GCC Population Grows To 57.6 Million In 2023: Insights On Demographics And Workforce

The population of the six GCC nations rose to 57.6 million in 2023, up from 56.6 million in 2022. Males made up 62.4% of this total, while females accounted for 37.6%. The region's population density was recorded at 23.9 people per square kilometre, with the GCC covering a total area of 2.4 million square kilometres.

In terms of education, the number of students in early childhood education, including nurseries and kindergartens, reached 712,400 during the 2021-2022 academic year. Meanwhile, school enrolment across the GCC totalled 8.9 million for that same period.

The GCC Statistical Centre unveiled its ninth edition of the Atlas of GCC Statistics for 2024. This publication features key statistical maps and data dashboards, offering interactive information at both country and regional levels. The Atlas uses graphs and geographical maps to link statistical data with its location, enhancing its value for planning purposes.

Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, emphasised that statistics are crucial for planning and development within Gulf cooperation efforts. He commended the GCC Statistical Centre's role in providing valuable publications that help shape future policies aimed at growth and prosperity under GCC leadership.

The Atlas disclosed that the workforce in GCC countries reached about 33.1 million in 2023, compared to 30.3 million in 2022. The working-age population (15 years and older) was reported to be around 45 million in these countries during the same year.

In macroeconomic terms, the nominal GDP of the GCC was US$2.113 trillion in 2023, reflecting a decrease in annual growth rate by 3.5% compared to the previous year. Inflation within the region was noted at 2.2% for that year.

Healthcare and Water Resources

Regarding healthcare facilities, there were approximately 843 government hospitals across the GCC in 2022, making up 58.4% of all hospitals; private hospitals constituted the remaining 41.6%. Hospital beds numbered at 122,100 with government hospitals housing most beds at a rate of 74.6%, while private ones held 25.4%. There were also about 29.6 physicians per every 10,000 residents alongside a nursing staff ratio of about 61.2 per same number.

The Centre also highlighted water statistics showing an increase in rainfall by about18 .8% between years spanning from2000 through till end-of-year figures recorded during last fiscal cycle ending December31st ,20222 . Rainfall measured stood tall reaching214 .1 billion cubic metres . Desalinated water production grew annually by9 % over this period too .

Trade and Tourism Developments

The trade volume within GCC reached US$1 .482 trillion dollars throughout fiscal year ending December31st ,20223 . Total commodity exports amounted towards US$823 .1 billion dollars where national oil exports contributed63 .8 % followed closely behind non-oil exports making up19 .3 % whilst re-exports accounted16 .9 % respectively . Intra-GCC commodity exports were valued around US$131 .6 billion dollars during same timeframe too !

Tourism statistics revealed that68 .1 million tourists visited various destinations scattered throughout entire region during last fiscal cycle ending December31st ,20223 ! There existed10 ,900 hotel establishments offering total room capacity numbering696 ,600 rooms available accommodating visitors alike !

Marriage and Telecommunications Statistics

The Atlas also provided insights into marriage and divorce rates within GCC countries: marriage rate stood at4 contracts per thousand individuals aged fifteen plus whereas divorce rate recorded cases numbering one point eight per thousand individuals belonging same age bracket groupings respectively !

Telecommunications data showed presence fixed phone lines numbering five point five million alongside mobile subscriptions totalling ninety-four point nine million throughout entire region during last fiscal cycle ending December31st ,20223 !

This comprehensive statistical overview highlights key developments across various sectors within Gulf Cooperation Council member states showcasing their continued progress amidst changing global dynamics today!

With inputs from WAM