Photo: Mardetanha · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia places highest on GovTech Maturity Index (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index (bottom 1%).
Saudi Arabia in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
33,264,292
people
since 1950
Land area
2,149,690
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
63,051
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
78.73
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.9
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
3.038
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula in western Asia, with the Red Sea to the west and the Gulf to the east. Much of the land is desert, including the Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, one of the largest sand deserts in the world, and the Nafud in the north. Mountains run along the western coast, and there are no permanent rivers. The climate is hot and dry, with very high summer temperatures. Riyadh is the capital, and Jeddah, Mecca, Medina and Dammam are major cities. Arabic is the official language.
The peninsula is the birthplace of Islam, and Mecca and Medina are the two holiest cities of the faith, visited by pilgrims from around the world during the Hajj and at other times. The modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was proclaimed in 1932, uniting several regions under the Al Saud dynasty, and oil was discovered a few years later. The country is known for ancient sites such as Hegra, for Bedouin traditions, and for its Arabian heritage. Its economy is built on oil and petrochemicals, alongside growing construction, tourism and services sectors.
Key facts about Saudi Arabia
- Capital
- Riyadh
- Official language
- Arabic
- Currency
- Saudi riyal (SAR)
- ISO code
- SAU · SA
- Domain · dialling
- .sa · +966
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Saudi Arabia’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
13thof 171
From 3 of 4 key statistics
34thof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
45thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint50thof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint54thof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
56thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint59thof 200
From 3 of 4 key statistics
69thof 176
From 4 of 4 key statistics
83rdof 175
From 4 of 4 key statistics
104thof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
123rdof 177
From 4 of 4 key statistics
150thof 193
From 3 of 3 key statistics
166thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
169thof 183
From 4 of 4 key statistics
178thof 181
From 2 of 3 key statistics
No standing — Saudi Arabia holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Saudi Arabia’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Saudi Arabia in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Saudi Arabia stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Saudi Arabia sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Saudi Arabia does best9
In the top third of all countries measured. 9 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1st
Position · derived 104th of 104 · 1 = worst · 2.5 · 2023
world median 5.2 (better) · ▲ 14 pts since 2013
- 2ndCrop Production Indextop 1%
Position · derived 2nd of 195 · 182.29 · 2022
world median 106.23 (better) · ▲ 4 pts since 2012
- 2ndFood Production Indextop 1%
Position · derived 2nd of 195 · 172.66 · 2022
world median 106.08 (better) · ▲ 28 pts since 2012
- 2nd
- 4thVulnerable Employmenttop 2%
Position · derived 179th of 182 · 1 = worst · 1.662 · 2025
world median 28.67 (better)
- 6th
- 8thGNI per Capita (PPP)top 7%
Position · derived 8th of 102 · 61,805 · 2025
world median 14,273 (better) · ▲ 5 pts since 2015
- 8th
Position · derived 8th of 194 · 164.71 · 2022
world median 107.06 (better) · ▲ 89 pts since 2012
- 8thDeaths in Organized Violencebottom 26%
Position · derived 52nd of 59 · 1 = worst · 5 · 2025
world median 0 (worse) · ▲ 11 pts since 2015
Where Saudi Arabia struggles most12
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 12 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stV-Dem Electoral Democracy Indexbottom 1%
Position · derived 176th of 176 · 0.016 · 2025
world median 0.497 (worse)
- 2ndParticipatory Democracy Indexbottom 1%
Position · derived 175th of 176 · 0.026 · 2025
world median 0.298 (worse)
- 3rdWater Stressbottom 1%
Position · derived 3rd of 177 · 1 = worst · 974.17 · 2023
world median 10 (worse)
- 4th
- 5thFirms with a Female Top Managerbottom 2%
Position · derived 175th of 179 · 1.76 · 2025
world median 19.16 (worse)
- 6thCO₂ Emissions per Capitabottom 2%
Position · derived 6th of 210 · 1 = worst · 20.38 · 2024
world median 3.21 (worse)
- 8thOrganic Agricultural Areabottom 6%
Position · derived 143rd of 150 · 0.01 · 2024
world median 0.725 (worse) · ▼ 4 pts since 2014
- 9thAcademic Freedom Indexbottom 5%
Position · derived 168th of 176 · 0.066 · 2025
world median 0.619 (worse)
- 9th
Position · derived 173rd of 181 · 74.59 · 2022
world median 2,528 (worse)
- 9thGlobal Militarisation Indexbottom 5%
Rank 9th of 149 · 1 = worst · 209.79 · 2023
world median 100.66 (worse) · ▲ 2 pts since 2013
- 10thSocial Institutions and Gender Indexbottom 6%
Position · derived 10th of 140 · 1 = worst · 59.2 · 2023
world median 25.2 (worse)
- 10thWomen's Political Empowerment Indexbottom 5%
Position · derived 167th of 176 · 0.347 · 2025
world median 0.772 (worse) · ▲ 4 pts since 2015
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Saudi Arabia can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
58th
of 141 · 1990
37th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
65th
of 173 · 2012
45th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
133rd
of 134 · 2003
61st
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 21 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
51st
of 132 · 2022
46th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
37th
of 140 · 1995
48th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
38th
of 172 · 2020
15th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Saudi Arabia has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Statistical Performance Indicators+54 pts since 2016
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary+49 pts since 2014
Losing ground
Where Saudi Arabia has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Agriculture Orientation Index-25 pts since 2014
- Research and Development Spending-22 pts since 2013
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training-16 pts since 2019
05In context
Saudi Arabia and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 178, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Western Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 178 placed).
06Places
Landmarks of Saudi Arabia
At-Turaif
Mud-brick historic district in Diriyah, the first capital of the Saudi dynasty.
Photo: Radosław Botev · CC BY 3.0 pl · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Qasr al-Farid
Large Nabataean tomb at Hegra, carved into a single sandstone outcrop.
Photo: Ahmad AlHasanat · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Kingdom Centre
Skyscraper in Riyadh with a distinctive open arch, completed in 2002.
Photo: King Eliot · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Masmak Fort
Clay and mud-brick fort in central Riyadh, built in the nineteenth century.
Photo: Baptiste Marcel · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
King Fahd's Fountain
Fountain in the Red Sea off the Jeddah waterfront, among the tallest in the world.
