Mina Az Zawr
Environment
Environmental issues
limited natural freshwater resources; air and water pollution; desertification; loss of biodiversity
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping-London Convention
signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping-London Convention
Climate
dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters
Land use
agricultural land: 8.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 7.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 0.4% (2023 est.)
other: 91.2% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 7.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 0.4% (2023 est.)
other: 91.2% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 100% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.35% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.35% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 100.459 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 149,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 48.723 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 51.587 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 149,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 48.723 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 51.587 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
54.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 819.9 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 7.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 256.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 0.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 7.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 256.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 0.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.75 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.4% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.4% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 448.3 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 23.3 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 778.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 23.3 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 778.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
20 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 573,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
state-owned TV broadcaster operates 4 networks and a satellite channel; several private TV broadcasters; satellite TV available, and pan-Arab TV stations are especially popular; state-owned Radio Kuwait broadcasts on a number of channels in Arabic and English; first private radio station in 2005; transmissions of at least 2 international radio broadcasters are available (2019)
Reference: 2019, 2005Internet country code
.kw
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 4,004,096 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 4,154,812 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 4,323,515 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 4,442,316 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 4,400,267 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 4,360,865 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 4,589,643 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 4,853,420 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 4,897,263 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 4,865,298 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $109,406,674,125 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $120,687,539,806 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $138,646,316,351 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $140,856,394,861 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $111,045,470,606 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $148,350,671,489 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $183,502,046,694 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $165,462,656,227 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $160,903,106,639 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $157,209,026,926 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3,030,731 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 3,323,191 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 64,245 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 70,228 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 79,931 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 87,761 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 117,370 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 134,398 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 149,927 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 167,850 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 105,818 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 92,717 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 145,973 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 181 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -168,379 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 19,678 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 368,560 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 50,008 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 61,624 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 42,775 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,865,298 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 5,102,773 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 4,464,000 | 2020 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 3,323,191 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 67.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 167,850 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 42,775 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 3,369 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 2,148 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.532 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 0.431 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.680 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.289 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 0.646 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 0.484 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | -0.379 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No No Male illegal; Penalty: Fines or up to 6-year prison sentence.; Yes Yes Female always legal | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $157,209,026,926 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $32,312 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 2.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 2.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 2.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 84.6 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.6 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 100.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 100.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 55.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 38.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 94.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 96.5% | 2020 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 95.4% | 2015 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 6.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 16,496 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 0.1% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 5.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 7.0 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 0.4% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 167.7 per 100 | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 1.0 per 100 | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 384 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 29.3721° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 47.9824° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 29.1667° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 47.6000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+03:00, Asia/Kuwait | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | constitutional monarchy | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:17