Saudi Arabia Population Growth
Annual population growth rate SP.POP.GROW
Saudi Arabia's population growth was 5.22% in 2025, ranked 6th globally. This represents a 12.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's population growth stood at 5.22% in 2025, a rise of +0.59pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5.22% by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 6th globally.
Saudi Arabia's population growth rate has fluctuated significantly over the past six decades, with an all-time peak of 6.10% in 1982 and a trough of -2.55% in 2018, a rare instance of negative population growth. The country's population growth rate has been relatively high, ranking among the top globally, with a current rate of 5.22%, surpassing that of Singapore, another economically developed nation. The high growth rate can be attributed to a relatively young population and a high total fertility rate. In contrast, some peer countries, such as the Syrian Arab Republic, have experienced lower growth rates due to factors like conflict and economic instability. While Saudi Arabia's population growth rate has declined in recent years, it is still one of the fastest in the world, driven by a large youth population and increasing life expectancy. A significant shift in demographic trends, such as a decline in fertility rates, would be required to alter this trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Growth | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 6.56% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 5.89% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 5.22% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.22% | +0.59pp | #6 |
| 2024 | 4.63% | −0.01pp | #213 |
| 2023 | 4.64% | +0.22pp | #212 |
| 2022 | 4.42% | +6.88pp | #211 |
| 2021 | -2.46% | −7.30pp | #5 |
| 2020 | 4.83% | +5.27pp | #215 |
| 2019 | -0.44% | +2.11pp | #23 |
| 2018 | -2.55% | −2.63pp | #4 |
| 2017 | 0.07% | −3.67pp | #44 |
| 2016 | 3.75% | −1.44pp | #208 |
| 2015 | 5.19% | +2.74pp | #213 |
| 2014 | 2.45% | −2.96pp | #171 |
| 2013 | 5.41% | +1.21pp | #213 |
| 2012 | 4.20% | −0.34pp | #210 |
| 2011 | 4.54% | +5.53pp | #213 |
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 growth improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's population growth was 5.22% in 2025. Ranked 6th globally. This represents a 12.7% increase from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's population growth peaked at 6.10% in 1982.
The lowest population growth in Saudi Arabia was -2.55% in 2018.
Saudi Arabia ranks 6th globally in population growth as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.GROW. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's population growth is projected to reach 5.22% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population growth of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 5.22%. This ranks 6th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_population-growth,
title = {Saudi Arabia Population Growth},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/population-growth/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}