Photo: Ferdinand Reus from Arnhem, Holland · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
07The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Saudi Arabia
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions26
Agriculture Orientation Index95th of 132position · derived0.19Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
bottom 28% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Saudi Arabia 0.19 · world median 0.305 (worse)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▼ -25 percentile points since 2014
Central Bank Independence Indexbottom 13%0.395CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
bottom 13% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
Saudi Arabia 0.395 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2013
Civic Space Ratings195th of 198position · derived4.69Civic space score (0–100)2025
bottom 2% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Saudi Arabia 4.69 · world median 50.46 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)50th of 192rank0.494ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
top 26% of 192 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)
Saudi Arabia 0.494 · world median 0.387 (better)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2014
Completeness of Birth Registrationtop 30%99.9Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
top 30% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Saudi Arabia 99.9 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption48th of 211position · derived0.806Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 22% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
Saudi Arabia 0.806 · world median -0.197 (better)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
▲ +24 percentile points since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index45th of 181rank57CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 24% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Saudi Arabia 57 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
General Government Consumption33rd of 132position · derived20.61General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
top 24% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 20.61 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▼ -19 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index15th of 195rank71.57AI readiness score (0–100)2025
top 7% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Saudi Arabia 71.57 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness57th of 209position · derived0.74Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
top 27% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Saudi Arabia 0.74 · world median 0.101 (better)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
▲ +23 percentile points since 2015
Government Spending on Education41st of 123position · derived4.481Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
top 33% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 4.481 · world median 3.709 (better)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▲ +24 percentile points since 1981
GovTech Maturity Index2nd of 196position · derived0.996GTMI score (0–1)2025
top 1% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
Saudi Arabia 0.996 · world median 0.63 (better)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
No real change since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index122nd of 175position · derived0.285Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
bottom 31% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Saudi Arabia 0.285 · world median 0.676 (worse)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index163rd of 176position · derived0.047Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 7% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
Saudi Arabia 0.047 · world median 0.353 (worse)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Open Data Inventory40th of 168rank73ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
top 24% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Saudi Arabia 73 · world median 59 (better)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2015
Political Corruption Index114th of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.326Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
top 35% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
Saudi Arabia 0.326 · world median 0.518 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Employment10th of 135position · derived32.21Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
top 7% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Saudi Arabia 32.21 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill19th of 168position · derived13.2Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
top 11% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 13.2 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality48th of 209position · derived0.669Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 23% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Saudi Arabia 0.669 · world median -0.093 (better)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2015
Rule of Law86th of 211position · derived0.274Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 40% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Saudi Arabia 0.274 · world median -0.102 (better)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators51st of 188position · derived83.29SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 27% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Saudi Arabia 83.29 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +54 percentile points since 2016
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index176th of 176position · derived0.016Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 1% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Saudi Arabia 0.016 · world median 0.497 (worse)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Voice and Accountability193rd of 206position · derived-1.729Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 6% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Saudi Arabia -1.729 · world median -0.022 (worse)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Women, Business and the Law136th of 190position · derived71.25WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
bottom 28% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Saudi Arabia 71.25 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation30
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution61st of 139position · derived78.84Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 43% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Saudi Arabia 78.84 · world median 72.83 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)119th of 158position · derived2.59Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 25% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 2.59 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Container Port Traffic27th of 103position · derived8,029,571Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
top 25% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
Saudi Arabia 8,029,571 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index2nd of 195position · derived182.29Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 1% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Saudi Arabia 182.29 · world median 106.23 (better)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2012
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports139th of 170position · derived7.429Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
