Saudi Arabia Population Density
People per sq. km of land area EN.POP.DNST
Saudi Arabia's population density was 16.2 in 2025, ranked 196th globally. This represents a 3.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's population density stood at 16.2 in 2025, a rise of +0.5 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 16.2 by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 196th globally.
Saudi Arabia's population density has experienced a significant increase over the past six decades, rising from a low of 1.18 people per square kilometer in 1961 to 16.20 people per square kilometer in 2025, its highest recorded level. This growth has propelled the country to the 196th position globally in terms of population density. Notably, Saudi Arabia's population density now rivals that of Turkmenistan, which shares a similar ranking. This surge in population density is largely attributed to the country's rapid urbanization and economic development, driven by large-scale investments in infrastructure and industry. The all-time peak in population density in 2025 underscores the country's increasing demographic pressures, which may strain its resources and infrastructure in the years to come. Looking ahead, a significant shift in demographics, such as a decline in population growth rate or a major urban planning initiative, could alter the trajectory of Saudi Arabia's population density trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Density | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 16.6 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 16.2 | - | - |
| 2025 | 16.2 | +0.5 | #196 |
| 2023 | 15.7 | +0.7 | #20 |
| 2022 | 15.0 | +0.6 | #18 |
| 2021 | 14.3 | −0.4 | #18 |
| 2020 | 14.7 | +0.7 | #19 |
| 2019 | 14.0 | −0.1 | #18 |
| 2018 | 14.0 | −0.4 | #18 |
| 2017 | 14.4 | +0.0 | #19 |
| 2016 | 14.4 | +0.5 | #21 |
| 2015 | 13.9 | +0.7 | #20 |
| 2014 | 13.2 | +0.3 | #20 |
| 2013 | 12.9 | +0.7 | #20 |
| 2012 | 12.2 | +0.5 | #19 |
| 2011 | 11.7 | +0.5 | #19 |
| 2010 | 11.2 | −0.1 | #19 |
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 population density improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's population density was 16.2 in 2025. Ranked 196th globally. This represents a 3.3% increase from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's population density peaked at 16.2 in 2025.
The lowest population density in Saudi Arabia was 1.2 in 1961.
Saudi Arabia ranks 196th globally in population density as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is EN.POP.DNST. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's population density is projected to reach 16.2 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population density of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 16.2. This ranks 196th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_population-density,
title = {Saudi Arabia Population Density},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/population-density/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}