2021 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. US troops returned to the Kingdom in October 2019 after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure. From 2005 to 2015, King ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud 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. These reforms have accelerated under King SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz, who ascended to the throne in 2015, and has since lifted the Kingdom's ban on women driving and allowed cinemas to operate for the first time in decades. Saudi Arabia saw some protests during the 2011 Arab Spring but not the level of bloodshed seen in protests elsewhere in the region. Shia Muslims in the Eastern Province 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. 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 19 women winning seats. After King SALMAN ascended to the throne in 2015, he placed the first next-generation prince, MUHAMMAD BIN NAYIF 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 legitimate government of Yemen, which had been ousted by Huthi forces allied with former president ALI ABDULLAH al-Salih. The war in Yemen has drawn international criticism for civilian casualties and its effect on the country’s dire humanitarian situation. In December 2015, then Deputy Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN announced Saudi Arabia would lead a 34-nation Islamic Coalition to fight terrorism (it has since grown to 41 nations). In May 2017, Saudi Arabia inaugurated the Global Center for Combatting Extremist Ideology (also known as "Etidal") as part of its ongoing efforts to counter violent extremism. In June 2017, King SALMAN elevated MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN to Crown Prince. The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and holds about 16% of the world's proven oil reserves as of 2015. The government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification, particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in 2005, and promotes foreign investment in the Kingdom. In April 2016, the Saudi Government announced a broad set of socio-economic reforms, known as Vision 2030. Low global oil prices throughout 2015 and 2016 significantly lowered Saudi Arabia’s governmental revenue. In response, the government cut subsidies on water, electricity, and gasoline; reduced government employee compensation packages; and announced limited new land taxes. In coordination with OPEC and some key non-OPEC countries, Saudi Arabia agreed cut oil output in early 2017 to regulate supply and help elevate global prices.

Area

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

highest point

As Sarawat range, 3,000 m

lowest point

Persian Gulf 0 m

mean elevation

665 m

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 allow for considerable shipping (especially of crude oil) through the Persian Gulf and Suez Canal

Irrigated land

16,200 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

border countries

Iraq 811 km, Jordan 731 km, Kuwait 221 km, Oman 658 km, Qatar 87 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1307 km

total

4,272 km

Land use

agricultural land

80.7% (2018 est.)

agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 1.5% (2018 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 79.1% (2018 est.)

forest

0.5% (2018 est.)

other

18.8% (2018 est.)

Location

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

Major aquifers

Arabian Aquifer System

Major watersheds (area sq km)

Indian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km)

Map references

Middle East

Maritime claims

contiguous zone

18 nm

continental shelf

not specified

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

frequent sand and dust stormsvolcanism: 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

0-14 years

24.84% (male 4,327,830/female 4,159,242)

15-24 years

15.38% (male 2,741,371/female 2,515,188)

25-54 years

50.2% (male 10,350,028/female 6,804,479)

55-64 years

5.95% (male 1,254,921/female 778,467)

65 years and over

3.63% (male 657,395/female 584,577) (2020 est.)

Birth rate

14.56 births/1,000 population (2021 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

NA

Contraceptive prevalence rate

24.6% (2016)

Current Health Expenditure

6.4% (2018)

Death rate

3.39 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.)

Dependency ratios

elderly dependency ratio

4.9

potential support ratio

20.5 (2020 est.)

total dependency ratio

39.3

youth dependency ratio

34.4

Drinking water source

improved: total

total: 100% of population

unimproved: total

total: 0% of population (2017 est.)

Education expenditures

NA

Ethnic groups

Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

12,000 (2020 est.)

