10 Facts About Saudi Arabia That’ll Surprise You

Oil. Islam. Authoritarianism. Tenuous feminism. Sportswashing. That’s what Americans know about the largest country in the Middle East (by area). But these 10 facts about Saudi Arabia—numbers style—show there’s more.

 

35

Saudi Arabia’s ranking in the 2021 Human Development Index, a composite index that takes into account life expectancy, education, and per-capita income. In other words, the country is considered to be of very high human development.

 

99%

The literacy rate among Saudi females ages 15-24 (as of 2020).

 

99% (Again)

The internet adoption rate in Saudi Arabia, tied with Norway, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates for highest in the world.

 

$0

The cost of attending public university for Saudi nationals.

 

$0 (Again)

The cost of health care in Saudi Arabia. Granted, there are probably a boatload of nuances and exceptions, but you get the idea.

 

30.8

The median age in Saudi Arabia. Compare that to 38.4 (China), 38.5 (US), 47.8 (Germany), and 48.6 (Japan).

 

41.6%

An estimate of the proportion of Saudi Arabia’s population of 32 million that is comprised of immigrants. Common countries of origin include Egypt, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Yemen, Syria, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sudan.

 

35.4%

Saudi Arabia’s obesity rate, which while not quite American (41.9%) is still one of the highest in the world. Apparently, having the world’s 17th-largest nominal GDP translates into access to food.

 

13

Saudi Arabia’s ranking on a list of countries by international tourist arrivals in 2022. Yes, the Hajj plays a large role, but there is also a concerted effort to move the needle in this regard (see below).

 

2030

As in Saudi Vision 2030, the far-reaching government program announced in 2016 that, among other things, promotes economic diversification, social and cultural modernization, entertainment, and tourism.

 

The point: Add these to the facts about Saudi Arabia you already know.