List of Countries Where Citizens Are a Minority
As the world marks Minorities Rights Day on December 18, 2025, the focus often lies on protecting minority communities. However, a unique demographic shift exists in several countries where national citizens are outnumbered by foreign-born residents. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in wealthy, labor-dependent countries and those with rentier economies.
List of Countries Where Citizens Are a Minority (2025)
Based on UN Population Division data, World Bank reports, and other official national statistics for 2025, here’s an updated look at countries where national citizens are minorities.
1. Vatican City – 100% Foreign-Born Population
- Citizen Minority: 0%
- Primary Origins: Italy, Switzerland
- Source: Vatican City Official Population Report, UN Data
Vatican City is the only country in the world with no native-born citizens. Citizenship here is granted only to those who work for the Holy See. According to the Vatican Statistics Office, every resident is technically a migrant worker.
2. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – ~88% Non-Citizens
- Citizen Population: ~12%
- Primary Origins: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines
- Source: UAE Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority; UN Migration Data
The UAE’s foreign-born population represents about 88% of the total, as reported by the UAE Census 2025. This demographic includes laborers, professionals, and low-income workers who have come for the thriving economy and high wages.
3. Qatar – ~85% Foreign Residents
- Citizen Population: ~15%
- Primary Origins: India, Nepal, Egypt
- Source: Qatar Planning and Statistics Authority; World Bank
According to Qatar’s 2025 Population and Housing Census, foreign residents make up a staggering 85% of the total population, many of whom are involved in construction and service sectors. Qatar’s economic success due to its natural gas wealth has drawn migrants from across Asia.
4. Kuwait – ~70% Foreign Population
- Citizen Population: ~30%
- Primary Origins: India, Egypt, Philippines
- Source: Kuwait Central Statistical Bureau; UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Kuwait’s population is dominated by foreign nationals, especially Indians and Egyptians, who account for more than half the country’s total population. Kuwaitization policies are being implemented to increase the number of Kuwaitis in the workforce, but the foreign presence remains substantial.
5. Monaco – ~75% Non-Citizens
- Citizen Population: ~25%
- Primary Origins: France, Italy, United Kingdom
- Source: Monaco Government Census, World Bank 2025 Report
Despite its small size (with a population of about 39,000), Monaco is one of the richest nations globally, and its population is predominantly made up of expatriates, many attracted by tax incentives. Monaco’s Government Statistics Bureau reports that nearly 75% of the population are non-citizens.
6. Bahrain – ~52–54% Foreign Residents
- Citizen Population: ~46–48%
- Primary Origins: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan
- Source: Bahrain Central Statistical Organization, UN Migration Report 2025
Bahrain’s foreign-born population now exceeds half of the total population, according to the latest census. Migrants from South Asia fill key roles in the construction and retail sectors, making Bahrain one of the few Gulf states where non-citizens are the majority.
Near-Minority Countries (High Foreign Populations)
Some countries have foreign populations nearing the 50% mark. While not yet at minority status, they’re part of a global trend of increasing migration:
Andorra
- Foreign Population: ~52%
- Main Origins: Spain, Portugal, France
Luxembourg
- Foreign Population: ~47%
- Main Origins: Portugal, France, Italy
Singapore
- Foreign Population: ~43%
- Includes: Foreign workers and permanent residents
Summary Table: Countries Where Citizens Are a Minority (2025)
Why Are Citizens a Minority in These Countries?
This demographic pattern is most common in rentier economies, where:
- Small native populations control resource wealth
- Foreign labor is imported for development
- Citizenship remains restricted
- Political power stays with nationals
While foreign residents drive economic growth, most have no pathway to citizenship, ensuring nationals remain the legal and political authority despite being fewer in number.
Sources:
- United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
- World Bank Migration Data Reports
- Government Population and Census Data for UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Monaco
- Bureau of Statistics for Andorra, Luxembourg, Singapore
- International Migration Reports 2025 (UN)
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