Muscat: The population of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reached approximately 61.2 million by the end of 2024, marking a significant 36 percent increase-equivalent to more than 2.1 million people-compared to the previous year. The figures were highlighted in a recent report issued by the GCC Statistical Center (GCC-Stat) in observance of World Population Day, celebrated annually on July 11.

According to the report, the population in the GCC region has been steadily recovering from the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2021, the overall population has grown by around 7.6 million people, reflecting a 14.2 percent increase. This trend signals a strong rebound and accelerated growth trajectory in contrast to the slowdown witnessed during the pandemic years.

The gender breakdown reveals a significant disparity, with males accounting for approximately 38.5 million, or 62.8 percent, of the total population, while females make up about 22.7 million, or 37.2 percent. The high male-to-female ratio is largely attributed to the influx of male-dominated expatriate labor in many of the GCC nations.

The report also noted that the GCC region constitutes 0.7 percent of the global population. The sex ratio in the GCC stands at 169 males for every 100 females, a sharp contrast to the global average of 101 males per 100 females, highlighting the unique demographic composition shaped by labor market dynamics in the Gulf region.