2016 Edition

Background

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. One of his male descendants rules the country today, as required by the country's 1992 Basic Law. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia accepted the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees while allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil for the liberation of Kuwait the following year. The continuing presence of foreign troops on Saudi soil after the liberation of Kuwait became a source of tension between the royal family and the public until all operational US troops left the country in 2003. Major terrorist attacks in May and November 2003 spurred a strong ongoing campaign against domestic terrorism and extremism. From 2005 to 2015, King ABDALLAH incrementally modernized the Kingdom. Driven by personal ideology and political pragmatism, he introduced a series of social and economic initiatives, including expanding employment and social opportunities for women, attracting foreign investment, increasing the role of the private sector in the economy, and discouraging businesses from hiring foreign workers. Saudi Arabia saw protests during the 2011 Arab Spring among Shia Muslims in the Eastern Province, who protested primarily against the detention of political prisoners, endemic discrimination, and Bahraini and Saudi Government actions in Bahrain. Riyadh took a cautious but firm approach by arresting some protesters but releasing most of them quickly and by using its state-sponsored clerics to counter political and Islamist activism. In addition, protests were met by a strong police presence, with some arrests, but not the level of bloodshed seen in protests elsewhere in the region. The government held its first-ever elections in 2005 and 2011, when Saudis went to the polls to elect municipal councilors. In December 2015, women were allowed to vote and stand as candidates for the first time in municipal council elections, with 21 women winning seats. King SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud ascended to the throne in 2015 and placed the first next-generation prince, MUHAMMAD BIN NAIF bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, in the line of succession as Crown Prince. He designated his son, MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, as the Deputy Crown Prince. In March 2015, Saudi Arabia led a coalition of 10 countries in a military campaign to restore the government of Yemen, which had been ousted by Huthi forces allied with former president ALI ABDULLAH al-Salih. The war in Yemen has led to civilian casualties and shortages of basic supplies, which has drawn considerable international criticism. In December 2015, Deputy Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN announced Saudi Arabia would lead a 34-nation Islamic Coalition to fight terrorism. In January 2016, Saudi Arabia executed 47 people on charges of terrorism, including Shia Muslim cleric NIMR al-Nimr. Iranian protesters overran Saudi diplomatic facilities in Iran to protest al-NIMR’s execution and the Saudi government responded by cutting off diplomatic ties with Iran.

Area

2,149,690 sq km 2,149,690 sq km 0 sq km

land

2,149,690 sq km

total

2,149,690 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US

Climate

harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes

Coastline

2,640 km

Elevation

665 m lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: Jabal Sawda' 3,133 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point

Jabal Sawda' 3,133 m

mean elevation

665 m

Environment - current issues

desertification; depletion of underground water resources; the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination facilities; coastal pollution from oil spills

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution none of the selected agreements

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Geographic coordinates

25 00 N, 45 00 E

Geography - note

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the world without a river; extensive coastlines on the Persian Gulf and Red Sea provide great leverage on shipping (especially crude oil) through the Persian Gulf and Suez Canal

Irrigated land

16,200 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

4,272 km Iraq 811 km, Jordan 731 km, Kuwait 221 km, Oman 658 km, Qatar 87 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,307 km

border countries (7)

Iraq 811 km, Jordan 731 km, Kuwait 221 km, Oman 658 km, Qatar 87 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,307 km

total

4,272 km

Land use

80.7% arable land 1.5%; permanent crops 0.1%; permanent pasture 79.1% 0.5% 18.8% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

80.7%

forest

0.5%

other

18.8% (2011 est.)

Location

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of Yemen

Map references

Middle East

Maritime claims

12 nm 18 nm not specified

contiguous zone

18 nm

continental shelf

not specified

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

frequent sand and dust storms despite many volcanic formations, there has been little activity in the past few centuries; volcanoes include Harrat Rahat, Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Lunayyir, and Jabal Yar

volcanism

despite many volcanic formations, there has been little activity in the past few centuries; volcanoes include Harrat Rahat, Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Lunayyir, and Jabal Yar

Natural resources

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper

Population - distribution

historically a population that was mostly nomadic or semi-nomadic, the Saudi population has become more settled since petroleum was discovered in the 1930s; most of the economic activities - and with it the country's population - is concentrated in a wide area across the middle of the peninsula, from Ad Dammam in the east, through Riyadh in the interior, to Mecca-Medina in the west near the Red Sea

Terrain

mostly sandy desert

Age structure

26.56% (male 3,835,472/female 3,644,041) 18.85% (male 2,843,422/female 2,465,027) 46.4% (male 7,401,654/female 5,663,769) 4.86% (male 747,307/female 620,100) 3.34% (male 478,244/female 461,237) (2016 est.)

