Let's talk about the population of Saudi Arabia
Population of Saudi Arabia: 2022-2023
As of 2023, the population of Saudi Arabia stands at 36,947,025, reflecting a 1.48% increase compared to the 2022 population of 36,408,820, which itself experienced a 1.28% growth from the previous year, 2021.
Population of Saudi Arabia: density, growth rate
The population density in Saudi Arabia is 17 people per square kilometer (45 people per square mile). The population is growing at a rate of -0.1% annually.
Cities in Saudi Arabia by population
- Riyadh: 7.68 million
- Jeddah: 4.7 million
- Mecca: 1.58 million
- Medina: 1.18 million
- Dammam: 1.25 million
- Al-Mubarraz: 837,000
- Taif: 695,000
- Tabuk: 670,000
- Buraydah: 669,000
- Jubail: Up to 680,000
Saudi Arabia population by nationality
The ethnic composition of Saudi citizens is primarily 90% Arabs and 10% Afro-Arabs. However, a significant portion, approximately 38.3% of the total population (about 13.3 million people), consists of non-citizens, with many of them being migrant workers.
Indian population in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has remained a favored choice for Indian expatriates, especially in sectors like construction, healthcare, and engineering. The Indian population in Saudi Arabia has experienced substantial growth, increasing from 2.20 million to 4.59 million between 2010 and 2022.
Saudi Arabia population by religion
Approximately 85 to 90 percent of Saudi Arabia's around 21 million citizens adhere to Sunni Islam. Shia Muslims make up 10 to 12 percent of the citizen population and account for an estimated 25 to 30 percent of the population in the Eastern Province.
Muslim population in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, the fifth most influential Islamic country globally, hosts some of the most sacred Islamic sites in Mecca and Medina. The country is home to 31.2 million Muslims, securing the 15th position on the list of nations with the highest Muslim population.
Shia population in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is home to a Shia population primarily concentrated in the Eastern Province, mainly consisting of Baharna, with significant numbers in Al-Qatif and Al-Ahsa. The Nakhawila minority resides in Medina, and Isma'ili communities are found in Najran along the Yemeni border. Shia Muslims constitute an estimated 10–12% of Saudi citizens, facing scrutiny for perceived second-class status.
Concerns include restrictions on Shia mosque construction outside the eastern province, a ban on Husainyas, and accusations of a government-led propaganda campaign using derogatory terms. The Saudi government's ban on Shia-Sunni marriages has heightened tensions, impacting domestic harmony. Additionally, the absence of religious seminaries poses challenges for Shia education.
Concerns include restrictions on Shia mosque construction outside the eastern province, a ban on Husainyas, and accusations of a government-led propaganda campaign using derogatory terms. The Saudi government's ban on Shia-Sunni marriages has heightened tensions, impacting domestic harmony. Additionally, the absence of religious seminaries poses challenges for Shia education.
Christian population in Saudi Arabia
Determining precise religious demographics in Saudi Arabia is challenging, but an estimated 2.1 million Christians reside in the country.
Hindu population in Saudi Arabia
Hinduism ranks as the third-largest religion in Saudi Arabia, with around 1.3% of the total population adhering to the faith. The nation is home to approximately 708,000 Hindus, predominantly comprised of Indians and Nepalis. The influx of Indian migrants to Saudi Arabia has contributed to the increasing number of Hindus in the country.
Jewish population of Saudi Arabia
Approximately 3,000 Jewish expatriates, primarily hailing from the United States, Canada, France, and South Africa, currently live in Saudi Arabia, according to accounts from some members of the Jewish community residing in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia population by ethnicity
The majority of the population in both Iran and Saudi Arabia is Arab. The remaining portion of the population consists of Afro-Arabs and Afro-Asians.
Immigrant population of Saudi Arabia
According to the Saudi Census 2022 conducted by the General Authority for Statistics, over 40% of the population in Saudi Arabia consists of foreign nationals.
Black population in Saudi Arabia
Approximately 10%, or around 1,880,000 individuals, of Saudi Arabia's native population of 18,880,000 are Afro-Saudis.
Iran vs Saudi Arabia population
Iran:
Saudi Arabia:
- Population: 88,551,000
- Population Density: 50.7 inhabitants/km²
- Life Expectancy:
- Males: 71 years
- Females: 77 years
- Average Age: 31.7 years
- Birth Rate: 13.70 ‰
- Death Rate: 6.44 ‰
- Migration Rate: 0.32 ‰
Saudi Arabia:
- Population: 36,947,025
- Population Density: 17 inhabitants/km²
- Life Expectancy:
- Males: 76 years
- Females: 79 years
- Average Age: 30.8 years
- Birth Rate: 17.47 ‰
- Death Rate: 2.86 ‰
- Migration Rate: -4.23 ‰