Saudi Arabia
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
المملكة العربية السعودية
Government Information
Capital: Riyadh
Population: 35.9 million (2023 est)
Area: 2,149,690 km² (830,000 sq mi)
Government Type: Unitary Islamic absolute monarchy
Head of State: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Head of Government: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Legislature: Consultative Assembly (Majlis ash-Shura)
National Language: Arabic
Establishment: September 23, 1932 (Unification)
Photos
Demographics
Population Stats
Core Metrics (2024):
Total Population: 36.2M
Growth Rate: 1.63%
Median Age: 31.8
Life Expectancy: 75.9
Population Density: 16.8/km²
Age Distribution:
0-14 years: 24.7%
15-64 years: 71.8%
65+ years: 3.5%
Working Age: 26M
Dependency Ratio: 39.3%
Geographic Split:
Urban: 84.8%
Rural: 15.2%
Greater Riyadh: 21.4%
Province Capitals: 42.6%
Other Urban: 20.8%
Social Indicators
Education (2024):
Literacy Rate: 97.6%
Higher Education: 37.1%
Public Universities: 29
Student Population: 1.6M
Education Spending: 7.8% GDP
Social Metrics:
Healthcare Coverage: 98.2%
Social Security: 96.7%
Income Equality: 45.9 Gini
Poverty Rate: 12.7%
Middle Class: 71.5%
Cultural Data:
Muslim: 99.8%
Other: 0.2%
Non-Religious: ~0%
Languages: Arabic (100%)
Regional: 3 dialects
Demographic Trends
Household Data (2024):
Average Size: 5.5 people
Single Person: 4.8%
Nuclear Family: 51.3%
Extended Family: 38.7%
Multi-Family: 5.2%
Marriage & Family:
Marriage Rate: 5.8/1000
Divorce Rate: 2.5/1000
Median Marriage Age: 26.3
First Child Age: 27.1
Home Ownership: 62.1%
Living Patterns:
Renting: 37.9%
Mortgage Holders: 23.4%
Outright Owners: 38.7%
Shared Housing: 8.2%
Avg. Household Income: 259K SAR
Economy
Economic Assets
Core Metrics (2024):
GDP: SAR 4.2T
Total value of goods and services produced annually, 18th largest globally
GDP Growth: 4.8%
Annual percentage increase in Saudi Arabia's economic output
GDP Per Capita: $28.5K
Average economic output per person in Saudi Arabia
National Debt: SAR 1.1T
Total government debt, moderate debt-to-GDP ratio
Debt/GDP: 26%
Ratio of national debt to annual economic output
Market Data:
Stock Market Cap: SAR 12.5T
Total value of companies listed on Tadawul (Saudi Stock Exchange)
Bond Market: SAR 850B
Total value of government and corporate sukuk/bonds
Forex Reserves: $480B
Foreign currency reserves held by SAMA (central bank)
Gold Reserves: 323.1 tons
Physical gold holdings in central bank reserves
Currency Rate: 3.75
Fixed exchange rate of Saudi Riyal to US Dollar
Trade (2024):
Exports: $420B
Value of goods and services sold internationally, primarily oil exports
Imports: $185B
Value of goods and services purchased from other countries
Balance: +$235B
Trade surplus: difference between exports and imports
Trade Volume: $605B
Total combined value of imports and exports
Partners: 150+ countries
Number of nations Saudi Arabia maintains trade relationships with
Economic health indicators:
- Outer: Fiscal stability
- Middle: Market performance
- Inner: Growth trajectory
Investor confidence and market stability measure
Saudi Arabia's standing in global economic rankings
Saudi Arabia's position among world's largest economies by GDP
Budget Breakdown
Government Budget (2024):
Total Budget: SAR 1.25T
Annual government spending plan for fiscal year 2024
Defense: SAR 185B
Military and national security expenditure
Healthcare: SAR 175B
Public healthcare system and medical services funding
Education: SAR 195B
Public education, universities, and research funding
Infrastructure: SAR 150B
Development of roads, utilities, and public facilities
Key Allocations:
Vision 2030: SAR 120B
Economic transformation and diversification initiatives
