Saudi Arabia vs Papua New Guinea
Saudi Arabia has a population of 35.3M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Saudi Arabia is 3.0 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Saudi Arabia ($1.24T) has a GDP 39.0 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km², 4.6 times larger than Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia stands at 78.7 years, 12.6 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
Saudi ArabiaPapua New Guinea| Population | +199.6%35.3M | -66.6%11.8M |
| Area | +364.5%2,149,690 km² | -78.5%462,840 km² |
| GDP | +3798.7%$1.24T | -97.4%$31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1068.1%$35,121.663 | -91.4%$3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | +19.0%78.7 yrs | -16.0%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -84.7%4.9 | +553.1%32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +18.2%3.0% | -15.4%2.6% |
| Capital | Riyadh | Port Moresby |
| Region | Asia | Oceania |
| Languages | Arabic | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | SAR (ر.س) | PGK (K) |
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 3.0 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 35.3M residents compared to 11.8M. Saudi Arabia is a nation of 35.3M people, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Saudi Arabia averages 16 people per km² (sparse), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% 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 Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Saudi Arabia economy ($1.24T) is 39.0 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita of $35,121.663 is 214% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. On a per-capita basis, residents of Saudi Arabia are on average 11.7 times wealthier than those in Papua New Guinea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia is 78.7 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 12.6 years. Saudi Arabia (78.7 years) is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 32.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Papua New Guinea's infant mortality is 553% higher than Saudi Arabia's 4.9.
Geographic Comparison
Saudi Arabia (2,149,690 km²) is 4.6 times larger by land area than Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²). Saudi Arabia shares borders with 7 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Saudi Arabia lies in Asia, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Saudi Arabia is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Papua New Guinea is in GDP: Saudi Arabia's $1.24T compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Papua New Guinea is in GDP per capita: Saudi Arabia's $35,121.663 compared to Papua New Guinea's $3,006.706 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Papua New Guinea is in infant mortality: Saudi Arabia's 4.9 per 1,000 compared to Papua New Guinea's 32.0 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Saudi Arabia's high-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-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 11.7x that of Papua New Guinea ($3,006.706). 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
Papua New Guinea is 1.6x more densely populated than Saudi Arabia (25 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 12.6 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (78.7 vs 66.1 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Papua New Guinea's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Saudi Arabia's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Papua New Guinea has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Saudi Arabia vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea for Budget Travelers
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea Cost of Living
Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 11.7x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Papua New Guinea can approach or exceed average costs in Saudi Arabia's smaller cities.
Saudi Arabia vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Papua New Guinea'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 Papua New Guinea by population?
Saudi Arabia is larger by population, with 35.3M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Saudi Arabia is 3.0 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Saudi Arabia or Papua New Guinea?
Saudi Arabia has the higher GDP at $1.24T, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Saudi Arabia's economy is 39.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Saudi Arabia and Papua New Guinea?
Saudi Arabia has a higher life expectancy at 78.7 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.6 years. Saudi Arabia's life expectancy is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea's is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Saudi Arabia or Papua New Guinea?
Saudi Arabia is larger by land area, covering 2,149,690 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Saudi Arabia is 4.6 times larger than Papua New Guinea.
What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia and Papua New Guinea?
Saudi Arabia recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Saudi Arabia or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Saudi Arabia's 1.7%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Saudi Arabia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Saudi Arabia or Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children...
Is Saudi Arabia or Papua New Guinea cheaper to visit?
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi A...
Is Saudi Arabia or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare...
Is Saudi Arabia or Papua New Guinea more expensive to live in?
Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 11.7x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost o...
Is Saudi Arabia or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Papua New Guinea's lower cost of living makes it ...