Saudi Arabia Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
Saudi Arabia's physicians was 3.94 in 2025, ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 15.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's physicians stood at 3.94 in 2025, a rise of +0.53 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.94 by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 33rd globally.
Saudi Arabia's physician density has experienced a notable increase over the years, transforming from an extremely low 0.06 physicians per 1,000 people in 1960 to a respectable 3.94 in 2025. This represents a 65.67-fold growth, signaling a significant advancement in the country's healthcare infrastructure. In comparison, Ireland boasts a higher physician density of 4.02, while Saudi Arabia trails behind Israel with 3.91 physicians per 1,000 people. Despite this, Saudi Arabia has managed to narrow the gap with these peer countries. The substantial increase in physician density is a testament to the country's efforts to improve healthcare outcomes and address the growing needs of its population. Looking ahead, a sustained investment in medical education and training could further accelerate the growth of physician density in Saudi Arabia and propel it closer to the levels of its more advanced peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 4.14 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 3.94 | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.94 | +0.53 | #33 |
| 2023 | 3.41 | −0.08 | #15 |
| 2022 | 3.48 | +0.28 | #37 |
| 2021 | 3.20 | +0.12 | #48 |
| 2020 | 3.08 | +0.44 | #49 |
| 2019 | 2.63 | −0.27 | #52 |
| 2018 | 2.90 | +0.22 | #48 |
| 2017 | 2.68 | +0.21 | #51 |
| 2016 | 2.47 | +0.02 | #52 |
| 2015 | 2.44 | +0.07 | #52 |
| 2014 | 2.37 | −0.06 | #55 |
| 2013 | 2.43 | +0.15 | #53 |
| 2012 | 2.27 | +0.00 | #55 |
| 2011 | 2.27 | +0.03 | #52 |
| 2010 | 2.24 | +0.31 | #52 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Saudi Arabia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's physicians was 3.94 in 2025. Ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 15.7% increase from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's physicians peaked at 3.94 in 2025.
The lowest physicians in Saudi Arabia was 0.06 in 1960.
Saudi Arabia ranks 33rd globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's physicians is projected to reach 3.94 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 3.94. This ranks 33rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_physicians,
title = {Saudi Arabia Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}