bottom 18% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
Saudi Arabia 7.429 · world median 25.42 (worse)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
No real change since 2014
Economic Complexity Index48th of 145rank0.538ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
top 33% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Saudi Arabia 0.538 · world median 0.131 (better)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
No real change since 2014
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)87th of 138position · derived29.74Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 37% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 29.74 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit150th of 179position · derived13.77Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
bottom 16% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Saudi Arabia 13.77 · world median 35.95 (worse)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
Food Production Index2nd of 195position · derived172.66Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 1% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Saudi Arabia 172.66 · world median 106.08 (better)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▲ +28 percentile points since 2012
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowstop 38%2.555FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
top 38% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 2.555 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
▲ +43 percentile points since 2015
GDP Growth56th of 186position · derived4.502GDP growth (annual %)2025
top 30% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Saudi Arabia 4.502 · world median 3.396 (better)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)20th of 185position · derived63,051GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 10% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Saudi Arabia 63,051 · world median 17,265 (better)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Global Innovation Index46th of 139rank36.04GII score (0–100)2025
top 33% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Saudi Arabia 36.04 · world median 28.52 (better)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2022
GNI per Capita (PPP)8th of 102position · derived61,805GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 7% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Saudi Arabia 61,805 · world median 14,273 (better)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)16th of 131position · derived31.63Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
top 12% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 31.63 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
No real change since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)31st of 146position · derived30.38Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
top 21% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 30.38 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2014
Household Consumption117th of 131position · derived46.19Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
bottom 11% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 46.19 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
No real change since 2015
ICT Goods Exports45th of 119position · derived2.25ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
top 37% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
Saudi Arabia 2.25 · world median 0.975 (better)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
▲ +39 percentile points since 2014
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)105th of 138position · derived28.17Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 24% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 28.17 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)11th of 158position · derived42.97Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
top 6% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 42.97 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
No real change since 2015
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index26th of 175rank207.87LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
top 15% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Saudi Arabia 207.87 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
No real change since 2016
Livestock Production Index8th of 194position · derived164.71Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 4% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Saudi Arabia 164.71 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +89 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index38th of 139rank3.4LPI score (1–5)2023
top 28% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Saudi Arabia 3.4 · world median 2.9 (better)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)30th of 132position · derived15.82Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
top 22% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 15.82 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2015
Research and Development Spending52nd of 84position · derived0.495Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)2023
bottom 39% of 84 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 0.495 · world median 0.814 (worse)
Best in the world 6.346 (Israel)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2013
Researchers per Million Inhabitants56th of 145position · derived1,235Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)2024
top 38% of 145 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)
Saudi Arabia 1,235 · world median 701.95 (better)
Best in the world 18,130 (Liechtenstein)
No earlier reading to compare
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Productstop 39%5.4Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)2022
top 39% of 143 countries measured
World Bank Group · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)
Saudi Arabia 5.4 · world median 3.66
Highest 29.52 (Bermuda)
▲ +21 percentile points since 2012
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)16th of 180position · derived25.57Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
top 8% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 25.57 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)94th of 138position · derived57.92Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
bottom 32% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Saudi Arabia 57.92 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
World Energy Trilemma Index38th of 99rank66.9Trilemma score (0–100)2023
top 38% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Saudi Arabia 66.9 · world median 63.8 (better)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour16
Average Weekly Hours Worked75th of 182position · derived40.77Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
top 41% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Saudi Arabia 40.77 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture149th of 182position · derived2.499Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 18% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Saudi Arabia 2.499 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry55th of 182position · derived23.07Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
top 30% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Saudi Arabia 23.07 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services38th of 182position · derived74.43Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 20% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Saudi Arabia 74.43 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio48th of 182position · derived63.12Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
