Saudi Arabia Population
Middle East & North Africa · 43rd most populous · High income
Population right now (estimate)
37,787,256
The population of Saudi Arabia is about 37,787,256 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 37.6 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.45% of the world's people.
Saudi Arabia is the 43rd most populous of 217 countries and territories. The population is still growing, by about 1.68% a year. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 50.5 million. That is 15.4 times its 1960 population of 2.4 million. Population density is 17 people per square kilometre. 85% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
37.6 million
Yearly change
+1.68%
World rank
43rd
Share of world
0.45%
Density
17/km²
Land area
2,149,690 km²
Life expectancy
79.0 yrs
Births per woman
2.31
GDP per capita
$34,537
GDP
$1.28T
Population of Saudi Arabia, 1960–2050
Saudi Arabia population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 2,435,403 | — | 1 |
| 1970 | 3,562,470 | +4.25% | 2 |
| 1980 | 6,047,997 | +6.04% | 3 |
| 1990 | 10,640,691 | +5.06% | 5 |
| 2000 | 16,177,722 | +4.56% | 8 |
| 2010 | 23,978,487 | −0.99% | 11 |
| 2020 | 31,552,510 | +4.95% | 15 |
| 2024 | 35,300,280 | +4.74% | 16 |
| 2026proj. | 37,595,308 | +1.68% | 17 |
| 2030proj. | 39,931,768 | +1.36% | 19 |
| 2040proj. | 45,292,056 | +1.19% | 21 |
| 2050proj. | 50,528,540 | +1.03% | 24 |
Saudi Arabia vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 4.7 times as many people as Saudi Arabia. Bangladesh is 78.1 times more densely populated.
Saudi Arabia population: questions and answers
What is the population of Saudi Arabia in 2026?
About 37,595,308 (37.6 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Saudi Arabia's population growing?
Yes, by about 1.68% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Saudi Arabia?
About 17 people per km², with a land area of 2,149,690 km².
What will the population of Saudi Arabia be in 2050?
About 50.5 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?
Riyadh.
What is the life expectancy in Saudi Arabia?
79.0 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.