Social Dev: SAR 85B
Social welfare programs and community development
Security: SAR 110B
Internal security and law enforcement funding
Municipal: SAR 55B
Local government and city development funding
Energy: SAR 95B
Energy sector development and renewable initiatives
Revenue Sources:
Oil Revenue: SAR 580B
Income from oil exports and related activities
Non-Oil Revenue: SAR 420B
Income from non-oil sectors and economic activities
Investment Returns: SAR 180B
Returns from PIF and government investments
Taxes & Fees: SAR 125B
Revenue from VAT, customs, and other fees
Other Sources: SAR 95B
Miscellaneous government income sources
Budget performance indicators:
- Outer ring: Target achievement rate
- Middle ring: Revenue collection
- Inner ring: Budget balance
Rate of successful project and program implementation
Success rate in meeting revenue collection targets
Percentage of allocated budget successfully utilized and implemented in fiscal year 2024
Economic Performance
Key Indicators (2024):
Inflation Rate: 2.8%
Annual rate of increase in consumer prices, within target range
Interest Rate: 5.75%
SAMA's benchmark interest rate for monetary policy
Unemployment: 5.8%
Percentage of Saudi workforce seeking employment
Labor Force: 15.2M
Total working-age population participating in labor market
Job Growth: +45K/mo
Average monthly increase in new employment positions
Market Stats (2024):
Tadawul All Share: +12.5% = 12,850
Main Saudi stock market index performance and level
MSCI Saudi: +10.8% = 1,450
MSCI Saudi Arabia Index performance and level
TASI Banks: +8.5% = 8,920
Banking sector index performance and level
Market Vol: SAR 12B/day
Average daily trading volume on Tadawul
IPOs: 28/year
Number of new company listings on stock exchange
Vision 2030 Progress:
Non-Oil GDP: +8.2%
Growth in economic activity excluding oil sector
Tourism: +15.5%
Growth in tourism sector and visitor numbers
Tech Sector: +12.8%
Growth in technology and digital economy sectors
Green Energy: +18.5%
Growth in renewable energy projects and capacity
Manufacturing: +6.5%
Growth in industrial and manufacturing output
Economic vitality indicators:
- Outer ring: Economic diversification progress
- Middle ring: Financial stability
- Inner ring: Innovation index
Overall economic well-being and resilience measure
Regional and global market influence metrics
Projected average annual GDP growth rate over next five years
Culture
Cultural Assets
Heritage Sites (2024):
UNESCO World Heritage: 7
Cultural Sites: 6
Natural Sites: 1
Mixed Sites: 0
Memory of World: 8
Infrastructure:
Museums: 250
Cultural Centers: 450
Heritage Sites: 850
Art Galleries: 185
Islamic Centers: 1,250
Investment (2024):
Total: SAR 45B
Per Capita: SAR 1,250
% of GDP: 0.8%
Public Share: 85%
Private Share: 15%
Cultural Engagement
Annual Events (2024):
Cultural Festivals: 850
Art Exhibitions: 450
Heritage Events: 1,250
Cultural Shows: 650
Traditional Events: 1,850
Participation:
Festival Attendance: 45M
Museum Visits: 25M
Cultural Programs: 35M
Heritage Tours: 15M
Digital Access: 85%
Major Events:
Janadriyah Festival: 2.5M
Art Biennale: 850K
Cultural Weeks: 1.5M
Heritage Days: 2.8M
Modern Art Shows: 750K
Cultural Identity
Cultural Sectors:
Islamic Arts: 85K
Traditional Crafts: 45K
Modern Arts: 25K
Heritage: 65K
Digital Arts: 35K
Cultural Practice:
Active Artists: 185K
Artisans: 125K
Performers: 45K
Digital Creators: 65K
Cultural Groups: 25K
Recognition:
Living Heritage: 250
Protected Crafts: 450
Cultural Routes: 185
Master Artisans: 850
Heritage Labels: 450
News
Education
Education System
Coverage (2024):
Public System: 88.5%
Primary: 98.5%
Secondary: 94.2%
Private Schools: 11.5%
Higher Ed: 68.5%
Infrastructure:
