United Kingdom vs Saudi Arabia
Every indicator for United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia side by side, with the percentage gap between them. Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
| Indicator | United Kingdom | Saudi Arabia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025) (people) | 69,487,000 | 36,973,555 | +87.9% |
| GDP (nominal) (billion $) | 4,003 | 1,277 | +213.5% |
| GDP per capita ($) | 57,602 | 34,537 | +66.8% |
| Life expectancy (years) | 81.4 | 79.0 | — |
| Area (km²) | 243,610 | 2,149,690 | −88.7% |
| Population density (people/km²) | 285 | 17 | +1,558.4% |
| Median age (years) | 40.6 | 30.8 | — |
| Internet usage (%) | 95.5 | 100.0 | — |
| Unemployment rate (%) | 4.7 | 3.0 | — |
| Inflation (%) | 3.9 | 2.1 | — |
| Urban population (%) | 83.3 | 84.6 | — |
| Military expenditure (2024) (million $) | 81,763 | 80,331 | +1.8% |
| Military expenditure as a share of GDP (%) | 2.28 | 7.30 | −68.8% |
| Military expenditure as a share of government spending (%) | 5.25 | 22.31 | −76.5% |
| Military expenditure per capita ($) | 1,177 | 2,173 | −45.8% |
| Armed forces personnel (2020) (people) | 153,000 | 282,000 | −45.7% |
| Armed forces per 1,000 people (people) | 2.2 | 7.6 | −71.1% |
| Armed forces as a share of the labor force (%) | 0.45 | 1.92 | −76.6% |
The difference column shows the percentage gap of United Kingdom relative to Saudi Arabia; a positive value favors United Kingdom. Interpret it in context — for unemployment, a lower value is better.
At a glance
Saudi Arabia is higher on 7 of the 12 indicators, while United Kingdom leads on the remaining 5. The widest separation is in population density, about 17 times; they are closest on military expenditure (2024).
Key differences
- Population density shows the widest gap of all: United Kingdom stands at 285 against Saudi Arabia's 17 — roughly 17 times as much.
- Saudi Arabia's area (2,149,690) is about 8.8 times United Kingdom's (243,610).
- Saudi Arabia's armed forces as a share of the labor force (1.92) is about 4.3 times United Kingdom's (0.45).
- Saudi Arabia's military expenditure as a share of government spending (22.31) is about 4.2 times United Kingdom's (5.25).
- Saudi Arabia's armed forces per 1,000 people (7.6) is about 3.5 times United Kingdom's (2.2).
Frequently asked questions
Where do United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia differ most?
Where are United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia most alike?
On how many indicators is United Kingdom ahead of Saudi Arabia?
The indicators use different scales, so the chart is a rough visual comparison only; use the table for exact figures.
Related comparisons
Other comparisons involving United Kingdom or Saudi Arabia.
United Kingdom profile →
All statistics, series, and details.
Saudi Arabia profile →
All statistics, series, and details.