Hospital bed density

2.2 beds/1,000 population (2017)

Infant mortality rate

female

11.24 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.)

male

13.86 deaths/1,000 live births

total

12.58 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Languages

Arabic (official)

major-language sample(s)

كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

Life expectancy at birth

female

78.07 years (2021 est.)

male

74.81 years

total population

76.4 years

Literacy

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

96% (2020)

male

98.6%

total population

97.6%

Major urban areas - population

7.388 million RIYADH (capital), 4.697 million Jeddah, 2.079 million Mecca, 1.518 million Medina, 1.279 million Ad Dammam, 1.279 million Hufuf-Mubarraz (2021)

Maternal mortality ratio

17 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)

Median age

female

27.9 years (2020 est.)

male

33 years

total

30.8 years

Nationality

adjective

Saudi or Saudi Arabian

noun

Saudi(s)

Net migration rate

5.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

35.4% (2016)

Physicians density

2.61 physicians/1,000 population (2018)

Population

34,783,757 (July 2021 est.)

note

note: immigrants make up 38.3% of the total population, according to UN data (2019)

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

1.62% (2021 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.)

note

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

improved: total

total: 100% of population

unimproved: total

total: 0% of population (2017 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

female

16 years (2020)

male

16 years

total

16 years

Sex ratio

0-14 years

1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.09 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.52 male(s)/female

55-64 years

1.61 male(s)/female

65 years and over

1.12 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1.3 male(s)/female (2020 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.95 children born/woman (2021 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

female

43.8% (2020 est.)

male

21.5%

total

27.2%

Urbanization

rate of urbanization

1.69% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

urban population

84.5% of total population (2021)

Administrative divisions

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

Capital

etymology

the name derives from the Arabic word "riyadh," meaning "gardens," and refers to various oasis towns in the area that merged to form the city

geographic coordinates

24 39 N, 46 42 E

name

Riyadh

time difference

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

Citizenship

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

amendments

proposed by the king directly or proposed to the king by the Consultative Assembly or by the Council of Ministers; passage by the king through royal decree; Basic Law amended many times, last in 2017

history

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 traditions of the Prophet Muhammad

Country name

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

chief of mission

ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Martina STRONG (since February 2021)

consulate(s) general

Dhahran, Jeddah

email address and website

RiyadhACS@state.govhttps://sa.usembassy.gov/

embassy

Riyadh 11564

FAX

[966] (11) 488-7360

mailing address

6300 Riyadh Place, Washington DC  20521-6300

telephone

[966] (11) 835-4000

Diplomatic representation in the US

chancery

601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

chief of mission

Ambassador Princess REEMA bint Bandar Al Saud (since 8 July 2019)

consulate(s) general

Houston, Los Angeles, New York

email address and website

info@saudiembassy.nethttps://www.saudiembassy.net/

FAX

[1] (202) 295-3625

telephone

[1] (202) 342-3800

Executive branch

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 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; an Allegiance Council created by royal decree in October 2006 established a committee of Saudi princes for a voice 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 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

note

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

highest courts

High Court (consists of the court chief and organized into circuits with 3-judge panels, except for 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 upon 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

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

note

note: composition as of 2013 - men 121, women 30, percent of women 19.9%

National anthem

lyrics/music

Ibrahim KHAFAJI/Abdul Rahman al-KHATEEB

name

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

note

note: music adopted 1947, lyrics adopted 1984

National holiday

Saudi National Day (Unification of the Kingdom), 23 September (1932)

National symbol(s)

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

Political parties and leaders

none

Suffrage

18 years of age; restricted to males; universal for municipal elections

Agricultural products

milk, dates, poultry, fruit, watermelons, barley, wheat, potatoes, eggs, tomatoes

Budget

expenditures

241.8 billion (2017 est.)

revenues

181 billion (2017 est.)

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-8.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Credit ratings

Fitch rating

A (2019)

Moody's rating

A1 (2016)

Standard & Poors rating

A- (2016)

Current account balance

Current account balance 2016

-$23.87 billion (2016 est.)

Current account balance 2017

$15.23 billion (2017 est.)

