Saudi Arabia vs China
Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators
Key Indicators
| Indicator | Saudi Arabia | China | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP (nominal) | $1.24T | $18.74T | 2024 |
| GDP per capita | $35,122 | $13,303 | 2024 |
| Population | 35.3M | 1.41B | 2024 |
| GDP growth rate | 2.00% | 4.98% | 2024 |
| Inflation rate | 1.69% | 0.22% | 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.04% | 4.62% | 2025 |
| Life expectancy | 78.7 years | 78.0 years | 2023 |
| Surface area (sq. km) | 2,149,690 km2 | 9,562,910 km2 | 2023 |
Saudi Arabia vs China: Analysis
China has a larger economy than Saudi Arabia, with a nominal GDP roughly 15.1 times greater based on 2024 data. Saudi Arabia recorded a GDP of $1.24T, while China stood at $18.74T.
In terms of GDP per capita, Saudi Arabia leads over China. Saudi Arabia has a per capita output of $35,122, compared to $13,303 for China.
China has a larger population than Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 35.3M people, while China has about 1.41B.
By surface area, China is the larger country. Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km2, and China spans 9,562,910 km2.
Life expectancy is higher in Saudi Arabia: 78.7 years in Saudi Arabia versus 78.0 years in China. Saudi Arabia has the lower unemployment rate (Saudi Arabia: 3.04%, China: 4.62%). Inflation stands at 1.69% in Saudi Arabia and 0.22% in China.
These figures are drawn from World Bank Open Data and reflect the most recent available reporting year for each indicator. For historical trends and additional indicators, explore the individual country profiles on NationStat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has a larger GDP, Saudi Arabia or China?
China has the larger GDP. Saudi Arabia has a GDP of $1.24T (2024), while China has $18.74T (2024). Source: World Bank.
What is the population difference between Saudi Arabia and China?
The population difference is approximately 1.37B. Saudi Arabia has 35.3M people (2024), and China has 1.41B (2024). Source: World Bank.
Is Saudi Arabia richer than China?
By GDP per capita, Saudi Arabia is wealthier. Saudi Arabia has a GDP per capita of $35,122 (2024), compared to $13,303 for China (2024). Source: World Bank.
Which country has higher life expectancy, Saudi Arabia or China?
Saudi Arabia has higher life expectancy. Saudi Arabia: 78.7 years (2023), China: 78.0 years (2023). Source: World Bank.
Which country is bigger, Saudi Arabia or China?
China is larger by area. Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km2, while China covers 9,562,910 km2. Source: World Bank.