0-14 years

26.56% (male 3,835,472/female 3,644,041)

15-24 years

18.85% (male 2,843,422/female 2,465,027)

25-54 years

46.4% (male 7,401,654/female 5,663,769)

55-64 years

4.86% (male 747,307/female 620,100)

65 years and over

3.34% (male 478,244/female 461,237) (2016 est.)

Birth rate

18.4 births/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

23.8% (2007)

Death rate

3.3 deaths/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Dependency ratios

45.9% 41.7% 4.2% 24% (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

4.2%

potential support ratio

24% (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

45.9%

youth dependency ratio

41.7%

Drinking water source

urban: 97% of population rural: 97% of population total: 97% of population urban: 3% of population rural: 3% of population total: 3% of population (2015 est.)

rural

3% of population

total

3% of population (2015 est.)

unimproved

urban: 3% of population

urban

97% of population

Education expenditures

5.1% of GDP (2008)

Ethnic groups

Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%

Health expenditures

4.7% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Hospital bed density

2.1 beds/1,000 population (2012)

Infant mortality rate

13.6 deaths/1,000 live births 15.6 deaths/1,000 live births 11.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)

female

11.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)

male

15.6 deaths/1,000 live births

total

13.6 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Arabic (official)

Life expectancy at birth

75.3 years 73.2 years 77.4 years (2016 est.)

female

77.4 years (2016 est.)

male

73.2 years

total population

75.3 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 94.7% 97% 91.1% (2015 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

91.1% (2015 est.)

male

97%

total population

94.7%

Major urban areas - population

RIYADH (capital) 6.195 million; Jeddah 4.076 million; Mecca 1.771 million; Medina 1.28 million; Ad Dammam 1.064 million (2015)

Maternal mortality rate

12 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

27.2 years 27.9 years 26.2 years (2016 est.)

female

26.2 years (2016 est.)

male

27.9 years

total

27.2 years

Nationality

Saudi(s) Saudi or Saudi Arabian

adjective

Saudi or Saudi Arabian

noun

Saudi(s)

Net migration rate

-0.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

33.7% (2014)

Physicians density

2.49 physicians/1,000 population (2012)

Population

28,160,273 (July 2016 est.) immigrants make up more than 30% of the total population, according to UN data (2015)

note

immigrants make up more than 30% of the total population, according to UN data (2015)

Population distribution

historically a population that was mostly nomadic or semi-nomadic, the Saudi population has become more settled since petroleum was discovered in the 1930s; most of the economic activities - and with it the country's population - is concentrated in a wide area across the middle of the peninsula, from Ad Dammam in the east, through Riyadh in the interior, to Mecca-Medina in the west near the Red Sea

Population growth rate

1.46% (2016 est.)

Religions

Muslim (official; citizens are 85-90% Sunni and 10-15% Shia), other (includes Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh) (2012 est.) despite having a large expatriate community of various faiths (more than 30% of the population), most forms of public religious expression inconsistent with the government-sanctioned interpretation of Sunni Islam are restricted; non-Muslims are not allowed to have Saudi citizenship and non-Muslim places of worship are not permitted (2013)

note

despite having a large expatriate community of various faiths (more than 30% of the population), most forms of public religious expression inconsistent with the government-sanctioned interpretation of Sunni Islam are restricted; non-Muslims are not allowed to have Saudi citizenship and non-Muslim places of worship are not permitted (2013)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2015 est.)

rural

0% of population

total

0% of population (2015 est.)

urban

0% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

16 years 17 years 15 years (2014)

female

15 years (2014)

male

17 years

total

16 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.15 male(s)/female 1.31 male(s)/female 1.21 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.19 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.15 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.31 male(s)/female

