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Saudi Arabia vs Dominican Republic

Saudi Arabia has a population of 35.3M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Saudi Arabia is 3.3 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Saudi Arabia ($1.24T) has a GDP 10.0 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km², 44.2 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia stands at 78.7 years, 5.0 years higher than Dominican Republic's 73.7 years.

Metric
Flag of Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia
Flag of Dominican RepublicDominican Republic
Population
+227.7%35.3M
-69.5%10.8M
Area
+4316.8%2,149,690 km²
-97.7%48,671 km²
GDP
+897.6%$1.24T
-90.0%$124.3B
GDP Per Capita
+222.9%$35,121.663
-69.0%$10,875.662
Life Expectancy
+6.8%78.7 yrs
-6.4%73.7 yrs
Infant Mortality
-82.7%4.9
+479.6%28.4
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
-40.3%3.0%
+67.6%5.1%
Capital
Riyadh
Santo Domingo
Region
Asia
Americas
Languages
Arabic
Spanish
Currencies
SAR (ر.س)
DOP ($)

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 3.3 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 35.3M residents compared to 10.8M. Saudi Arabia is a nation of 35.3M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Saudi Arabia averages 16 people per km² (sparse), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.

Economy Comparison

Saudi Arabia is classified as a high-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Saudi Arabia economy ($1.24T) is 10.0 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita of $35,121.663 is 214% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Saudi Arabia are on average 3.2 times wealthier than those in Dominican Republic.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia is 78.7 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 5.0 years. Saudi Arabia (78.7 years) is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 28.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Dominican Republic's infant mortality is 480% higher than Saudi Arabia's 4.9.

Geographic Comparison

Saudi Arabia (2,149,690 km²) is 44.2 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Saudi Arabia shares borders with 7 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Saudi Arabia lies in Asia, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. Saudi Arabia is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Dominican Republic belongs to Americas (Caribbean).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Dominican Republic is in land area: Saudi Arabia's 2,149,690 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Dominican Republic is in GDP: Saudi Arabia's $1.24T compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Dominican Republic is in infant mortality: Saudi Arabia's 4.9 per 1,000 compared to Dominican Republic's 28.4 per 1,000 represents a 83% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Saudi Arabia's high-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

Saudi Arabia has a GDP per capita of $35,121.663, which is 3.2x that of Dominican Republic ($10,875.662). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Saudi Arabia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.

Population Density

Dominican Republic is 13.5x more densely populated than Saudi Arabia (221 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 5.0 years longer than those of Dominican Republic (78.7 vs 73.7 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

Dominican Republic's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Saudi Arabia's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism.

Travel Comparison

Saudi Arabia vs Dominican Republic for Families

For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic for Budget Travelers

Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia 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 Dominican Republic for Retirees

Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic Cost of Living

Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Dominican Republic, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, while Dominican Republic offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Dominican Republic can approach or exceed average costs in Saudi Arabia's smaller cities.

Saudi Arabia vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Dominican Republic's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. 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 Dominican Republic by population?

Saudi Arabia is larger by population, with 35.3M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Saudi Arabia is 3.3 times more populous than Dominican Republic.

Which country has a higher GDP, Saudi Arabia or Dominican Republic?

Saudi Arabia has the higher GDP at $1.24T, compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B. Saudi Arabia's economy is 10.0 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Saudi Arabia and Dominican Republic?

Saudi Arabia has a higher life expectancy at 78.7 years, compared to Dominican Republic's 73.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.0 years. Saudi Arabia's life expectancy is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Saudi Arabia or Dominican Republic?

Saudi Arabia is larger by land area, covering 2,149,690 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Saudi Arabia is 44.2 times larger than Dominican Republic.

What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia and Dominican Republic?

Saudi Arabia recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Saudi Arabia or Dominican Republic?

Saudi Arabia has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to Dominican Republic's 3.3%. Saudi Arabia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Dominican Republic's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.

Is Saudi Arabia or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with childr...

Is Saudi Arabia or Dominican Republic cheaper to visit?

Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Saudi Arabia. However, Sa...

Is Saudi Arabia or Dominican Republic better for retirement?

Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthca...

Is Saudi Arabia or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?

Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Dominican Republic, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, while Dominican Republic offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cos...

Is Saudi Arabia or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Dominican Republic's lower cost of living mak...