Saudi Arabia vs Cuba
Saudi Arabia has a population of 35.3M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Saudi Arabia is 3.6 times more populous than Cuba. Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km², 19.6 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia stands at 78.7 years, 0.6 years higher than Cuba's 78.1 years.
Saudi ArabiaCuba| Population | +262.1%35.3M | -72.4%9.7M |
| Area | +1856.3%2,149,690 km² | -94.9%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $1.24T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $35,121.663 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +0.8%78.7 yrs | -0.8%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -25.8%4.9 | +34.7%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +74.0%3.0% | -42.5%1.7% |
| Capital | Riyadh | Havana |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Arabic | Spanish |
| Currencies | SAR (ر.س) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Saudi Arabia is 3.6 times more populous than Cuba, with 35.3M residents compared to 9.7M. Saudi Arabia is a nation of 35.3M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Saudi Arabia averages 16 people per km² (sparse), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). Cuba has grown at -0.25% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Saudi Arabia.
Economy Comparison
Saudi Arabia is classified as a high-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Saudi Arabia's GDP stands at $1.24T. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita of $35,121.663 is 214% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia is 78.7 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 0.6 years. Saudi Arabia (78.7 years) is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years. At 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cuba's infant mortality is 35% higher than Saudi Arabia's 4.9.
Geographic Comparison
Saudi Arabia (2,149,690 km²) is 19.6 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Saudi Arabia shares borders with 7 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Saudi Arabia lies in Asia, while Cuba is located in North America. Saudi Arabia is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Cuba is in land area: Saudi Arabia's 2,149,690 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Cuba is in population: Saudi Arabia's 35.3M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Cuba is in infant mortality: Saudi Arabia's 4.9 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 26% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Saudi Arabia's high-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cuba is 5.4x more densely populated than Saudi Arabia (89 vs 16 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Saudi Arabia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Saudi Arabia live an average of 0.6 years longer than those of Cuba (78.7 vs 78.1 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Saudi Arabia's economy grew at 2.0% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Saudi Arabia vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Saudi Arabia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Saudi Arabia vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Saudi Arabia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,121.663 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Saudi Arabia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Saudi Arabia vs Cuba for Retirees
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cuba may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Saudi Arabia vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Saudi Arabia or Cuba by population?
Saudi Arabia is larger by population, with 35.3M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Saudi Arabia is 3.6 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Saudi Arabia or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Saudi Arabia and Cuba?
Saudi Arabia has a higher life expectancy at 78.7 years, compared to Cuba's 78.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.6 years. Saudi Arabia's life expectancy is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Saudi Arabia or Cuba?
Saudi Arabia is larger by land area, covering 2,149,690 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Saudi Arabia is 19.6 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia and Cuba?
Saudi Arabia recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Saudi Arabia or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Saudi Arabia's inflation rate is 1.7%.
Is Saudi Arabia or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countr...
Is Saudi Arabia or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Saudi Arabia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,121.663 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Saudi Arabia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better ...
Is Saudi Arabia or Cuba better for retirement?
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cuba may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Saudi Arabia or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...