Debt - external

Debt - external 31 December 2016

$189.3 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Debt - external 31 December 2017

$205.1 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

Economic 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. Approximately 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.In 2017, the Kingdom incurred a budget deficit estimated at 8.3% of GDP, which was 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 cut capital spending and reduced subsidies on electricity, water, and petroleum products and recently introduced a value-added tax of 5%. 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 health care, 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

currency

Saudi riyals (SAR) per US dollar -

Exchange rates 2013

3.75 (2013 est.)

Exchange rates 2014

3.75 (2014 est.)

Exchange rates 2018

3.7518 (2018 est.)

Exchange rates 2019

3.75 (2019 est.)

Exchange rates 2020

3.7514 (2020 est.)

Exports

Exports 2018

$314.92 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2018 est.)

Exports 2019

$285.86 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2019 est.)

Exports 2020

$184.11 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2020 est.)

Exports - commodities

crude petroleum, refined petroleum, polymers, industrial alcohols, natural gas (2019)

Exports - partners

China 20%, India 11%, Japan 11%, South Korea 9%, United States 5% (2019)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

exports of goods and services

34.8% (2017 est.)

government consumption

24.5% (2017 est.)

household consumption

41.3% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services

-28.6% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital

23.2% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories

4.7% (2017 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture

2.6% (2017 est.)

industry

44.2% (2017 est.)

services

53.2% (2017 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$792.849 billion (2019 est.)

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2013

45.9 (2013 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

highest 10%

NA

lowest 10%

NA

Imports

Imports 2018

$209.59 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2018 est.)

Imports 2019

$218.94 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2019 est.)

Imports 2020

$179.8 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2020 est.)

Imports - commodities

cars, broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, telephones (2019)

Imports - partners

China 18%, United Arab Emirates 12%, United States 9%, Germany 5% (2019)

Industrial production growth rate

-2.4% (2017 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)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2017

-0.8% (2017 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2018

-4.5% (2018 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2019

-2% (2019 est.)

Labor force

13.8 million (2017 est.)

note

note: comprised of 3.1 million Saudis and 10.7 million non-Saudis

Labor force - by occupation

agriculture

6.7%

industry

21.4%

services

71.9% (2005 est.)

Population below poverty line

NA

Public debt

Public debt 2016

13.1% of GDP (2016 est.)

Public debt 2017

17.2% of GDP (2017 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

note

note: data are in 2017 dollars

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2018

$1,604,010,000,000 note: data are in 2017 dollars (2018 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2019

$1,609,320,000,000 note: data are in 2017 dollars (2019 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2020

$1,543,240,000,000 note: data are in 2017 dollars (2020 est.)

Real GDP growth rate

Real GDP growth rate 2015

4.1% (2015 est.)

Real GDP growth rate 2016

1.7% (2016 est.)

Real GDP growth rate 2017

-0.9% (2017 est.)

Real GDP per capita

note

note: data are in 2017 dollars

Real GDP per capita 2018

$47,600 note: data are in 2017 dollars (2018 est.)

Real GDP per capita 2019

$47,000 note: data are in 2017 dollars (2019 est.)

Real GDP per capita 2020

$44,300 note: data are in 2017 dollars (2020 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 31 December 2016

$535.8 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 31 December 2017

$496.4 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

26.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Unemployment rate

note

note: data are for total population; unemployment among Saudi nationals is more than double

Unemployment rate 2016

5.6% (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate 2017

6% (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

female

43.8% (2020 est.)

male

21.5%

total

27.2%

Crude oil - exports

7.341 million bbl/day (2015 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Crude oil - production

10.425 million bbl/day (2018 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

266.2 billion bbl (1 January 2018 est.)

Electricity - consumption

296.2 billion kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

100% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

82.94 million kW (2016 est.)

Electricity - production

324.1 billion kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity access

electrification - total population

100% (2020)

Natural gas - consumption

109.3 billion cu m (2017 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2017 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2017 est.)