55-64 years

1.21 male(s)/female

65 years and over

1.05 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1.19 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.11 children born/woman (2016 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

30.4% 21.4% 57.9% (2014 est.)

female

57.9% (2014 est.)

male

21.4%

total

30.4%

Urbanization

83.1% of total population (2015) 2.1% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

2.1% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

83.1% of total population (2015)

Administrative divisions

13 provinces (mintaqat, singular - mintaqah); Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah (Northern Border), Al Jawf, Al Madinah (Medina), Al Qasim, Ar Riyad (Riyadh), Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern), 'Asir, Ha'il, Jazan, Makkah (Mecca), Najran, Tabuk

Capital

Riyadh 24 39 N, 46 42 E UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

24 39 N, 46 42 E

name

Riyadh

time difference

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

no the father must be a citizen of Saudi Arabia; a child born out of wedlock in Saudi Arabia to a Saudi mother and unknown father no 5 years

citizenship by birth

no

citizenship by descent only

the father must be a citizen of Saudi Arabia; a child born out of wedlock in Saudi Arabia to a Saudi mother and unknown father

dual citizenship recognized

no

residency requirement for naturalization

5 years

Constitution

1 March 1992 - Basic Law of Government, issued by royal decree, serves as the constitutional framework and is based on the Qur'an and the life and tradition of the Prophet Muhammad

Country name

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah named after the ruling dynasty of the country, the House of Saud; the name "Arabia" can be traced back many centuries B.C., the ancient Egyptians referred to the region as "Ar Rabi"

conventional long form

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

conventional short form

Saudi Arabia

etymology

named after the ruling dynasty of the country, the House of Saud; the name "Arabia" can be traced back many centuries B.C., the ancient Egyptians referred to the region as "Ar Rabi"

local long form

Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah

local short form

Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Joseph William WESTPHAL (since 26 March 2014) Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh American Embassy, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693 [966] (11) 488-3800 [966] (11) 488-7360 Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)

chief of mission

Ambassador Joseph William WESTPHAL (since 26 March 2014)

consulate(s) general

Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)

embassy

Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh

FAX

[966] (11) 488-7360

mailing address

American Embassy, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693

telephone

[966] (11) 488-3800

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador ABDALLAH bin Faysal bin Turki bin Abdallah Al Saud (since 28 January 2016) 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 [1] (202) 342-3800 [1] (202) 944-3113 Houston, Los Angeles, New York

chancery

601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

chief of mission

Ambassador ABDALLAH bin Faysal bin Turki bin Abdallah Al Saud (since 28 January 2016)

consulate(s) general

Houston, Los Angeles, New York

FAX

[1] (202) 944-3113

telephone

[1] (202) 342-3800

Executive branch

King and Prime Minister SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 23 January 2015); Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN NAYIF bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (born 30 August 1959); Deputy Crown Prince and Second Deputy Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (born 31 August 1985); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government King and Prime Minister SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 23 January 2015); Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN NAYIF bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (born 30 August 1959); Crown Prince and Second Deputy Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (born 31 August 1985) Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch every 4 years and includes many royal family members none; the monarchy is hereditary; note - an Allegiance Council created by royal decree in October 2006 established a committee of Saudi princes to a role in selecting future Saudi kings

cabinet

Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch every 4 years and includes many royal family members

chief of state

King and Prime Minister SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 23 January 2015); Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN NAYIF bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (born 30 August 1959); Deputy Crown Prince and Second Deputy Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (born 31 August 1985); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government

elections/appointments

none; the monarchy is hereditary; note - an Allegiance Council created by royal decree in October 2006 established a committee of Saudi princes to a role in selecting future Saudi kings

head of government

King and Prime Minister SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 23 January 2015); Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN NAYIF bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (born 30 August 1959); Crown Prince and Second Deputy Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (born 31 August 1985)

Flag description

green, a traditional color in Islamic flags, with the Shahada or Muslim creed in large white Arabic script (translated as "There is no god but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God") above a white horizontal saber (the tip points to the hoist side); design dates to the early twentieth century and is closely associated with the Al Saud family which established the kingdom in 1932; the flag is manufactured with differing obverse and reverse sides so that the Shahada reads - and the sword points - correctly from right to left on both sides the only national flag to display an inscription as its principal design; one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse and reverse sides - the others are Moldova and Paraguay

note

the only national flag to display an inscription as its principal design; one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse and reverse sides - the others are Moldova and Paraguay

