What is the population of Saudi Arabia in 2026?
Saudi Arabia has a population of 36,973,555 people (2025 estimate), which is 43rd in the world and about 0.45% of the global total.
Officially Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Population 2025
36,973,555
0.45% of world population
World Bank, 2025Annual Growth
+4.63%
+1,712,245 people a year
World Bank, 2025Density
16/km²
2,149,690 km² land area
World Bank, 2023Median Age
29.6 years
Life expectancy 79.0 years
Our World in Data, 2025About Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is the birthplace of Islam, home to its two holiest cities (Mecca and Medina), and the world's largest oil exporter. With the largest economy in the Middle East and 18th-largest globally, Saudi Arabia wields enormous influence in global energy markets and Islamic affairs. The kingdom is undergoing ambitious modernization under Vision 2030.
Country Facts
- Capital
- Riyadh
- Continent
- Asia
- ISO codes
- SA · SAU
- Demonym
- Saudi Arabian
- Currency
- Saudi riyal (SAR ر.س)
- Government
- Absolute monarchy, Islamic theocracy, Monarchy
- State inception
- 1727
- Time zone
- UTC+03:00
- Driving side
- Right
- Calling code
- +966
- Internet TLD
- .sa, .السعودية
- Land neighbours
- 7
Languages
- Arabic
Religions
- Islam (Sunni ~85%, Shia ~15%)
Demographics
Saudi Arabia's population of 36 million includes approximately 13 million foreign residents (36%). The native population is young with a median age of 31.8 years, though fertility rates have declined from 7+ in the 1980s to about 2.3 today. About 84% live in urban areas, concentrated in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The population is predominantly Arab with significant communities from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
Economy
Not published for Saudi Arabia: Poverty Rate, Gini Index.
Saudi Arabia has the world's second-largest proven oil reserves and is the largest oil exporter. Oil and gas account for 40% of GDP and 70% of export revenues. Vision 2030 aims to diversify into tourism, entertainment, technology, and mining. NEOM, a $500 billion futuristic megacity, exemplifies these ambitions. The kingdom has the largest sovereign wealth fund (PIF, $700+ billion). Challenges include creating private sector jobs for youth.
Major exports
- Crude petroleum
- Refined petroleum
- Polymers
- Chemicals
- Fertilizers
Major imports
- Automobiles
- Machinery
- Electronics
- Food products
- Metals
- Textiles
Health
Education
Environment
Infrastructure
Quality of Life
Geography
Saudi Arabia covers 2.15 million km², making it the 12th-largest country. Most territory is desert—the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) is the world's largest sand desert. The Asir Mountains in the southwest reach 3,000 meters. Saudi Arabia has coastlines on the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Climate is extremely hot and arid, with temperatures exceeding 50°C in summer. Water scarcity is addressed through desalination.
Natural resources
- Petroleum
- Natural gas
- Iron ore
- Gold
- Copper
- Phosphates
Climate
- Arid desert
Military
Age & Gender Distribution
Population by five-year age band, UN World Population Prospects 2024.
Male Female
- Age 0–14
- 23.8%
- Age 15–64
- 73.2%
- Age 65+
- 3.0%
| Age band | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100+ | 56 | 238 |
| 95-99 | 815 | 1,890 |
| 90-94 | 4,938 | 7,857 |
| 85-89 | 17,916 | 21,543 |
| 80-84 | 46,557 | 45,215 |
| 75-79 | 90,842 | 77,785 |
| 70-74 | 136,117 | 112,146 |
| 65-69 | 255,238 | 183,037 |
| 60-64 | 477,337 | 287,165 |
| 55-59 | 744,730 | 392,093 |
| 50-54 | 1,032,338 | 509,997 |
| 45-49 | 1,448,688 | 698,375 |
| 40-44 | 2,067,027 | 965,981 |
| 35-39 | 2,559,737 | 1,221,629 |
| 30-34 | 2,662,193 | 1,353,225 |
| 25-29 | 2,179,035 | 1,249,681 |
| 20-24 | 1,462,189 | 1,123,957 |
| 15-19 | 1,248,376 | 1,187,369 |
| 10-14 | 1,366,126 | 1,311,318 |
| 5-9 | 1,407,013 | 1,356,649 |
| 0-4 | 1,352,224 | 1,296,119 |
Population History & Projection (1950–2100)
Observed population to 2024, then the UN medium-variant projection.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 1,703,271 |
| 1960 | 2,435,403 |
| 1970 | 3,562,470 |
| 1980 | 6,047,997 |
| 1990 | 10,640,691 |
| 2000 | 16,177,722 |
| 2010 | 25,157,128 |
| 2020 | 30,991,207 |
| 2030 | 37,443,751 |
| 2040 | 42,592,205 |
| 2050 | 47,693,910 |
| 2060 | 52,679,123 |
| 2070 | 57,462,529 |
| 2080 | 61,965,386 |
| 2090 | 66,465,149 |
| 2100 | 71,006,690 |
History
The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by Abdulaziz ibn Saud after a 30-year campaign to unify the Arabian Peninsula. Oil discovery in 1938 transformed the kingdom from a desert nation into a wealthy petrostate. Saudi Arabia has been a key US ally since WWII. The kingdom has combined religious conservatism with modernization, though Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (since 2017) has accelerated social and economic reforms.
