Definition
The Gini coefficient is a statistical measure of income or wealth distribution within a population. It ranges from 0 (perfect equality — everyone has the same income) to 1 (perfect inequality — one person has all the income).
Interpretation:
- 0.0-0.25: Very low inequality (Scandinavian countries)
- 0.25-0.35: Moderate inequality (many developed economies)
- 0.35-0.45: High inequality (US, some emerging markets)
0.45: Very high inequality (many developing countries)
Oman’s Gini Position
| Year | Gini Coefficient |
|---|---|
| 2010 (Baseline data) | 0.31 |
| Current (Estimate) | ~0.29 |
| 2030 (Target) | 0.31 (maintain) |
| 2040 (Target) | 0.28 |
Oman’s Gini is relatively contained — comparable to many developed economies. Vision 2040 targets maintaining or slightly improving equality (to 0.28) even as the economy diversifies and incomes grow.
Measurement Challenges
Accurate Gini measurement requires comprehensive household income surveys. Oman’s Gini data is relatively sparse — the 0.31 baseline is from a 2010 household expenditure survey. More recent estimates are extrapolated rather than directly measured.
The Gini coefficient also does not capture the full income distribution picture in Oman’s dual-nationality labour market — measuring Omani nationals’ income distribution separately from the expatriate workforce would give a different picture.
Policy Implications
A stable or improving Gini coefficient would indicate that economic diversification benefits are broadly shared — not concentrated among an educated urban elite. Vision 2040’s well-being priority explicitly targets economic development that improves life for all Omanis.