Government type

absolute monarchy

Independence

23 September 1932 (unification of the kingdom)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

International organization participation

ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BIS, CAEU, CP, FAO, G-20, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

High Court (consists of the court chief and organized into circuits with 3-judge panels except the criminal circuit, which has a 5-judge panel for cases involving major punishments) High Court chief and chiefs of the High Court Circuits appointed by royal decree following the recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council, a 10-member body of high-level judges and other judicial heads; new judges and assistant judges serve 1- and 2- year probations, respectively, before permanent assignment Court of Appeals; Specialized Criminal Court, first-degree courts composed of general, criminal, personal status, and commercial courts; Labor Court; a hierarchy of administrative courts

highest court(s)

High Court (consists of the court chief and organized into circuits with 3-judge panels except the criminal circuit, which has a 5-judge panel for cases involving major punishments)

judge selection and term of office

High Court chief and chiefs of the High Court Circuits appointed by royal decree following the recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council, a 10-member body of high-level judges and other judicial heads; new judges and assistant judges serve 1- and 2- year probations, respectively, before permanent assignment

subordinate courts

Court of Appeals; Specialized Criminal Court, first-degree courts composed of general, criminal, personal status, and commercial courts; Labor Court; a hierarchy of administrative courts

Legal system

Islamic (sharia) legal system with some elements of Egyptian, French, and customary law; note - several secular codes have been introduced; commercial disputes handled by special committees

Legislative branch

unicameral Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (150 seats; members appointed by the monarch to serve 4-year terms); note - in early 2013, the monarch granted women 30 seats on the Council

description

unicameral Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (150 seats; members appointed by the monarch to serve 4-year terms); note - in early 2013, the monarch granted women 30 seats on the Council

National anthem

"Aash Al Maleek" (Long Live Our Beloved King) Ibrahim KHAFAJI/Abdul Rahman al-KHATEEB music adopted 1947, lyrics adopted 1984

lyrics/music

Ibrahim KHAFAJI/Abdul Rahman al-KHATEEB

name

"Aash Al Maleek" (Long Live Our Beloved King)

note

music adopted 1947, lyrics adopted 1984

National holiday

Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932)

National symbol(s)

palm tree surmounting two crossed swords; national colors: green, white

palm tree surmounting two crossed swords; national colors

green, white

Political parties and leaders

none

Political pressure groups and leaders

gas companies; religious groups

other

gas companies; religious groups

Suffrage

21 years of age; male; male and female for municipal elections

Agriculture - products

wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus; mutton, chickens, eggs, milk

Budget

$164.2 billion $260.8 billion (2015 est.)

expenditures

$260.8 billion (2015 est.)

revenues

$164.2 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-14.8% of GDP (2015 est.)

Central bank discount rate

2.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

6.9% (31 December 2015 est.) 6.7% (31 December 2014 est.)

Current account balance

-$41.48 billion (2015 est.) $73.76 billion (2014 est.)

Debt - external

$169.8 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $166.1 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

45.9 (2013 est.)

Economy - overview

Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with strong government controls over major economic activities. It possesses about 16% of the world's proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 87% of budget revenues, 42% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings. Saudi Arabia is encouraging the growth of the private sector in order to diversify its economy and to employ more Saudi nationals. Over 6 million foreign workers play an important role in the Saudi economy, particularly in the oil and service sectors; at the same time, however, Riyadh is struggling to reduce unemployment among its own nationals. Saudi officials are particularly focused on employing its large youth population, which generally lacks the education and technical skills the private sector needs. In 2015, the Kingdom incurred a budget deficit estimated at 13% of GDP, and it faces a deficit of $87 billion in 2016, which will be financed by bond sales and drawing down reserves. Although the Kingdom can finance high deficits for several years by drawing down its considerable foreign assets or by borrowing, it has announced plans to cut capital spending in 2016. Some of these plans to cut deficits include introducing a value-added tax and reducing subsidies on electricity, water, and petroleum products. In January 2016, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN announced that Saudi Arabia intends to list shares of its state-owned petroleum company, ARAMCO - another move to increase revenue and outside investment. The government has also looked at privatization and diversification of the economy more closely in the wake of a diminished oil market. Historically, Saudi Arabia has focused diversification efforts on power generation, telecommunications, natural gas exploration, and petrochemical sectors. More recently, the government has approached investors about expanding the role of the private sector in the healthcare, education and tourism industries. While Saudi Arabia has emphasized their goals of diversification for some time, current low oil prices may force the government to make more drastic changes ahead of their long-run timeline.

