MUSCAT: The total number of Omani children in the 0-17 age group reached approximately 1,282,893 children in 2024. The gender ratio among Omani children was 104 males for every 100 females.
Statistical data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) showed that Omani children constituted about 85 per cent of the total number of children in the Sultanate of Oman during the same year, reflecting continuous growth in the young population segment, which represents the base of the population pyramid.
The indicators showed that the total number of Omani children is expected to reach 1.3 million by 2040, emphasising the importance of continuing to develop educational, health and social services directed at this group, in line with the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040.
The Centre pointed out that the largest proportion of Omani children falls within the 5-9 age group, accounting for 32 per cent of the total Omani children. This is followed by the 10-14 age group at 28 per cent, and then the 0-4 age group at 27 per cent. The 15-17 age group accounted for 13 per cent of the total Omani children.
Health indicators clarified that the total number of Omani live births in 2024 was 63,187 children, a decrease of about 2 per cent compared to the previous year.
Meanwhile, child vaccination rates for children under one year of age recorded high percentages as follows:
- Tuberculosis (TB): 100 per cent.
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP) and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): 99.8 per cent.
- Hepatitis and Haemophilus influenzae Type B (Hib): 99.6 per cent.
The Centre mentioned that the total number of Omani children enrolled in nurseries in 2024 reached about 6,683, a decrease of about 13 per cent compared to the previous year.
In economic indicators, the total number of Omani children aged 15-17 whose parents are business owners in 2024 reached about 1,864, a decrease of about 7 per cent compared to the previous year, with 29 per cent concentrated in the construction activity. The total number of Omani children aged 0-17 who owned one or more plots of land in 2024 was 15,145 children, an increase of about 1 per cent compared to the previous year.
Regarding Social Protection benefits for 2024, the number of children benefiting from the Childhood Benefit reached 1,236,501 children. The number of orphaned children (0-17 age group) benefiting from the Orphan Benefit reached 9,441. The total number of children (0-17 age group) benefiting from the Disability Benefit reached 14,295. — ONA
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