Public Schools: 28,450
Private Schools: 3,850
Universities: 42
Technical Colleges: 85
Research Centers: 165
Expenditure (2024):
Total: SAR 185B
Per Student: SAR 32.5K
% of GDP: 6.8%
Public Share: 88.5%
Private Share: 11.5%
Education Metrics
PISA Scores (2022):
Math: 373
Reading: 403
Science: 389
OECD Average Gap: -22.5%
Global Rank: 35th
Key Indicators:
Student-Teacher: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 85.5%
Dropout Rate: 6.8%
Digital Access: 95.2%
Research Output: 1.2%
Quality:
Accredited Unis: 95%
Int'l Publications: 45K
Research Impact: 0.82
Patents Filed: 18K
Int'l Partnerships: 385
Education Workforce
Educators:
Teachers: 525K
Professors: 85K
Researchers: 45K
Admin Staff: 125K
Support Staff: 185K
Training (2024):
Teaching Colleges: 42
Annual Graduates: 45K
PhD Programs: 285
Research Posts: 12K
Training Centers: 165
Avg. Salary (SAR/Year):
Primary Teacher: 185K
Secondary: 225K
University Prof: 385K
Senior Prof: 585K
Researcher: 425K
Healthcare
Healthcare System
Coverage (2024):
Public Coverage: 100%
Private Insurance: 32.5%
Dual Coverage: 28.8%
Expat Coverage: 95.2%
Int'l Agreements: 28
Infrastructure:
Public Hospitals: 284
Private Hospitals: 165
Primary Centers: 2,850
Hospital Beds: 78,500
Pharmacies: 8,750
Expenditure (2024):
Total: SAR 185.8B
Per Capita: SAR 5,250
% of GDP: 6.8%
Public Share: 75.5%
Private Share: 24.5%
Health Metrics
Life Expectancy:
Overall: 75.8 years
Male: 74.2 years
Female: 77.4 years
Healthy Life: 65.3 years
Global Rank: #85
Key Indicators:
Infant Mortality: 5.7/1K
Maternal Mortality: 12/100K
Obesity Rate: 35.4%
Diabetes: 18.3%
Heart Disease: 12.5%
Prevention:
Vaccination Rate: 98.5%
Screening Rate: 68.2%
Health Checkups: 52.5%
Mental Health: 22.8%
Chronic Care: 85.5%
Medical Workforce
Healthcare Workers:
Physicians: 85K
Nurses: 185K
Specialists: 42K
Pharmacists: 28K
Support Staff: 125K
Education (2024):
Medical Schools: 28
Annual Med Graduates: 4.2K
Nursing Programs: 85
Training Posts: 5.8K
Teaching Hospitals: 45
Avg. Salary (SAR/Year):
Junior Doctor: 185K
Specialist: 485K
Nurse: 125K
Head Nurse: 185K
Family Doctor: 285K
Technology
Tech Innovation
Digital Ecosystem:
8 Tech Unicorns
1,200+ Active Startups
SAR 12B+ Investment (2024)
85+ Tech Incubators
6 Major Tech Hubs
Key Sectors (2024):
FinTech: SAR 25B
E-commerce: SAR 85B
Digital Services: SAR 45B
Cloud Tech: SAR 18B
Smart Cities: SAR 385B
Growth Areas:
AI/Data: SAR 15B
Clean Tech: SAR 28B
IoT Solutions: SAR 12B
Digital Health: SAR 8B
Robotics: SAR 5B
Research & Development
Research Network:
125 Research Centers
85 Tech Institutes
35 Innovation Hubs
185 University Labs
SAR 25B Equipment
Key Projects (2024):
NEOM Tech: SAR 385B
Smart Cities: SAR 85B
AI Research: SAR 25B
Clean Energy: SAR 45B
Digital Health: SAR 15B
Output (2023):
8,500 Patents Filed
25,000 Publications
850 Tech Transfers
450 Int'l Projects
SAR 45B Economic Impact
Tech Workforce
Talent Pool (2024):
285K Tech Workers
85K Developers
45K Data Scientists
65K IT Engineers
25K AI Specialists
Education:
125 Tech Institutes
85K IT Students
25K Annual Grads
92.5% Employment Rate
88.5% Retention Rate
Avg. Salary (SAR/Year):
Senior Dev: 285K
Data Scientist: 265K
DevOps Eng: 245K
AI Engineer: 325K
Tech Lead: 485K
Tourism
Tourism Overview
Key Metrics (2024):
Int'l Visitors: 27.4M/year
Religious Tourism: 18.3M/year
Total Revenue: $49.8B
GDP Contribution: 8.7%
Tourism Jobs: 1.1M
Top Origins:
Indonesia: 16.8%
Pakistan: 12.4%
India: 11.7%
Egypt: 8.9%
UAE: 7.2%
Top Destinations:
Makkah: 9.4M/year
Madinah: 8.9M/year
Riyadh: 4.7M/year
Jeddah: 3.8M/year
AlUla: 1.2M/year
Tourism Infrastructure
Accommodation (2024):
Total Hotels: 9,842
Occupancy Rate: 74.8%
Avg. Daily Rate: $218
Pilgrim Housing: 12,467