Exchange rates

Saudi riyals (SAR) per US dollar - 3.75 (2015 est.) 3.75 (2014 est.) 3.75 (2013 est.) 3.75 (2012 est.) 3.75 (2011 est.)

Exports

$202.3 billion (2015 est.) $342.5 billion (2014 est.)

Exports - commodities

petroleum and petroleum products 90% (2012 est.)

Exports - partners

China 13.2%, Japan 10.9%, US 9.6%, India 9.6%, South Korea 8.5% (2015)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

40.8% 29.6% 28.8% 5.9% 33.8% -38.8% (2015 est.)

exports of goods and services

33.8%

government consumption

29.6%

household consumption

40.8%

imports of goods and services

-38.8% (2015 est.)

investment in fixed capital

28.8%

investment in inventories

5.9%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

2.3% 46% 51.8% (2015 est.)

agriculture

2.3%

industry

46%

services

51.8% (2015 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$53,600 (2015 est.) $52,900 (2014 est.) $52,400 (2013 est.) data are in 2015 US dollars

note

data are in 2015 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

3.4% (2015 est.) 3.6% (2014 est.) 2.7% (2013 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$653.2 billion (2015 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$1.683 trillion (2015 est.) $1.628 trillion (2014 est.) $1.571 trillion (2013 est.) data are in 2015 US dollars

note

data are in 2015 US dollars

Gross national saving

26.4% of GDP (2015 est.) 38.3% of GDP (2014 est.) 44.4% of GDP (2013 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$155 billion (2015 est.) $158.5 billion (2014 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor vehicles, textiles

Imports - partners

China 13.9%, US 12.7%, Germany 7.1%, South Korea 6.1%, India 4.5%, Japan 4.4%, UK 4.3% (2015)

Industrial production growth rate

4% (2015 est.)

Industries

crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, construction

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.2% (2015 est.) 2.7% (2014 est.)

Labor force

11.67 million about 80% of the labor force is non-national (2015 est.)

note

about 80% of the labor force is non-national (2015 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

6.7% 21.4% 71.9% (2005 est.)

agriculture

6.7%

industry

21.4%

services

71.9% (2005 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$373.4 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $338.9 billion (31 December 2014 est.) $353.4 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Public debt

15% of GDP (2015 est.) 9.2% of GDP (2014 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$616.4 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $732.4 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of broad money

$513.3 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $461.2 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$37.98 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $32.46 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$250.7 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $242.6 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$134.1 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $13.35 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$305.5 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $304.8 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

25.1% of GDP (2015 est.)

Unemployment rate

11.4% (2015 est.) 11.6% (2014 est.) data are for Saudi males only (local bank estimates; some estimates are as high as 25%)

note

data are for Saudi males only (local bank estimates; some estimates are as high as 25%)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

594 million Mt (2013 est.)

Crude oil - exports

7.416 million bbl/day (2013 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Crude oil - production

10.05 million bbl/day (2015 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

269 billion bbl (1 January 2016 es)

Electricity - consumption

272 billion kWh (2014 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2013 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

99.9% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0.1% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2013 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

66 million kW (2014 est.)

Electricity - production

293 billion kWh (2014 est.)

Electricity access

200,000 98% 99% 93% (2013)

electrification - rural areas

93% (2013)

electrification - total population

98%

electrification - urban areas

99%

population without electricity

200,000

Natural gas - consumption

102.4 billion cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - production

102.4 billion cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

8.489 trillion cu m (1 January 2016 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

3.141 million bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

1.45 million bbl/day (2013 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

497,000 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

1.884 million bbl/day (2013 est.)

