Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's real economy grew faster than its dollar figure suggests. Real growth reached +4.5% in 2025, yet US$ GDP rose only +1.8% to US$1.28 trillion, and the country slipped 1 place to 19th, behind the Netherlands and ahead of Switzerland. It is the largest economy in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, about the size of Illinois.

Industry accounts for 43.0% of output and services 48.9%, with manufacturing at 15.8% and agriculture at 2.6%. Inflation was 2.0%, unemployment 3.0% and government gross debt 31.8% of GDP.

Living standards look very different depending on the measure. Output per person is US$34,537, 41st of 196, but on a purchasing-power basis it reaches $73,784 international dollars, 23rd. That 18-place gap reflects low local prices. Since 2000, when GDP was US$189.5 billion and ranked 24th, the economy has grown 6.7x. The IMF projects US$1.60 trillion by 2030, up 25%, which would keep it 19th.