Natural gas - production

109.3 billion cu m (2017 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

8.619 trillion cu m (1 January 2018 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

3.287 million bbl/day (2016 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

1.784 million bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

609,600 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

2.476 million bbl/day (2015 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

22.66 (2020 est.)

total

7,890,261 (2020)

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

Communications - note

the innovative King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (informally known as Ithra, meaning "enrichment") opened on 1 December 2017 in Dhahran, Eastern Region; its facilities include a grand library, several museums, an archive, an Idea Lab, a theater, a cinema, and an Energy Exhibit, all which are meant to provide visitors an immersive and transformative experience

Internet country code

.sa

Internet users

percent of population

97.86% (2020 est.)

total

33.58 million (2021 est.)

Telecommunication systems

domestic

fixed-line 16 per 100 and mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly to 121 per 100 persons (2019)

general assessment

one of the most progressive telecom markets in the Middle East; mobile penetration high, with a saturated market; mobile operators competitive and meeting the demand for workers, students and citizens working from home; Huawei partners with operator to provide 5G to dozens of cities; broadband is available with DSL, fiber, and wireless; mobile penetration is high; restrictive monarchy places limits on information and services available online; authorities operate extensive censorship and surveillance systems; major importer of broadcasting equipment from UAE and China (2020)

international

country code - 966; landing points for the SeaMeWe-3, -4, -5, AAE-1, EIG, FALCON, FEA, IMEWE, MENA/Gulf Bridge International, SEACOM, SAS-1, -2, GBICS/MENA, and the Tata TGN-Gulf submarine cables providing connectivity to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia; 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) (2019)

note

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments

Telephones - fixed lines

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

16.51 (2020 est.)

total subscriptions

5,749,058 (2020)

Telephones - mobile cellular

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

124.1 (2020 est.)

total subscriptions

43,215,439 (2020)

Airports

total

214 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

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 (2017)

Airports - with unpaved runways

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

Heliports

10 (2013)

Merchant marine

by type

bulk carrier 5, container ship 1, general cargo 21, oil tanker 58, other 307 (2021)

total

392

National air transport system

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

1,085,470,000 mt-km (2018)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

39,141,660 (2018)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

230

number of registered air carriers

12 (2020)

Pipelines

209 km condensate, 2940 km gas, 1183 km liquid petroleum gas, 5117 km oil, 1151 km refined products (2013)

Ports and terminals

container port(s) (TEUs)

Ad Dammam (1,822,642), Jeddah (4,433,991), King Abdulla (2,020,683) (2019)

major seaport(s)

Ad Dammam, Al Jubayl, Jeddah, King Abdulla, Yanbu'

Railways

standard gauge

5,410 km 1.435-m gauge (with branch lines and sidings) (2016)

total

5,410 km (2016)

Roadways

paved

47,529 km (includes 3,891 km of expressways) (2006)

total

221,372 km (2006)

unpaved

173,843 km (2006)

Military - note

in 2015, a Saudi-led coalition of Arab states intervened militarily in Yemen in support of the Republic of Yemen Government against the separatist Huthis; as of 2021, the coalition (consisting largely of Saudi forces) and the Huthis continued to engage in fighting, mostly with air and missile forces, although heavy ground fighting was also reportedly taking place over the key province of Marib; the Saudis have conducted numerous air strikes in northern Yemen, while the Huthis have launched attacks into Saudi territory with ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles armed with explosives; the Saudi-led coalition controlled the country’s airspace and the port of Hodeida; Saudi Arabia also has raised and equipped paramilitary/militia security forces in Yemen--based largely on tribal or regional affiliation--to deploy along the Saudi-Yemen border, especially the areas bordering the governorates of Saada and Al-Jawf

