From the archive
Oman's Population Surpasses 5 Million Mark
Oman's population has surpassed 5 million, reaching 5,388,513 by the end of May.
The Sultanate of Oman's total population reached 5,388,513 at the end of May, marking a 1.6 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. This significant demographic milestone was officially reported, indicating a steady growth trajectory for the nation, reflecting the ongoing development and attraction of residents to the country. Muscat Governorate emerged as the most populous region within the Sultanate, showing its role as a major urban and economic center. Muscat Governorate accounts for 1,538,312 inhabitants of the total population, noting its considerable demographic weight and central importance. The overall population figure of 5,388,513 represents the cumulative number of residents across all governorates as of the specified reporting period, providing a full snapshot of the nation's demographic landscape.
Governorate Breakdown
Muscat's population accounts for 28.6 percent of the Sultanate of Oman's total population, firmly establishing it as the most densely populated administrative division and a key hub for economic activity. Following Muscat, North Al Batinah Governorate holds the second-largest population, with 945,647 residents. This figure represents 17.6 percent of the country's total inhabitants, indicating another significant population cluster along the northern coast, known for its agricultural and industrial contributions. The distribution of population across these key governorates provides insight into the demographic landscape of Oman and the varying concentrations of its residents.
Following these, South Al Batinah Governorate recorded a population of 589,152, making up 10.9 percent of the total. This positions South Al Batinah as the third most populous governorate, reflecting its continued growth and development, particularly along the coastal areas. Al Dakhiliyah Governorate ranks fourth in population size, with 574,354 individuals. Al Dakhiliyah's population constitutes 10.7 percent of the overall demographic, showing a relatively close proximity in population numbers to South Al Batinah, and noting the concentration of people in the interior regions.
Dhofar Governorate is the fifth most populous, with 535,623 inhabitants, representing 9.9 percent of the total population. This southern region, known for its distinct climate and cultural heritage, maintains a substantial population base, contributing significantly to the national demographic. Moving eastward, South Al Sharqiyah registered 377,701 inhabitants, which is 7 percent of the Sultanate's population. North Al Sharqiyah has 322,914 inhabitants, contributing to the demographic profile of the eastern part of the country, with its population representing 6 percent of the Sultanate of Oman's total population.
Regional Distribution
North Al Sharqiyah's population represents 6 percent of the Sultanate of Oman's total population, further detailing the demographic spread across the nation, particularly in the eastern territories. Al Dhahirah Governorate recorded 248,813 inhabitants, making up 4.6 percent of the overall population. This region, situated in the western part of Oman, plays a distinct role in the country's demographic mosaic, bordering other nations and serving as a gateway.
Al Buraimi Governorate has 135,629 inhabitants, accounting for 2.5 percent of the total figure. Located strategically at the border, Al Buraimi's population contributes to the diverse regional distribution, acting as a significant outpost. Al Wusta Governorate registered 64,566 inhabitants, which represents 1.2 percent of the country's population. Despite its vast area, Al Wusta maintains a lower population density compared to other regions, largely due to its desert landscape and more dispersed settlements. Finally, Musandam Governorate recorded 55,802 inhabitants, comprising 1 percent of the total population. This northern enclave, separated geographically from the main body of Oman, completes the full overview of the Sultanate's population distribution by governorate. The detailed breakdown by each governorate shows the varied demographic landscapes within Oman, from densely populated urban centers to more sparsely inhabited regions.