Saudi Arabia Population 2026: 35.9M People, Vast Empty Land
Saudi Arabia is a country with vast stretches of largely empty land: 35.9M people across 2,149,690 km², giving a density of 17/km².
GDP per capita stands at $29,540: a figure above the global median. The capital, Riyadh, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Saudi Arabia's Population
With a population of 35.9M, Saudi Arabia is home to a significant number of people within its 2,149,690 km² of territory. The population density of 17/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a low density suggesting significant open space and rural areas across the country.
The capital city, Riyadh, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has a coastline of 2,640 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Saudi Arabia has a total GDP of $1.06T, translating to $29,540 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Riyal (SAR).
Saudi Arabia gained independence in 1932 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Arabic, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the Middle East region, Saudi Arabia sits alongside Jordan (10.2M), United Arab Emirates (9.8M), Iran (87.9M). This regional context helps illustrate how Saudi Arabia's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Saudi Arabia's Population
What is the population of Saudi Arabia in 2026?
The population of Saudi Arabia is approximately 35.9M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Saudi Arabia?
The capital city of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has a population density of 17/km². This is very low density, with large amounts of open, sparsely settled land.
What is the GDP per capita of Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has a GDP per capita of $29,540, with a total GDP of $1.06T. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Saudi Arabia?
The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic.
How big is Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia covers a total area of 2,149,690 km². With a population of 35.9M, that gives a density of 17/km².
When did Saudi Arabia gain independence?
Saudi Arabia gained independence in 1932.
What currency is used in Saudi Arabia?
The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Riyal (SAR).
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