World Happiness Report for Saudi Arabia 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Saudi Arabia: 28
- Happiness Score Saudi Arabia:6.594
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Saudi Arabia. SA.
Saudi Arabia is a country in the Middle East known for its absolute monarchy political structure. The country is home to significant cultural sites such as Mecca and Medina, as well as a rich history of trade and commerce. Saudi Arabia is one of the largest oil producers in the world, making it a key player in the global economy.
- Saudi Arabia is home to the world’s largest continuous sand desert, the Rub’ al Khali.
- The country enforces a strict dress code, with women required to wear an abaya and hijab in public.
- Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and holds great religious significance for Muslims around the world.
Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Overview
Early History: The Arabian Peninsula, including the territory of modern-day Saudi Arabia, has been inhabited since ancient times. The region was home to various ancient civilizations, including the Dilmun, Thamud, and Lihyan kingdoms, which flourished in different parts of the peninsula from around the 3rd millennium BCE to the 7th century CE.
Kingdoms and Empires: The Arabian Peninsula was a crucial crossroads for trade routes connecting the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Several powerful kingdoms and empires, such as the Nabataean Kingdom and the Sassanid Empire, held sway over parts of the region at various points in history.
Colonial Period: Unlike many other countries in the region, Saudi Arabia was never formally colonized by European powers. However, from the late 16th to the early 20th century, parts of the Arabian Peninsula were under the influence or control of the Ottoman Empire.
Independence and Modern Era: In 1932, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded by King Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who united the various regions of the Arabian Peninsula. Since then, Saudi Arabia has experienced significant economic and social development driven by its vast oil reserves. However, it has also faced challenges, such as the Gulf War in the 1990s and the Arab Spring protests in the early 2010s.
Current Political Situation: Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy governed by the Al-Saud royal family. The King is the head of state and the prime minister. The country has an appointed advisory council (Shura Council) and holds municipal elections, but there are no direct elections for the monarchy or a prime minister. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud is the current ruler, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is the heir apparent.
International Relations: Saudi Arabia plays a significant role in the Middle East and has close ties with the United States and other Western countries. It is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and has been involved in various regional conflicts, including the ongoing Yemen conflict.
Human Development and Economy: Saudi Arabia has a high-income economy largely driven by its petroleum industry. The country has made strides in human development but still faces challenges in areas such as women’s rights and religious freedom. The government has launched initiatives like Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil.
Cultural Highlights: Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Arabic is the official language, and the country’s culture is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. Notable cultural contributions include Arabian calligraphy, architecture, and traditional arts like poetry and music.
Saudi Arabia faces several challenges, including economic diversification, human rights concerns, and regional conflicts. However, the country also has opportunities for reform, economic growth, and increased international engagement.
Travel Tips for Saudi Arabia
– Best times to visit are during the cooler months from October to April.
– Dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites.
– Exercise caution and follow safety advice, as some areas may be off-limits.
– Visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, as well as historic sites like Diriyah and Al-Ula.
– Try traditional Saudi cuisine, such as kabsa (rice dish), jareesh (crushed wheat), and Arabic coffee.
Living in Saudi Arabia
– Cost of living can be high, especially in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.
– Housing options include compounds, villas, and apartments, with varying levels of amenities.
– Healthcare facilities are generally good, but quality can vary between public and private sectors.
– Education options include international schools and universities, as well as local institutions.
– Respect local customs and traditions, especially regarding dress codes and gender segregation.
Doing Business in Saudi Arabia
Main facts
1. Location
Saudi Arabia is a sovereign state located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aqaba. It shares land borders with Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen.
2. Map References
Saudi Arabia is situated in the Middle East region of Asia.
3. Area – Comparative
With an area of approximately 2,149,690 square kilometers (830,000 square miles), Saudi Arabia is slightly more than one-fifth the size of the United States.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Saudi Arabia has land borders with the following countries:
– Jordan: 744 km
– Iraq: 814 km
– Kuwait: 222 km
– Qatar: 87 km
– Bahrain: 87 km (linked to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Causeway)
– United Arab Emirates: 457 km
– Oman: 658 km
– Yemen: 1,458 km
5. Coastline
Saudi Arabia has a total coastline of 2,640 km, including the Persian Gulf and Red Sea coastlines.
