The Wilayat of Barka has various occupations and industries . Its occupations are fishing, which is practiced by a large number of the inhabitants and is the main source of income, agriculture producing dates, lemons, vegetables and herbs, as well as animal husbandry and trade in goats, cattle, camels and horses. The industries are weaving palm leaves, work in gold and silver, sweet-making, textiles, rope-making, carpentry, blacksmithery, and leather-tanning.

Around 73% of the population are Arabs who are divided into two principal groups (1.) the Yamaniyah or Hinawi and (2.) the Nizari or Ghafiri. Non-Arab minority groups include Iranians, Baluchis, Indians, Pakistanis and Black Africans.  Urban-Rural; 11.0% urban, 89.0% rural (1990). Sex Distribution; 53.0% male, 47.0% female (1990). Life Expectancy at Birth; 62.2 years male, 65.8 years female (1990). Age Breakdown; 47% under 15, 24% 15 to 29, 17% 30 to 44, 8% 45 to 59, 3% 60 to 74, 1% 75 and over (1990). Birth Rate; 45.6 per 1,000 (1990). Death Rate; 7.8 per 1,000 (1990). Increase Rate; 37.8 per 1,000 (1990). Infant Mortality Rate; 30.0 per 1,000 live births (1990).