Middle East Leads Asia in Population Growth, UN Data Shows

The Middle East has experienced the fastest population growth in Asia over the past three decades, with countries like Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia leading the way. According to the UN’s World Population Prospects 2024, some nations have seen increases of three to six times their 1990 populations.  

Qatar tops the list with a staggering 537% growth, reaching nearly 3 million people in 2023. The UAE follows closely with a 398% increase, now home to over 10.6 million residents. Saudi Arabia ranks third in the region, with its population nearly tripling to 33.2 million.  

Key Growth Rankings in Asia  

Here are the top 10 Asian countries by percentage population growth from 1990 to 2023:  

1. Qatar (+537%)  

2. UAE (+398%)  

3. Afghanistan (+224%)  

4. Jordan (+200%)  

5. Saudi Arabia (+191%)  

6. Bahrain (+188%)  

7. Yemen (+184%)  

8. Kuwait (+161%)  

9. Oman (+156%)  

10. Iraq (+140%)  

This rapid growth reflects a combination of factors, including economic opportunities, improved living standards, and migration trends in the region.  

Global Implications

Outside the Middle East, other densely populated countries also saw notable increases. India added 62% to its population, reaching 1.4 billion, while Pakistan grew by 102% to 247.5 million. In contrast, China’s growth was more modest at 24%, with a current population of 1.4 billion.  

Meanwhile, Armenia and Georgia stand out as the only Asian nations with shrinking populations. These declines are largely attributed to conflict and economic challenges, driving significant emigration.  

The Bigger Picture

Overall, nearly all Asian nations have seen substantial population growth since 1990. This demographic surge is reshaping economies, urban planning, and resource distribution across the continent, with the Middle East at the forefront of these changes.  

This article was previously published on qatarmoments. To see the original article, click here