Saudi Arabia profile

Demography and Health

Saudi Arabia hosts a population of about 35.3 million in 2024, ranking around 45th globally by size. The country benefits from near universal internet access (Individuals using the Internet 100.0% in 2023), which supports digital health, education, and commerce. Life expectancy at birth is 78.7 years (2023), with a crude birth rate of 16.4 per 1,000 people and a crude death rate of 2.34 per 1,000, signaling a relatively balanced demographic trend as the population ages. Under-5 mortality stands at 6.2 per 1,000 live births, indicating ongoing improvements in child health. Net migration reaches about 122,170 in 2024, reflecting a significant inflow of people, driven by economic opportunities and labor market dynamics. The health system appears publicly funded and capacity-enhanced, with 2.15 hospital beds per 1,000 people (2021) and 3.08 physicians per 1,000 people (2022). Health expenditure accounts for 4.62% of GDP (2022), with domestic government health expenditure per capita, purchasing power parity terms, at 2,427 international dollars (2022). These indicators point to a government-led health system with substantial public investment, backed by strong connectivity and a growing, youthful population that will place increasing demand on health and social services.

Economy

Saudi Arabia’s economy sits at a high-income level, with GDP per capita (current US$) of about 35,057 in 2024 and GDP per capita (PPP) of 71,243 in the same year, reflecting substantial wealth largely attributable to energy resources and policy-driven diversification. The exports of goods and services constitute 29.2% of GDP (2024), while imports are 25.6% of GDP (2024), indicating a relatively open economy that blends domestic production with international trade. The current account balance stands at a small deficit of 0.459% of GDP (2024), suggesting a modest external imbalance but continued access to capital markets and favorable financing terms. Inflation runs at 1.69% in 2024, and unemployment is 4.01% of the labor force (2023), signaling a resilient labor market alongside structural shifts in sectors. Military expenditure is substantial at around $75.8 billion (2023), ranking 5th globally, underscoring a heavy security and defense posture. The country channels funds into innovation and technology, with R&D expenditure at 0.565% of GDP (2023) and residents’ patent activity totaling 1,398 applications in 2021, albeit with a still-developing high-technology export profile (roughly $262 million in 2023) and a relatively low share of technology-intensive output overall. Foreign direct investment net inflows amount to 1.27% of GDP (2024), suggesting ongoing openness to capital and expertise while diversification continues to be a strategic priority. The energy-intensive growth model coexists with diversification efforts, as renewable energy share remains small (renewables at about 0.1% of total final energy consumption in 2021), highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of transitioning toward a more balanced energy and economic mix. Environmental and climate considerations, including per-capita greenhouse gas emissions of 23.9 t CO2e (2023), reflect ongoing obligations to manage emissions alongside growth.

Trade and Investment

Saudi Arabia demonstrates notable trade openness and strategic investment activity. Exports of goods and services equal 29.2% of GDP (2024), with imports at 25.6% of GDP (2024), signaling a robust participation in global value chains and a favorable trade balance framework for critical goods. The Logistics Performance Index (quality of trade and transport-related infrastructure) stands at 3.6 (2022), ranking 10th globally, which indicates a highly capable logistics backbone that supports efficient trade flows. Foreign direct investment net inflows are 1.27% of GDP (2024), reflecting steady external investment alongside domestic policy efforts to attract capital and technology. The current account balance of -0.459% of GDP (2024) shows a modest external deficit, consistent with a capital-intensive economy financing imports and investment needs. The country also benefits from a large, digitally connected population (100% internet penetration, 2023), which underpins e-commerce and cross-border services. Domestic innovation activity is evidenced by 1,398 resident patent applications (2021) and 0.565% of GDP spent on R&D (2023), highlighting progress in knowledge creation that supports a more diversified growth trajectory.

Governance and Institutions

The governance landscape in Saudi Arabia is mixed across dimensions. The Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism indicator for 2023 is -0.213, with a rank of 115, signaling vulnerabilities relative to global peers. In contrast, regulatory quality (0.517; rank 58), rule of law (0.415; rank 71), control of corruption (0.536; rank 60), and government effectiveness (0.796; rank 40) depict a government that commands administrative capacity and a relatively strong policy implementation track record. This combination suggests a state that operates with considerable efficiency and regulatory capability, while facing political and security challenges that require careful governance and resilience. The overall governance profile points to ongoing reforms and modernization aims, supported by relatively high government effectiveness and policy discipline, even as political stability considerations remain a focal area for attention and continuous improvement.

Infrastructure and Technology

Saudi Arabia demonstrates a high level of infrastructure development and digital readiness. Internet usage is universal (100% of the population in 2023), supporting widespread digital services, education, and commerce. The Logistics Performance Index score of 3.6 (2022) reflects strong trade and transport infrastructure, contributing to efficient supply chains and export capacity, with a global standing at rank 10 for quality of trade and transport-related infrastructure. Investment in research and development is modest but rising, with R&D expenditure at 0.565% of GDP (2023) and resident patent applications numbering 1,398 (2021). High-technology exports total around 262 million USD (2023), with room to grow as innovation ecosystems mature. The science and technology base is complemented by a productive health and education system, though the country’s technology intensity remains below the leading tech economies. On the human capital side, the country has 3.08 physicians per 1,000 people (2022) and 2.15 hospital beds per 1,000 people (2021). Health expenditure accounts for 4.62% of GDP (2022), with domestic government health expenditure per capita at 2,427 PPP international dollars (2022). The combined profile indicates strong infrastructure scaffolding and policy support for modernization, even as Saudi Arabia seeks to accelerate diversification into technology-driven sectors and digital services.

Environment and Sustainability

Environmental sustainability presents a dual reality of abundant oil wealth and notable resource constraints. The level of water stress, measured as freshwater withdrawal relative to the available renewable resources, is extremely high (rank 3 in 2021), underscoring water scarcity challenges and the need for efficient water management and investment in desalination, reuse, and conservation. Renewable energy consumption remains very low, at about 0.1% of total final energy consumption in 2021, highlighting the challenge of decarbonizing a large energy-intensive economy and the opportunity for expansion of solar and wind capacity as part of diversification efforts. Saudi Arabia’s total greenhouse gas emissions per capita are 23.9 t CO2e (2023), among the higher global per-capita levels, reflecting heavy fossil fuel use and the scale of energy-related activity. Balancing growth, energy security, and environmental stewardship will require continued investment in low-emission technologies, water security, and climate resilience as the country expands its non-oil sectors and pursues sustainable development pathways. Overall, the environmental indicators point to pressing resource constraints and significant opportunity for transformation toward a more sustainable energy and environmental profile.