Culture
Saudi culture is rooted in Islamic traditions and Bedouin heritage. As custodian of Islam's holiest sites, Saudi Arabia hosts millions of Hajj pilgrims annually. Traditional dress (thobe for men, abaya for women) remains common. Arabic coffee (qahwa) and dates are hospitality staples. Recent reforms have allowed cinemas, concerts, and mixed-gender entertainment. Camel racing and falconry are traditional sports.
Current Challenges
Saudi Arabia faces challenges from oil dependency, youth unemployment (25%+), water scarcity, human rights concerns, and regional tensions with Iran. Diversification requires massive investment and cultural change. Balancing traditional religious values with modernization creates social tensions. Climate change threatens an already harsh environment. The transition to renewables poses long-term risks to the oil-based economy.
Future Outlook
Vision 2030 aims to transform Saudi Arabia's economy and society. Massive investments in tourism (Red Sea, AlUla), entertainment, sports, and technology seek to reduce oil dependency. The kingdom is investing heavily in renewable energy and green hydrogen. Population is projected to grow to 45 million by 2050. Success depends on private sector growth, education reform, and managing social change.
Highlights
What Saudi Arabia Is Known For
- World's largest oil exporter
- Custodian of Islam's two holiest mosques
- 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Planning the world's first zero-carbon megacity (NEOM)
- Largest country without a river
Interesting Facts About Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia is the only country named after its ruling family
- There are no rivers in Saudi Arabia
- The Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali) is larger than France
- Women were allowed to drive only in 2018
- Saudi Arabia consumes more water per capita than almost any country
- The kingdom hosts 2-3 million Hajj pilgrims annually
- Oil was discovered in 1938 by American geologists
How Saudi Arabia Compares
Population against the ten most populous countries.
- India1.46B
- China1.41B
- United States341.8M
- Indonesia285.7M
- Pakistan255.2M
- Nigeria237.5M
- Brazil212.8M
- Bangladesh175.7M
- Russia143.5M
- Ethiopia135.5M
- Saudi Arabia37M
| Name | Population |
|---|---|
| India | 1.46B |
| China | 1.41B |
| United States | 341.8M |
| Indonesia | 285.7M |
| Pakistan | 255.2M |
| Nigeria | 237.5M |
| Brazil | 212.8M |
| Bangladesh | 175.7M |
| Russia | 143.5M |
| Ethiopia | 135.5M |
| Saudi Arabia | 37M |
Major Cities in Saudi Arabia
2 metropolitan areas in our city dataset.
Countries Bordering Saudi Arabia
7 land borders.
Saudi Arabia Population FAQ
Is the population of Saudi Arabia growing or shrinking?
Saudi Arabia's population is growing at +4.63% per year, a change of roughly 1,712,245 people annually.
What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?
The capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh.
What is the largest city in Saudi Arabia?
Riyadh is the largest metropolitan area in Saudi Arabia, with about 7.68M people.
How densely populated is Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has 16/km² across 2,149,690 km² of land area.
What is life expectancy in Saudi Arabia?
Life expectancy at birth in Saudi Arabia is 79.0 years (2024).
What is the median age in Saudi Arabia?
The median age in Saudi Arabia is 29.6 years, meaning half the population is younger than that and half older.
Which continent is Saudi Arabia in?
Saudi Arabia is in Asia.