Saudi Arabia
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +1.50%
With a population of roughly 35.3 million, Saudi Arabia ranks in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 2.15 million km², translating to a density of 16 people per km². Its capital is Riyadh, and Arabic is the official language, while the Saudi riyal serves as the national currency.
Population
35,300,280
Area
2,149,690 km²
Density
16/km²
World Rank
#42
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 16.4 per thousand against deaths at 2.3 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 23.8% of residents under 15 and 3% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Riyadh
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Western Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Arabic
- Currencies
- Saudi riyal (ر.س)
- Calling Code
- +966
- Top-Level Domain
- .sa, .السعودية
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 35,300,280
- Land Area
- 2,149,690 km²
- Population Density
- 16 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +1.50%
- Annual Growth
- +529,504 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,451 people
- World Population Share
- 0.44%
- Coordinates
- 25.00°, 45.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $35.1k, Saudi Arabia sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 3%, below the global average of 5.8%.
Life Expectancy
78.7 years
GDP per Capita
$35,122
Birth Rate
16.4 per 1,000
Death Rate
2.3 per 1,000
Urban Population
84.5%
Fertility Rate
2.28 births/woman
Infant Mortality
4.9 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.0%
Literacy Rate
97.9%
Internet Users
100.0%
Under 15
23.8%
Over 65
3.0%
Health Spending
5.7% GDP
Age Distribution
0-14 years
8.4M
15-64 years
25.9M
65+ years
1.0M
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 84.5% of the population residing in towns and cities, well above the global mean of 56%. Riyadh, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net inward migration of 119738.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
29.8M
84.5%
5.5M
15.5%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 78.7 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 4.9 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. The literacy rate of 97.9% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has 27 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Saudi Arabia is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Saudi Arabia participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 35,300,280 |
| 2030 | 37,391,258 |
| 2035 | 40,016,028 |
| 2040 | 42,656,384 |
| 2045 | 45,317,015 |
| 2050 | 48,003,510 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Saudi Arabia.
Largest Cities in Saudi Arabia
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Saudi Arabia by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Saudi Arabia?
The population of Saudi Arabia is approximately 35.3 million as of 2026, making it #42 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?
The capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh.
What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia?
The main languages spoken in Saudi Arabia are Arabic.
How big is Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia covers an area of 2,149,690 km² with a population density of 16 people per km².
Is Saudi Arabia growing or shrinking?
Saudi Arabia is growing at a rate of 1.50% per year, adding approximately 529,504 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Saudi Arabia?
The average life expectancy in Saudi Arabia is 78.7 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Saudi Arabia?
The GDP per capita of Saudi Arabia is $35,122.