However, population size is not the only measure of strength. The balance shifts significantly when examining economic power. The GDP of GCC countries in 2025 is estimated at around 2.4 trillion dollars, while the combined GDP of Iran, Iraq, and Yemen is estimated at around 700 billion dollars, according to circulated estimates. This means that the Gulf, despite its smaller population, possesses an economic base that exceeds that of these countries combined. It also highlights the significant difference in average citizen income.