Broadcast media

broadcast media are state-controlled; state-run TV operates 4 networks; Saudi Arabia is a major market for pan-Arab satellite TV broadcasters; state-run radio operates several networks; multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code

.sa

Internet users

19.32 million 69.6% (July 2015 est.)

percent of population

69.6% (July 2015 est.)

total

19.32 million

Telephone system

modern system including a combination of extensive microwave radio relays, coaxial cables, and fiber-optic cables mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly country code - 966; landing point for the international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks providing connectivity to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and US; microwave radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Yemen, and Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (3 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region) (2015)

domestic

mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly

general assessment

modern system including a combination of extensive microwave radio relays, coaxial cables, and fiber-optic cables

international

country code - 966; landing point for the international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks providing connectivity to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and US; microwave radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Yemen, and Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (3 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region) (2015)

Telephones - fixed lines

3,746,906 14 (July 2015 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

14 (July 2015 est.)

total subscriptions

3,746,906

Telephones - mobile cellular

52.796 million 190 (July 2015 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

190 (July 2015 est.)

total

52.796 million

Airports

214 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

4 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

27

2,438 to 3,047 m

16

914 to 1,523 m

2

over 3,047 m

33

total

82

under 914 m

4 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

16 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

72

2,438 to 3,047 m

7

914 to 1,523 m

37

total

132

under 914 m

16 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

HZ (2016)

Heliports

10 (2013)

Merchant marine

cargo 1, chemical tanker 25, container 4, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 10, petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 7 15 (Egypt 1, Greece 4, Kuwait 4, UAE 6) 55 (Bahamas 16, Dominica 2, Liberia 20, Malta 2, Norway 3, Panama 11, Tanzania 1) (2010)

by type

cargo 1, chemical tanker 25, container 4, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 10, petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 7

foreign-owned

15 (Egypt 1, Greece 4, Kuwait 4, UAE 6)

registered in other countries

55 (Bahamas 16, Dominica 2, Liberia 20, Malta 2, Norway 3, Panama 11, Tanzania 1) (2010)

total

72

National air transport system

32,778,827 1,783.086 million mt-km (2015)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

1,783.086 million mt-km (2015)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

32,778,827

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

214

number of registered air carriers

12

Pipelines

condensate 209 km; gas 2,940 km; liquid petroleum gas 1,183 km; oil 5,117 km; refined products 1,151 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Ad Dammam, Al Jubayl, Jeddah, Yanbu al Bahr Ad Dammam (1,492,315), Jeddah (4,010,448)

container port(s) (TEUs)

Ad Dammam (1,492,315), Jeddah (4,010,448)

major seaport(s)

Ad Dammam, Al Jubayl, Jeddah, Yanbu al Bahr

Railways

1,378 km 1,378 km 1.435-m gauge (with branch lines and sidings) (2014)

standard gauge

1,378 km 1.435-m gauge (with branch lines and sidings) (2014)

total

1,378 km

Roadways

221,372 km 47,529 km (includes 3,891 km of expressways) 173,843 km (2006)

paved

47,529 km (includes 3,891 km of expressways)

total

221,372 km

unpaved

173,843 km (2006)

Military branches

Ministry of Defense: Royal Saudi Land Forces, Royal Saudi Naval Forces (includes Marine Forces and Special Forces), Royal Saudi Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya as-Sa'udiya), Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal Saudi Strategic Rocket Forces, Ministry of the National Guard (SANG) (2015)

Ministry of Defense

Royal Saudi Land Forces, Royal Saudi Naval Forces (includes Marine Forces and Special Forces), Royal Saudi Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya as-Sa'udiya), Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal Saudi Strategic Rocket Forces, Ministry of the National Guard (SANG) (2015)

Military expenditures

12.6% of GDP (2015 planned) 10.7% of GDP (2014 planned) 9.4% of GDP (2013) 7.98% of GDP (2012) 7.25% of GDP (2011) 7.98% of GDP (2010)

Military service age and obligation

17 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2012)

Disputes - international

Saudi Arabia has reinforced its concrete-filled security barrier along sections of the now fully demarcated border with Yemen to stem illegal cross-border activities; Kuwait and Saudi Arabia continue discussions on a maritime boundary with Iran; Saudi Arabia claims Egyptian-administered islands of Tiran and Sanafir

Illicit drugs

regularly enforces the death penalty for drug traffickers, with foreigners being convicted and executed disproportionately; improving anti-money-laundering legislation and enforcement

