Muscat: population, jobs, prices, health, schools and social protection

Muscat is a governorate of Oman, the largest of 11 by population. Muscat had 883,984 people at work in 2025 (Omanis and expatriates together), the highest of 11 governorates by number of workers. Oman as a whole had 2,706,215 workers.

In depth

Economy, jobs and prices in Muscat: Muscat had 883,984 people at work in 2025 (Omanis and expatriates together), the highest of 11 governorates by number of workers. Oman as a whole had 2,706,215 workers.
Health in Muscat: Muscat had 15 government hospitals with 3,467 beds in 2025, and 21 private hospitals with 1,278 beds. Oman had 62 government hospitals and 6,962 government hospital beds.
Education in Muscat: Muscat had 191 government schools in the 2025/2026 school year, with 157,366 students and 11,206 teachers (kindergartens included). Oman had 1,300 government schools and 845,721 students.
Poverty and living standards in Muscat: 271,077 people in Muscat received a social protection benefit in 2025 (orphans, widows, disability, old age and childhood benefits), 2nd highest of 11 governorates; that is 177 beneficiaries per 1,000 registered residents (Oman: 279).
Government budget and revenue in Muscat: Social protection benefits paid in Muscat came to 90.9 million Omani rials in 2025, the highest of 11 governorates (Oman: 470.2 million rials); that is 59 rials per registered resident (Oman: 88).

What is the population of Muscat?

Muscat had 1,532,486 registered residents at the end of 2025 (Omanis and expatriates), the highest of 11 governorates; Oman had 5,359,557.

Source: National Centre for Statistics and Information, Sultanate of Oman · saved copy

How fast is the population of Muscat growing?

The population of Muscat grew 2.3% between 2024 (1,498,521) and 2025 (1,532,486), 3rd highest of 11 governorates for growth; Oman grew 1.7%.

Source: National Centre for Statistics and Information, Sultanate of Oman · saved copy

What is the population density of Muscat?

Muscat covers about 4,000 square kilometres and has 383.1 people per square kilometre, the highest of 11 governorates by density (Oman: 17.3). NCSI states that the areas are estimates for statistical use only.

Source: National Centre for Statistics and Information, Sultanate of Oman · saved copy

How many expatriates live in Muscat?

Expatriates were 61.1% of residents in Muscat in 2025 (936,310), and Omanis 596,176; the highest of 11 governorates for expatriate share (Oman: 43.3%).

Source: National Centre for Statistics and Information, Sultanate of Oman · saved copy

How many children live in Muscat?

19.8% of residents of Muscat were aged 0 to 14 at the end of 2025, 2nd lowest of 11 governorates; 2.9% were aged 65 or over, 4th lowest of 11 governorates. The national shares are 24.8% and 3.0%.

Source: National Centre for Statistics and Information, Sultanate of Oman · saved copy

How governorates are governed in Oman

Governorates (11). Governor (muhafidh) appointed by royal decree; municipal council with appointed members plus elected members, chaired by an appointed chair. Since the 2022 Governorates System law, governorates manage local development and municipal services; councils advise on infrastructure, health, environment and social issues.

Every tier of government in Oman

Other governorates of Oman

Al Batinah North 939,746
Al Batinah South 585,794
Ad Dakhliyah 570,269
Dhofar 532,897
Ash Sharqiyah South 374,962
Ash Sharqiyah North 321,045
Adh Dhahirah 246,823
Al Buraymi 135,509
Al Wusta 64,024
Musandam 56,002

Up a level: Oman · government and power in Oman · cities

Sources

National Centre for Statistics and Information, Sultanate of Oman: Statistical Year Book 2026 (issue 54, data for 2025), Table 9-2: population registered by age group and governorate, end of December 2025, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 4e64f3cac6c9…)

Each saved copy is the file exactly as downloaded, kept so the figures can be checked even if the source changes. Report an error.