Saudi Arabia

Demographics

Saudi Arabia's 2003 population is estimated to be about 24.3 million, including about 6.4 million resident foreigners. Until the 1960s, most of the population was nomadic or semi-nomadic; due to rapid economic and urban growth, more than 95% of the population now is settled. The birth rate is 29.74 births per 1,000 people. The death rate is only 2.66 deaths per 1,000 people. Some cities and oases have densities of more than 1,000 people per square kilometer.

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Most Saudis are ethnically Arab. Some are of mixed ethnic origin and are descended from Turks, Iranians, Malays, and others, most of whom immigrated as pilgrims and reside in the Hijaz region along the Red Sea coast. Many Arabs from nearby countries are employed in the kingdom. There also are significant numbers of South and South East Asian expatriates mostly from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines. There are less than 100,000 Westerners in Saudi Arabia.

Related Topics:
Arab - Turks - Iran - Malays - Hijaz - Red Sea - South - South East Asia - Expatriate - India - Pakistan - Bangladesh - Indonesia - Philippines - Westerners

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Exact religious demographics for Saudi Arabia are difficult to calculate, because the government reports 100% of citizens as Muslim. The exit and entry visa cards ask applicants for their religious affiliation and officially bans entry to atheists, Jews, or anyone with an official stamp from the State of Israel.

Related Topics:
Muslim - Atheist - Jews - Israel

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