Country Profile: Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, located in the Middle East, is renowned as the birthplace of Islam, housing its two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. It spans approximately 2.15 million square kilometers and has a diverse population of about 36.5 million people, predominantly Arab. The kingdom's economy is heavily reliant on its vast oil reserves, being one of the largest oil producers worldwide, while it undertakes significant reforms to diversify its economic activities through initiatives like Vision 2030. Governed as an absolute monarchy, the political landscape is shaped by the royal family, with significant social changes underway, particularly concerning women's rights and employment opportunities.

Geography

Saudi Arabia is situated in the Middle East, bordered by the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, north of Yemen. The country's landscape predominantly features harsh, sandy desert terrain, with the highest point being the As Sarawat range at 3,000 meters. The nation has no rivers and relies heavily on its extensive coastlines for maritime activities.

2,149,690 sq km: Total area
36.5 million: Population (2024 estimate)
80.8%: Total agricultural land (2023 estimate)
4,272 km: Total land boundaries
2,640 km: Coastline length

People and Society

Saudi Arabia's population is ethnically diverse, with 90% being Arab and 10% Afro-Asian. The majority of the population practices Islam, which shapes the cultural and social norms of the country. The literacy rate is impressively high at 97.9%. Urbanization is significant, with 85% of the population living in urban areas.

36.5 million: Total population (2024 estimate)
97.9%: Literacy rate (2024 estimate)
22.9%: Population aged 0-14 years (2024 estimate)
4.4%: Population aged 65 and over (2024 estimate)
1.31: Sex ratio (males per female, 2024 estimate)

Economy

Saudi Arabia possesses a high-income, oil-based economy and is a founding member of OPEC. The Kingdom is undertaking efforts to diversify its economy under the Vision 2030 framework, aiming to reduce reliance on oil revenue by enhancing the private sector's role and attracting foreign investment.

$2.213 trillion: Real GDP (PPP, 2024 estimate)
3.9%: Unemployment rate (2024 estimate)
44.8%: Contribution of industry to GDP (2024 estimate)
1.7%: Inflation rate (2024 estimate)
$62,700: Real GDP per capita (PPP, 2024 estimate)

Government

Saudi Arabia is governed as an absolute monarchy, with the king holding substantial power. Established by royal decree, the Basic Law of Government serves as the constitutional framework. The political system offers limited political participation, primarily through municipal elections.

King: SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 2015)
Crown Prince: MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN (since 2022)
151: Members in the Shura Council (all appointed)
13: Administrative regions
Suffrage: Universal for municipal elections starting at age 18

Military and Security

The Saudi Armed Forces are organized into two main ministries: the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the National Guard, with a total of approximately 250,000 active personnel. The military is equipped with modern armaments primarily sourced from international suppliers, reflecting the Kingdom's emphasis on security and defense.

7.1%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024 estimate)
250,000: Active military personnel (2025 estimate)
10: Ports with oil terminals
125,000: Personnel in the National Guard (2025)
No conscription: Military service is voluntary for men and women

Energy

Saudi Arabia is one of the largest producers of oil and natural gas, holding substantial reserves that underpin its economy. The country continues to invest in renewable energy initiatives while maintaining a significant reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation.

11.174 million bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023 estimate)
100%: Electrification of the total population (2022 estimate)
383.512 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 estimate)
99.3%: Electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023 estimate)
9.423 trillion cubic meters: Proven natural gas reserves (2021 estimate)

Environment

Saudi Arabia faces several environmental challenges, including desertification and depletion of water resources. Efforts are being made to manage waste, reduce pollution, and protect natural habitats in line with various international environmental agreements.

80.8%: Agricultural land (2023 estimate)
656.511 million metric tonnes: Total CO2 emissions (2023 estimate)
16.126 million tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 estimate)
2.4 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 estimate)
18.8%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 estimate)

Transportation

Saudi Arabia has a well-developed transportation network, including an extensive railway system, numerous airports, and a merchant marine fleet that supports its trade and travel needs.

90: Total airports (2025 estimate)
5,410 km: Total railway length (2016 estimate)
16: Total ports (2024 estimate)
433: Total merchant marine vessels (2023 estimate)
69: Heliports (2025 estimate)

Communications

Saudi Arabia boasts high connectivity with nearly universal internet access and a growing number of mobile subscriptions, reflecting the Kingdom’s push towards modernization and digital transformation.

100%: Internet penetration (2023 estimate)
52.5 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 estimate)
14.5 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 estimate)
6.788 million: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 estimate)
20: Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023 estimate)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	36,544,431 (2024 est.)
Area	2,149,690 sq km
GDP	$2.213 trillion	Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	383.512 billion kWh	Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	13.41 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	3.9%	(2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	97.9%	(2024 est.)
Electricity Access	100%	Electrification (2022 est.)
Urban Population	85%	(2023 est.)
Total Water Withdrawal	3.392 billion m³	Municipal (2022 est.)