Switzerland vs Saudi Arabia
Every indicator for Switzerland and Saudi Arabia side by side, with the percentage gap between them. Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
| Indicator | Switzerland | Saudi Arabia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025) (people) | 9,092,436 | 36,973,555 | −75.4% |
| GDP (nominal) (billion $) | 1,044 | 1,277 | −18.2% |
| GDP per capita ($) | 114,769 | 34,537 | +232.3% |
| Life expectancy (years) | 84.4 | 79.0 | — |
| Area (km²) | 41,291 | 2,149,690 | −98.1% |
| Population density (people/km²) | 220 | 17 | +1,180.3% |
| Median age (years) | 43.0 | 30.8 | — |
| Internet usage (%) | 97.3 | 100.0 | — |
| Unemployment rate (%) | 4.9 | 3.0 | — |
| Inflation (%) | 0.2 | 2.1 | — |
| Urban population (%) | 85.7 | 84.6 | — |
| Military expenditure (2024) (million $) | 6,722 | 80,331 | −91.6% |
| Military expenditure as a share of GDP (%) | 0.72 | 7.30 | −90.1% |
| Military expenditure as a share of government spending (%) | 2.27 | 22.31 | −89.8% |
| Military expenditure per capita ($) | 739 | 2,173 | −66.0% |
| Armed forces personnel (2020) (people) | 20,000 | 282,000 | −92.9% |
| Armed forces per 1,000 people (people) | 2.2 | 7.6 | −71.2% |
| Armed forces as a share of the labor force (%) | 0.40 | 1.92 | −79.2% |
The difference column shows the percentage gap of Switzerland relative to Saudi Arabia; a positive value favors Switzerland. Interpret it in context — for unemployment, a lower value is better.
At a glance
Saudi Arabia is higher on 10 of the 12 indicators, while Switzerland leads on the remaining 2. The widest separation is in area, about 52 times; they are closest on gdp (nominal).
Key differences
- Area shows the widest gap of all: Saudi Arabia stands at 2,149,690 against Switzerland's 41,291 — roughly 52 times as much.
- Armed forces personnel (2020) shows the widest gap of all: Saudi Arabia stands at 282,000 against Switzerland's 20,000 — roughly 14 times as much.
- Population density shows the widest gap of all: Switzerland stands at 220 against Saudi Arabia's 17 — roughly 13 times as much.
- Military expenditure (2024) shows the widest gap of all: Saudi Arabia stands at 80,331 against Switzerland's 6,722 — roughly 12 times as much.
- Military expenditure as a share of GDP shows the widest gap of all: Saudi Arabia stands at 7.30 against Switzerland's 0.72 — roughly 10 times as much.
Frequently asked questions
Where do Switzerland and Saudi Arabia differ most?
Where are Switzerland and Saudi Arabia most alike?
On how many indicators is Switzerland 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 Switzerland or Saudi Arabia.
Switzerland profile →
All statistics, series, and details.
Saudi Arabia profile →
All statistics, series, and details.