6. Maritime Claims
Saudi Arabia claims the following maritime zones:
– Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
– Contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles
– Continental shelf: not specified
– Exclusive economic zone: not specified
7. Climate
Saudi Arabia has a continental desert climate characterized by hot and dry weather. The interior regions experience extremely high temperatures in summer, often exceeding 50°C (122°F), while the coastal areas are relatively cooler. Rainfall is scarce, with most precipitation occurring in the spring and winter months.
8. Terrain
Saudi Arabia’s terrain is predominantly a vast desert, featuring sandy plains, plateaus, and mountain ranges. The main mountain ranges are the Sarawat Mountains in the west and the Tuwaiq Mountains in the east. The Rub’ al-Khali (Empty Quarter) in the southeast is one of the world’s largest contiguous sand deserts.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Saudi Arabia is Jabal Sawda’ (3,133 meters or 10,279 feet), located in the Sarawat Mountains near the Yemen border. The lowest point is the Persian Gulf (0 meters).
10. Natural Resources
Saudi Arabia’s major natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, and copper.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Saudi Arabia include:
– Persian Gulf (an arm of the Arabian Gulf)
– Red Sea
– Gulf of Aqaba (an inlet of the Red Sea, shared with Egypt, Israel, and Jordan)
12. Natural Hazards
The primary natural hazards in Saudi Arabia are frequent sand and dust storms, as well as occasional localized flooding due to heavy rainfall.
13. Geography – Notes
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula and a leading producer and exporter of petroleum and natural gas. The vast desert terrain and harsh climate pose challenges for agriculture and water resources. The country’s strategic location along major trade routes has been a significant factor in its economic development.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 0.50%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 563,449. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 80.80%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 23.88594245.079162.
- Capital: The capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh
- Major Cities:
- Riyadh – Population: 7.6 million
- Jeddah – Population: 3.4 million
- Mecca – Population: 1.5 million
- Medina – Population: 1.3 million
- Dammam – Population: 1.1 million
- Population: 34,268,528
- Area(Km2): 2149690
- Population Density( P/Km²):16. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:966
- Official Language(s):Saudi Arabia is Arabic 100%.
- Currency: SAR
Main Economic Indicators
Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with a strong government control over major economic activities. It possesses about 18% of the world’s proven petroleum reserves and ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 87% of budget revenues, 42% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings. In an effort to diversify its economy, the government has privatized state-operated utilities and provides incentives for foreign investment. Key economic challenges include reducing dependence on oil, diversifying the economy, and providing employment for its growing population. The government has recently initiated an economic reform plan, Vision 2030, to reduce oil dependency and achieve sustainable economic growth.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices):
2020: 3.4% (Source: Saudi Central Bank)
2021: 3.1% (Source: Saudi Central Bank)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: A
Moody’s: A1
Standard & Poor’s: A-
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 2.6%
Industry: 44.7%
Services: 52.7%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus fruits, mutton, chickens, eggs, milk
Industrial Products: crude oil production, petroleum refining, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide, cement, fertilizers, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 11.7 million (2020 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 52nd globally
Current Account Balance
Current Account Balance:
2020: $50.33 billion (Surplus)
2019: $48.98 billion (Surplus)
Comparative Ranking: 8th globally
Exports and Imports
Exports:
Total Value: $176.6 billion (2020)
Key Partners: China, Japan, India, South Korea, United Arab Emirates
Main Commodities: petroleum and petroleum products
Imports:
Total Value: $135.5 billion (2020)
Key Partners: China, United Arab Emirates, United States, Germany, Japan
Main Commodities: machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor vehicles, textiles
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $441.8 billion (2021)
Gold Reserves: 323.1 tonnes (2021)
- GDP (Current US$):$792,966,838,162. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 8.90%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 15.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.24. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $3.85. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 5.93%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Nationality (noun): Saudi(s)
Nationality (adjective): Saudi
2. Ethnic Groups
Major ethnic groups:
– Arab (90%)
– Afro-Asian (10%)
3. Religions
Religious affiliations:
– Muslim (official; citizens are 85-90% Sunni and 10-15% Shia)
– Other (includes Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Catholic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish) (2-4%)
4. Age Structure
Age distribution:
– 0-14 years: 25.4% (male 4,182,955/female 3,970,975)
– 15-64 years: 70.9% (male 12,593,731/female 9,928,906)
– 65 years and over: 3.7% (male 609,022/female 568,577) (2022 est.)