Refugees and internally displaced persons

30,000 (Yemen) (2016) 70,000 (2015); note - thousands of biduns (stateless Arabs) are descendants of nomadic tribes who were not officially registered when national borders were established, while others migrated to Saudi Arabia in search of jobs; some have temporary identification cards that must be renewed every five years, but their rights remain restricted; most Palestinians have only legal resident status; some naturalized Yemenis were made stateless after being stripped of their passports when Yemen backed Iraq in its invasion of Kuwait in 1990; Saudi women cannot pass their citizenship on to their children, so if they marry a non-national, their children risk statelessness

refugees (country of origin)

30,000 (Yemen) (2016)

stateless persons

70,000 (2015); note - thousands of biduns (stateless Arabs) are descendants of nomadic tribes who were not officially registered when national borders were established, while others migrated to Saudi Arabia in search of jobs; some have temporary identification cards that must be renewed every five years, but their rights remain restricted; most Palestinians have only legal resident status; some naturalized Yemenis were made stateless after being stripped of their passports when Yemen backed Iraq in its invasion of Kuwait in 1990; Saudi women cannot pass their citizenship on to their children, so if they marry a non-national, their children risk statelessness

Trafficking in persons

Saudi Arabia is a destination country for men and women subjected to forced labor and, to a lesser extent, forced prostitution; men and women from South and East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa who voluntarily travel to Saudi Arabia as domestic servants or low-skilled laborers subsequently face conditions of involuntary servitude, including nonpayment and withholding of passports; some migrant workers are forced to work indefinitely beyond the term of their contract because their employers will not grant them a required exit visa; female domestic workers are particularly vulnerable because of their isolation in private homes; women, primarily from Asian and African countries, are believed to be forced into prostitution in Saudi Arabia, while other foreign women were reportedly kidnapped and forced into prostitution after running away from abusive employers; children from South Asia, East Africa, and Yemen are subjected to forced labor as beggars and street vendors in Saudi Arabia, facilitated by criminal gangs Tier 2 Watch List - Saudi Arabia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; government officials and high-level religious leaders demonstrated greater political will to combat trafficking and publically acknowledged the problem – specifically forced labor; the government reported increased numbers of prosecutions and convictions of trafficking offenders; however, it did not proactively investigate and prosecute employers for potential labor trafficking crimes following their withholding of workers’ wages and passports, which are illegal; authorities did not systematically use formal criteria to proactively identify victims, resulting in some unidentified victims being arrested, detained, deported, and sometimes prosecuted; more victims were identified and referred to protective services in 2014 than the previous year, but victims of sex trafficking and male trafficking victims were not provided with shelter and remained vulnerable to punishment (2015)

current situation

Saudi Arabia is a destination country for men and women subjected to forced labor and, to a lesser extent, forced prostitution; men and women from South and East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa who voluntarily travel to Saudi Arabia as domestic servants or low-skilled laborers subsequently face conditions of involuntary servitude, including nonpayment and withholding of passports; some migrant workers are forced to work indefinitely beyond the term of their contract because their employers will not grant them a required exit visa; female domestic workers are particularly vulnerable because of their isolation in private homes; women, primarily from Asian and African countries, are believed to be forced into prostitution in Saudi Arabia, while other foreign women were reportedly kidnapped and forced into prostitution after running away from abusive employers; children from South Asia, East Africa, and Yemen are subjected to forced labor as beggars and street vendors in Saudi Arabia, facilitated by criminal gangs

tier rating

Tier 2 Watch List - Saudi Arabia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; government officials and high-level religious leaders demonstrated greater political will to combat trafficking and publically acknowledged the problem – specifically forced labor; the government reported increased numbers of prosecutions and convictions of trafficking offenders; however, it did not proactively investigate and prosecute employers for potential labor trafficking crimes following their withholding of workers’ wages and passports, which are illegal; authorities did not systematically use formal criteria to proactively identify victims, resulting in some unidentified victims being arrested, detained, deported, and sometimes prosecuted; more victims were identified and referred to protective services in 2014 than the previous year, but victims of sex trafficking and male trafficking victims were not provided with shelter and remained vulnerable to punishment (2015)