top 26% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Saudi Arabia 63.12 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▲ +26 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate160th of 182position · derived33.57Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 12% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Saudi Arabia 33.57 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager175th of 179position · derived1.76Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
bottom 2% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Saudi Arabia 1.76 · world median 19.16 (worse)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed16th of 168position · derived130,783GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
top 9% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Saudi Arabia 130,783 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Labour Force Participation Rate58th of 182position · derived65.1Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 31% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Saudi Arabia 65.1 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +27 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked28th of 182position · derived65.26Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
top 15% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Saudi Arabia 65.26 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate176th of 182position · derived5.547Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
bottom 3% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Saudi Arabia 5.547 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate142nd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst3.038Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 22% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Saudi Arabia 3.038 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▲ +22 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment179th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst1.662Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
top 2% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Saudi Arabia 1.662 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training41st of 97position · derived · 1 = worst16.16Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
bottom 42% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
Saudi Arabia 16.16 · world median 14.31 (worse)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2019
Youth Unemployment Rate112th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst10.01Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
top 39% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Saudi Arabia 10.01 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▲ +41 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge18
Academic Freedom Index168th of 176position · derived0.066Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
bottom 5% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
Saudi Arabia 0.066 · world median 0.619 (worse)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
No real change since 2015
Adult Literacy Rate48th of 172position · derived97.93Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
top 27% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Saudi Arabia 97.93 · world median 93.99 (better)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling24th of 195position · derived16.95Expected years of schooling2023
top 12% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Saudi Arabia 16.95 · world median 13.34 (better)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▲ +34 percentile points since 2013
Female Share of Researcherstop 49%38.19Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)2024
top 49% of 153 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)
Saudi Arabia 38.19 · world median 38.17
Highest 76.54 (Myanmar)
No earlier reading to compare
Harmonized Test Scores104th of 172position · derived398.97Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
bottom 40% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
Saudi Arabia 398.97 · world median 414.32 (worse)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2010
Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary38th of 75position · derived5.715Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)2024
top 49% of 76 countries measured · 76 share 75 positions
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)
Saudi Arabia 5.715 · world median 5.494 (better)
Best in the world 87.12 (San Marino)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2014
Learning Poverty65th of 125position · derived · 1 = worst32.4110-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)2023
top 48% of 125 countries measured
World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)
Saudi Arabia 32.41 · world median 34.02 (better)
Best in the world 2.331 (Ireland)
No earlier reading to compare
Learning-Adjusted Years of School87th of 172position · derived7.888Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
bottom 50% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
Saudi Arabia 7.888 · world median 7.941 (worse)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2010
Mean Years of Schooling53rd of 193position · derived11.61Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
top 27% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Saudi Arabia 11.61 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2013
Out-of-School Rate, Primary106th of 121position · derived · 1 = worst0.527Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
top 13% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
Saudi Arabia 0.527 · world median 3.691 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
▲ +49 percentile points since 2014
PISA Mathematics Performance59th of 79position · derived388.78Mean mathematics score2022
bottom 26% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
Saudi Arabia 388.78 · world median 442.09 (worse)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2018
PISA Reading Performance61st of 79position · derived382.55Mean reading score2022
bottom 23% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
Saudi Arabia 382.55 · world median 440.35 (worse)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2018
PISA Science Performance63rd of 79position · derived390.39Mean science score2022
bottom 21% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
Saudi Arabia 390.39 · world median 446.93 (worse)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2018
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate107th of 120position · derived26.5Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
bottom 11% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
Saudi Arabia 26.5 · world median 65.93 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
School Life Expectancy17th of 77position · derived17.02School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)2024
top 21% of 77 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)
Saudi Arabia 17.02 · world median 14.59 (better)
Best in the world 21.01 (Monaco)
▲ +29 percentile points since 2014
Secondary School Enrolment14th of 109position · derived110.66Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)2024
top 12% of 109 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)
Saudi Arabia 110.66 · world median 93.19 (better)
Best in the world 158.55 (Monaco)
▲ +24 percentile points since 2014