Desert Resorts: 284
Seasonal Activities:
Summer: Indoor Entertainment
Fall: Desert Camping, Sports
Winter: Festivals, Heritage
Spring: Red Sea Activities
Year-round: Religious Sites
Key Attractions:
Holy Sites: 42
Heritage Sites: 1,184
Museums: 248
UNESCO Sites: 6
Modern Landmarks: 167
Visitor Experience
Satisfaction (2024):
Overall Rating: 8.8/10
Value for Money: 7.9/10
Safety: 9.4/10
Hospitality: 9.1/10
Return Intent: 87%
Popular Activities:
Religious Sites: 96.8%
Cultural Heritage: 82.4%
Desert Adventures: 76.7%
Modern Attractions: 72.9%
Shopping: 68.4%
Spending Patterns:
Accommodation: 42.3%
Religious Services: 18.7%
Food & Beverage: 15.4%
Shopping: 14.8%
Transport: 8.8%
Infrastructure
Transportation
Road Network:
68,000 KM Total
5,850 KM Expressway
88% Good Condition
12,500 Smart Bridges
﷼485B Investment
Rail System:
5,500 KM Track
Haramain: 450 KM
Metro: 850 KM
Freight: 2,850 KM
﷼385B Network
Air & Sea:
28 Major Airports
9 Smart Seaports
NEOM Transport Hub
﷼285B Port Value
﷼425B Air Network
Utilities
Power Grid:
885,000 KM Lines
45 Power Plants
35% Renewable Mix
1,850 Smart Stations
﷼585B Network
Water Systems:
185,000 KM Pipes
42 Desalination
95% Quality Rate
2,850 Treatment
﷼485B Network
Management:
Waste: 95% Coverage
Gas: 18,500 KM
Smart Grid: 82%
Solar Farms: 85
Storage: 45 TWh
Digital Infrastructure
Network Coverage:
6G: NEOM Testing
5G: 92% Coverage
Fiber: 85% Access
Rural: 78% High-Speed
﷼385B Investment
Smart Systems:
38 Smart Cities
18M IoT Devices
385 Data Centers
92% Cloud Access
﷼285B Network
Innovation:
AI Integration: 85%
Quantum Ready: 45%
Edge Computing: 78%
Digital Twin: 72%
Cyber Defense: 92%
International Relations
Diplomatic Status
Key Alliances:
OPEC+ Leader ($2.8T)
GCC Core Member
G20 Nation
OIC Leadership
BRICS+ Partner
Representation:
115 Embassies Active
68 Consulates General
28 Cultural Centers
2,840 Diplomatic Staff
SAR 32B MOFA Budget
Current Status:
Vision 2030 Lead
Energy Transition
Tech Investment
Tourism Growth
Sports & Culture Hub
Treaties & Agreements
Major Treaties:
China Deal ($265B)
GCC Trade ($186B)
India Pact ($128B)
US Alliance ($124B)
EU Trade ($85B)
Trade Status:
China: SAR 995B Flow
India: SAR 480B Deal
US: SAR 465B Trade
Japan: SAR 320B Pact
EU: SAR 318B Exchange
Key Agreements:
Energy Tech (SAR 380B)
Green Power (SAR 245B)
Defense (SAR 185B)
Tourism (SAR 165B)
Tech Hub (SAR 142B)
Conflicts & Disputes
Active Disputes:
Oil Policy (SAR 285B)
Regional Issues (4 Areas)
Tech Transfer (SAR 82B)
Maritime Zones (3 Areas)
Trade Rules (SAR 65B)
Trade Impacts:
Energy Market (+42%)
Defense Tech (-15%)
Regional Trade (+28%)
Tech Imports (-12%)
Tourism Flow (+35%)
Resolution Progress:
Regional Talks +65%
Trade Routes +48%
Tech Access +32%
Maritime Rights +45%
Energy Coop +72%
Military
Armed Forces
Army:
175,000 Active
75,000 Combat Forces
45,000 Combat Support
35,000 Logistics
20,000 Command/Intel
Navy:
25,000 Active
12,000 Surface Fleet
3,000 Marine Forces
5,000 Coastal Defense
5,000 Support/Intel
Air Force:
35,000 Active
15,000 Combat Air
10,000 Air Defense
5,000 Missile
5,000 Tech/Support
Equipment & Strategic Forces
Conventional:
1,062 Main Battle Tanks
364 Combat Aircraft
7 Frigates
4 Corvettes
82 Patrol Vessels
Strategic:
CSS-2 Missiles
80 Transport Aircraft
39 Attack Helicopters
5 AWACS
Advanced Air Defense
Space & Tech:
8 Military Satellites
3,000 Cyber Force
2 Space Centers
15 Early Warning Radar
35 Ground Stations
Defense Capabilities
Operations:
5 Military Commands
Regional Operations
Coalition Forces
4 Foreign Bases
6+ Countries
Industry:
SAMI
Advanced Electronics
Military Industries Corp
Al-Salam Aerospace
Vision 2030 Defense
Budget:
$65.4B Total
$57.5B Base
$7.9B Research
7.1% GDP
Major Investment