Kuwait flag

Kuwait

State of Kuwait

Capital

Kuwait City

Region

Asia

Population

4,881,254

Area (km²)

17,818

💡Quick Summary

Kuwait, a small but oil-rich nation in Asia's Persian Gulf region, covers 17,818 km² with a population of around 4.9 million and its bustling capital in Kuwait City. Despite its modest size, it's a global energy powerhouse, boasting vast petroleum reserves that fuel its economy (though recent GDP figures are unavailable). The country blends modern skyscrapers with traditional Arabian culture, making it a key player in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Key Insights

Minimal Unemployment Amidst Economic Slowdown

Despite experiencing negative GDP growth, Kuwait maintains an extremely low unemployment rate of just over 2%. This suggests that the labor market, heavily reliant on expatriate workers and government employment, remains remarkably stable or insulated from minor economic dips.

Near-Zero Forest Cover

Kuwait's environmental data confirms its status as a highly arid nation, with forest area covering less than half a percent of its total landmass. This extreme lack of natural forest cover underscores the environmental challenges related to desertification and biodiversity.

Exceptional Longevity and Low Fertility

Kuwait boasts an exceptionally high life expectancy of over 83 years, comparable to some of the world's most developed nations, indicating excellent healthcare access. However, this is paired with a very low fertility rate (1.52), well below the replacement level, suggesting future demographic challenges regarding population aging and workforce size.

High Wealth, Negative Growth

Despite having a very high GDP per capita, indicative of a wealthy nation, Kuwait experienced a significant economic contraction in 2023. This negative growth rate suggests vulnerability, likely due to fluctuations in the global oil market, which dominates its economy.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

GDP (Current US$)

$165.38B

Year: 2023

GDP Per Capita

$34,075.85

GDP Growth (%)

-1.67%

Inflation (%)

3.64%

Unemployment (%)

2.13%

Debt to GDP (%)

N/A%

Source: World Bank • Last updated: 12/24/2025

Historical Trends & Data Visualizations

GDP Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in GDP over time
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023-8.00%-4.00%0.00%4.00%8.00%
  • GDP Growth (%)
Population Growth
Total population over time
201420152016201720182019202020212022202301,500,0003,000,0004,500,0006,000,000
  • Population
Life Expectancy
Average life expectancy at birth (years)
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.0years25.0years50.0years75.0years100.0years
  • Life Expectancy (years)
Renewable Energy Consumption
Percentage of total energy from renewable sources
201420152016201720182019202020210.0%0.0%0.1%0.1%0.1%
  • Renewable Energy (%)
GDP Per Capita
Economic output per person (current US$)
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$15,000$30,000$45,000$60,000
  • GDP Per Capita ($)

Share This Country

Local Resources
Curated links to local news, real estate, events, and official websites

Real Estate

Travel & Tourism