Tertiary Enrolment Ratio14th of 95position · derived83.88Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)2024
top 14% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)
Saudi Arabia 83.88 · world median 52.77 (better)
Best in the world 141.86 (Macau)
▲ +24 percentile points since 2014
Youth Literacy Ratetop 9%99.8915–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
top 9% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Saudi Arabia 99.89 · world median 98.22 (better)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing14
Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff66th of 86position · derived94.8Births attended by skilled health staff (%)2019
bottom 24% of 86 countries measured
UNICEF · Births attended by skilled health staff (%)
Saudi Arabia 94.8 · world median 98.8 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (11 countries tied)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2009
Dietary Energy Supply12th of 155position · derived3,646Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
top 7% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Saudi Arabia 3,646 · world median 2,982 (better)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
No real change since 2014
Gender Inequality Index61st of 172rank0.228GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
top 35% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Saudi Arabia 0.228 · world median 0.351 (better)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
No real change since 2013
Global Violent Deaths167th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst1.02Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
top 20% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Saudi Arabia 1.02 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index84th of 172position · derived0.576HCI score (0–1)2020
top 49% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Saudi Arabia 0.576 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2010
Human Development Index37th of 193rank0.9HDI score (0–1)2023
top 19% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Saudi Arabia 0.9 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate155th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst4.656Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 23% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
Saudi Arabia 4.656 · world median 12.26 (better)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Life Expectancy at Age 6569th of 222position · derived18.21Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
top 31% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
Saudi Arabia 18.21 · world median 16.39 (better)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth61st of 222position · derived78.73Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
top 27% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Saudi Arabia 78.73 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio158th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst7.36Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
top 19% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Saudi Arabia 7.36 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
No real change since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare134th of 178position · derived0.7Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
bottom 26% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Saudi Arabia 0.7 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▼ -27 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Undernourishment104th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst2.5Population undernourished (%)2023
top 19% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Saudi Arabia 2.5 · world median 5.2 (better)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five96th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst10.85Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
top 41% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Saudi Arabia 10.85 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate149th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst5.958Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 26% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Saudi Arabia 5.958 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Development & Human Capital5
Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Saudi Arabia 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Cereal Yield44th of 179position · derived5,122Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
top 24% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Saudi Arabia 5,122 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2013
Child Marriage128th of 143position · derived · 1 = worst3.4Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
top 11% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Saudi Arabia 3.4 · world median 17.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Development Index139th of 184position · derived0.931Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
bottom 24% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Saudi Arabia 0.931 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2013
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI85th of 156position · derived0.666PHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 45% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Saudi Arabia 0.666 · world median 0.678 (worse)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Environment & Sustainability21
Agricultural Emissions71st of 193position · derived16,057Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
top 36% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Saudi Arabia 16,057 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Agricultural Irrigated Land101st of 121position · derived0.436Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
bottom 17% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Saudi Arabia 0.436 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Agricultural Land5th of 209position · derived80.77Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
top 2% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Saudi Arabia 80.77 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Arable Land per Person107th of 206position · derived0.102Arable land (hectares per person)2023
bottom 48% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Saudi Arabia 0.102 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Carbon Intensity of Electricity17th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst691.95Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
bottom 8% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
Saudi Arabia 691.95 · world median 468.81 (worse)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
No real change since 2014
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)113th of 190rank0.471ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
bottom 40% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)
Saudi Arabia 0.471 · world median 0.45 (worse)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita6th of 210position · derived · 1 = worst20.38Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
bottom 2% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Saudi Arabia 20.38 · world median 3.21 (worse)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
No real change since 2014
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)bottom 10%5.969Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
bottom 10% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