5. Dependency Ratios
Dependency ratios:
– Total dependency ratio: 41.4 (2022 est.)
– Youth dependency ratio: 35.7 (2022 est.)
– Elderly dependency ratio: 5.7 (2022 est.)
6. Median Age
Median age:
– Total: 32.2 years
– Male: 33.1 years
– Female: 31.1 years (2022 est.)
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Lifestyle statistics:
– Obesity rate: 35.4% (2016)
– Alcohol consumption: Prohibited
– Tobacco use: 22.6% of adults (2016)
– Physical inactivity: 72.7% of adults (2016)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 75. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 87.2%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:17.8. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:3. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 2.32. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 96.9%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 28,807,838. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):15.00%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Saudi Arabian military consists of the following branches:
- Royal Saudi Land Forces – The Army, responsible for ground operations and territorial defense.
- Royal Saudi Air Force – Responsible for aerial operations and air defense.
- Royal Saudi Naval Forces – Consists of the Navy, Marines, and Special Naval Forces, responsible for maritime operations and coastal defense.
- Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces – A separate branch dedicated to air defense and missile defense.
- Saudi Arabian National Guard – A parallel military force focused on internal security and protecting the ruling family.
The internal security apparatus includes the Ministry of Interior and its subordinate forces like the Special Security Forces, Special Emergency Force, and facilities security units.
Military Expenditures
Saudi Arabia’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 8.4%
- 2021: 7.4%
- 2020: 8.3%
- 2019: 8.0%
- 2018: 8.8%
Saudi Arabia consistently ranks among the top five countries globally in military expenditure as a share of GDP.
Personnel Strengths
Saudi Arabia has approximately 227,000 active-duty military personnel, broken down as follows:
- Royal Saudi Land Forces: 75,000
- Royal Saudi Air Force: 20,000
- Royal Saudi Naval Forces: 15,500 (including 8,000 Marines)
- Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces: 16,000
- Saudi Arabian National Guard: 100,000
Additionally, the Ministry of Interior maintains significant paramilitary forces for internal security.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Saudi Arabia’s military inventory includes a diverse range of equipment from various sources, primarily the United States, France, and the United Kingdom. Key assets include:
- Main Battle Tanks: M1A2 Abrams, AMX-30, Al-Fahd
- Combat Aircraft: F-15C/D, Tornado IDS, Eurofighter Typhoon, F-16 Fighting Falcon
- Attack Helicopters: Apache AH-64E, Black Hawk UH-60L, Cougar AS532
- Naval Assets: Frigates, Corvettes, Patrol Boats, amphibious vessels
Significant future acquisitions include additional Eurofighter Typhoons, F-15 upgrades, and maritime patrol aircraft.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in Saudi Arabia is voluntary. The minimum age for voluntary military service is 18, with a maximum age of 40 for the Saudi Arabian National Guard and 35 for other branches.
Military Deployments
Saudi Arabia has contributed forces to several international missions, including:
- Deployment of troops to Bahrain as part of the Peninsula Shield Force (2011)
- Participation in the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition
- Involvement in the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen (2015-present)
Strategic Military Notes
Saudi Arabia’s defense strategy prioritizes regional security and deterrence against potential threats, particularly from Iran. The country relies heavily on its military alliance with the United States and maintains close security partnerships with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
The Saudi military plays a significant role in regional security initiatives, including the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. However, its capabilities have been tested in the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
- Armed Forces Size: 252000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2.61
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 55.90%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.