Military and security forces

Ministry of Defense: Royal Saudi Land Forces, Royal Saudi Naval Forces (includes marines, special forces, naval aviation), Royal Saudi Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal Saudi Strategic Missiles Force; Ministry of the National Guard (SANG); Ministry of Interior: police, Border Guard, Facilities Security Force; State Security Presidency: General Directorate of Investigation (Mabahith), Special Security Forces, Special Emergency Forces (2021)

note

note - SANG (also known as the White Army) is a land force separate from the Ministry of Defense that is responsible for internal security, protecting the royal family, and external defense

Military and security service personnel strengths

the Saudi military forces have about 225,000 active troops; approximately 125,000 under the Ministry of Defense (75,000 Land Forces; 14,000 Naval Forces; 36,000 Air Force/Air Defense/Strategic Missile Forces) and approximately 100,000 in the Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG) (2021)

note

note - SANG also has an irregular force (Fowj), primarily Bedouin tribal volunteers, with a total strength of approximately 25,000 men

Military deployments

est. 2,500-5,000 Yemen (varies depending on operations, which continued into 2021) (2021)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the inventory of the Saudi military forces, including the SANG, includes a mix of mostly modern weapons systems from the US and Europe; since 2010, the US is the leading supplier of armaments, followed by France and the UK; Saudi Arabia is the world's largest arms importer (2021)

Military expenditures

Military Expenditures 2016

10.8% of GDP (2016)

Military Expenditures 2017

11.1% of GDP (2017)

Military Expenditures 2018

9.5% of GDP (2018)

Military Expenditures 2019

8% of GDP (2019)

Military Expenditures 2020

7.8% of GDP (2020 est.)

Military service age and obligation

17-40 for men; no conscription; as of 2021, women (aged 17-40) were allowed to serve in the Army, Air Defense, Navy, Strategic Missile Force, medical services, and internal security forces up to the rank of non-commissioned officer (2021)

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

Illicit drugs

regularly sentences drug traffickers to the death penalty, although a moratorium on executions for drug offences has been in place since at least 2020; improving anti-money-laundering legislation and enforcement

Refugees and internally displaced persons

stateless persons

70,000 (2020); 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

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 primarily from South and Southeast Asia and Africa voluntarily travel to Saudi Arabia to work in domestic service, construction, agriculture or other low-skilled jobs, but some subsequently face conditions indicative of involuntary servitude (many are forced to work months or years beyond their contract term because employers withhold passports and required exit visas); women, primarily from Asian and African countries, are reported to be forced into prostitution in Saudi Arabia

tier rating

Tier 2 Watch List — Saudi Arabia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, but is making significant efforts to do so and was upgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; the government enacted the country’s first-ever national referral mechanism (NRM) and increased the number of prosecutions and convictions under the anti-trafficking law; victims are identified and referred for care; the government convicted and sentenced two Saudi officials complicit in trafficking crimes; however, the government continued to fine, jail, and/or deport migrant workers for prostitution or immigration violations who may have been trafficking victims; authorities regularly misclassified potential trafficking crimes as labor law violations rather than as criminal offenses (2020)

Terrorist group(s)

Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); al-Qa’ida; al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula

note

note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix-T

Air pollutants

carbon dioxide emissions

563.45 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions

45.47 megatons (2020 est.)

particulate matter emissions

78.38 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

Climate

harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes

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; air pollution; waste management

Environment - international agreements

party to

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

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Land use

agricultural land

80.7% (2018 est.)

agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 1.5% (2018 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 79.1% (2018 est.)

forest

0.5% (2018 est.)

other

18.8% (2018 est.)

Major aquifers

Arabian Aquifer System

Major watersheds (area sq km)

Indian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km)

Revenue from coal

coal revenues

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Revenue from forest resources

forest revenues

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Total renewable water resources

2.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Total water withdrawal

agricultural

19.2 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial

1 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

municipal

3.15 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Urbanization

rate of urbanization

1.69% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

urban population

84.5% of total population (2021)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually

16,125,701 tons (2015 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually

2,418,855 tons (2015 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled

15% (2015 est.)