Saudi Arabia 5.969 · world median 2.738 (worse)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare71st of 188position · derived122.42Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
top 37% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Saudi Arabia 122.42 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2013
Forest Area200th of 210position · derived0.454Forest area (% of land area)2023
bottom 6% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Saudi Arabia 0.454 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Land Under Cereal Production118th of 179position · derived232,932Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
bottom 35% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Saudi Arabia 232,932 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Density185th of 188position · derived0.04Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
bottom 1% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Saudi Arabia 0.04 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
No real change since 2013
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation177th of 190position · derived2.16Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 8% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
Saudi Arabia 2.16 · world median 35.66 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
ND-GAIN Country Index71st of 190rank51.12ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
top 37% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)
Saudi Arabia 51.12 · world median 47.44 (better)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area143rd of 150position · derived0.01Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
bottom 6% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Saudi Arabia 0.01 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita173rd of 181position · derived74.59Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
bottom 4% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Saudi Arabia 74.59 · world median 2,528 (worse)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation177th of 190position · derived2.16Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 8% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Saudi Arabia 2.16 · world median 31.14 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress3rd of 177position · derived · 1 = worst974.17Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
bottom 1% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Saudi Arabia 974.17 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector45th of 171position · derived81.56Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
top 26% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Saudi Arabia 81.56 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationbottom 32%2.16Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 32% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
Saudi Arabia 2.16 · world median 5.769 (worse)
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2014
World Risk Index57th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst9.67WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 29% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Saudi Arabia 9.67 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
No real change since 2015
Gender & Equality3
Sex Ratio at Birthbottom 49%105.1Male births per 100 female births2023
bottom 49% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
Saudi Arabia 105.1 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
No real change since 2013
Social Institutions and Gender Index10th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst59.2SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
bottom 6% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Saudi Arabia 59.2 · world median 25.2 (worse)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Women's Political Empowerment Index167th of 176position · derived0.347Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
bottom 5% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
Saudi Arabia 0.347 · world median 0.772 (worse)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index154th of 176position · derived0.072Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 13% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
Saudi Arabia 0.072 · world median 0.339 (worse)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Egalitarian Democracy Index154th of 176position · derived0.113Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 13% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
Saudi Arabia 0.113 · world median 0.321 (worse)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index161st of 176position · derived0.092Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
bottom 8% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
Saudi Arabia 0.092 · world median 0.693 (worse)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media147th of 176position · derived-1.316Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
bottom 17% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
Saudi Arabia -1.316 · world median 0.565 (worse)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns159th of 176position · derived-1.444Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
bottom 10% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
Saudi Arabia -1.444 · world median 1.023 (worse)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Military Dimension Indextop 21%0Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)2025
top 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)
Saudi Arabia 0 · world median 0.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index175th of 176position · derived0.026Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 1% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
Saudi Arabia 0.026 · world median 0.298 (worse)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
No real change since 2015
Physical Violence Index150th of 176position · derived0.264Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
bottom 15% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Saudi Arabia 0.264 · world median 0.79 (worse)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Peace & Security6
Deaths in Organized Violence52nd of 59position · derived · 1 = worst5Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
bottom 26% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Saudi Arabia 5 · world median 0 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2015
Global Militarisation Index9th of 149rank · 1 = worst209.79GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
bottom 5% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Saudi Arabia 209.79 · world median 100.66 (worse)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index135th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst2.7INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
top 29% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Saudi Arabia 2.7 · world median 3.7 (better)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence120th of 211position · derived0.017Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 43% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Saudi Arabia 0.017 · world median 0.171 (worse)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
Political Violence by Non-State Actors133rd of 171position · derived · 1 = worst-1.637Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence2025
top 22% of 171 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence
Saudi Arabia -1.637 · world median -0.661 (better)
Best in the world -3.182 (Luxembourg)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2015
Refugees by Country of Origintop 44%2,368Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
top 44% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
Saudi Arabia 2,368 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Risk & Resilience2
Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumtop 43%3,907Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
top 43% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
Saudi Arabia 3,907 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
▲ +34 percentile points since 2015
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumbottom 26%448Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
bottom 26% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
Saudi Arabia 448 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Mobility & Trade3
Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs148th of 174position · derived · 1 = worst2.254Average time to clear exports through customs (days)2025
top 16% of 175 countries measured · 175 share 174 positions
World Bank Group · Average time to clear exports through customs (days)
Saudi Arabia 2.254 · world median 4.456 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 21%89.3Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
top 21% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Saudi Arabia 89.3 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2012
Net Migration Ratetop 10%9.791Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
top 10% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
Saudi Arabia 9.791 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Energy4
Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)bottom 26%-0.011Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)2024
bottom 26% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)
Saudi Arabia -0.011 · world median 0
Highest 707.07 (Palestine)
No real change since 2014
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitatop 3%336.39Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
top 3% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
Saudi Arabia 336.39 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
No real change since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scoretop 23%69.75Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
top 23% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
Saudi Arabia 69.75 · world median 48.23 (better)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
▲ +21 percentile points since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scorebottom 31%23.17Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
bottom 31% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
Saudi Arabia 23.17 · world median 33.26 (worse)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
▲ +24 percentile points since 2013
Digital & Technology2
Mobile Phone Ownership16th of 140position · derived97.93Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 11% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)
Saudi Arabia 97.93 · world median 91.68 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Libya)
No earlier reading to compare
Smartphone Ownership6th of 140position · derived94.53Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 4% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)
Saudi Arabia 94.53 · world median 78.78 (better)
Best in the world 97.36 (Sweden)
No earlier reading to compare
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratetop 43%16.41Births per 1,000 population2023
top 43% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
Saudi Arabia 16.41 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Crude Death Ratebottom 3%2.34Deaths per 1,000 population2023
bottom 3% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
Saudi Arabia 2.34 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
No real change since 2013
Median Age of the Populationbottom 44%29.25Median age (years)2023
bottom 44% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
Saudi Arabia 29.25 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overbottom 9%2.82Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
bottom 9% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
Saudi Arabia 2.82 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Population Densitybottom 8%15.47People per square kilometre of land2023
bottom 8% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
Saudi Arabia 15.47 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Population Growth Ratetop 13%2.387Population growth (% per year)2023
top 13% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
Saudi Arabia 2.387 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Population Under Age 15top 48%24.1Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
top 48% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
Saudi Arabia 24.1 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationtop 3%154.16Males per 100 females2023
top 3% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
Saudi Arabia 154.16 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
No real change since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiobottom 4%36.83People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
bottom 4% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
Saudi Arabia 36.83 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Total Fertility Ratetop 40%2.28Live births per woman2023
top 40% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
Saudi Arabia 2.28 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
No real change since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Saudi Arabia. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Adjusted Net Savings · last seen 2020
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Coefficient of Human Inequality
- Cost of Sending Remittances
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Debt Service on External Debt
- Ecological Footprint
- Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management
- Gender Social Norms Index
- Gini Index
- Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2007
- ICT Services Exports
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20%
- Income Share Held by Richest 10%
- Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index
- INFORM Severity Index
- Informal Employment Rate
- Internal Displacements by Disaster · last seen 2020
- Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person
- Net Official Development Assistance Received · last seen 2007
- Nuclear Share of Electricity Generation
- Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiary · last seen 2022
- Palma Ratio
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day
- Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Lines
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day
- Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity
- Primary Completion Rate
- Prosperity Gap
- Short-Term Share of External Debt
- Societal Poverty Rate
- Trade Union Density
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2022
- Upper Secondary Completion Rate
- Violent Discipline of Children
- Working Poverty Rate
08Keep reading
Explore further
09Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Saudi Arabia can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 33 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
All 6 photographs of Saudi Arabia on this page come from Wikimedia Commons and are shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Saudi Arabia: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/saudi-arabia