Saudi Arabia vs Ivory Coast
Saudi Arabia has a population of 35.3M, compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Saudi Arabia is 1.1 times more populous than Ivory Coast. Economically, Saudi Arabia ($1.24T) has a GDP 14.2 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km², 6.7 times larger than Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia stands at 78.7 years, 16.8 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
Saudi ArabiaIvory Coast| Population | +11.3%35.3M | -10.1%31.7M |
| Area | +566.6%2,149,690 km² | -85.0%322,463 km² |
| GDP | +1323.2%$1.24T | -93.0%$87.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1187.5%$35,121.663 | -92.2%$2,727.894 |
| Life Expectancy | +27.1%78.7 yrs | -21.3%61.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -89.5%4.9 | +851.0%46.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +30.8%3.0% | -23.5%2.3% |
| Capital | Riyadh | Yamoussoukro |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | French |
| Currencies | SAR (ر.س) | XOF (Fr) |
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 1.1 times more populous than Ivory Coast, with 35.3M residents compared to 31.7M. Saudi Arabia is a nation of 35.3M people, while Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Saudi Arabia averages 16 people per km² (sparse), while Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate). Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% 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 Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Saudi Arabia economy ($1.24T) is 14.2 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita of $35,121.663 is 214% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Saudi Arabia are on average 12.9 times wealthier than those in Ivory Coast.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia is 78.7 years, compared to 61.9 years in Ivory Coast, a gap of 16.8 years. Saudi Arabia (78.7 years) is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 851% higher than Saudi Arabia's 4.9.
Geographic Comparison
Saudi Arabia (2,149,690 km²) is 6.7 times larger by land area than Ivory Coast (322,463 km²). Saudi Arabia shares borders with 7 countries, while Ivory Coast borders 5 countries. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone, compared to Ivory Coast's 1 timezone. Saudi Arabia lies in Asia, while Ivory Coast is located in Africa. Saudi Arabia is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Ivory Coast belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Ivory Coast is in GDP: Saudi Arabia's $1.24T compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Ivory Coast is in GDP per capita: Saudi Arabia's $35,121.663 compared to Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Ivory Coast is in infant mortality: Saudi Arabia's 4.9 per 1,000 compared to Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Saudi Arabia's high-income economy and Ivory Coast'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 12.9x that of Ivory Coast ($2,727.894). 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
Ivory Coast is 6.0x more densely populated than Saudi Arabia (98 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 16.8 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (78.7 vs 61.9 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
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Saudi Arabia's 2.0%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Saudi Arabia vs Ivory Coast for Families
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast for Budget Travelers
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast for Retirees
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast Cost of Living
Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 12.9x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ivory Coast can approach or exceed average costs in Saudi Arabia's smaller cities.
Saudi Arabia vs Ivory Coast for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Ivory Coast covers 1. Ivory Coast'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 Ivory Coast by population?
Saudi Arabia is larger by population, with 35.3M residents compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Saudi Arabia is 1.1 times more populous than Ivory Coast.
Which country has a higher GDP, Saudi Arabia or Ivory Coast?
Saudi Arabia has the higher GDP at $1.24T, compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B. Saudi Arabia's economy is 14.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Saudi Arabia and Ivory Coast?
Saudi Arabia has a higher life expectancy at 78.7 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 16.8 years. Saudi Arabia's life expectancy is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast's is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Saudi Arabia or Ivory Coast?
Saudi Arabia is larger by land area, covering 2,149,690 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Saudi Arabia is 6.7 times larger than Ivory Coast.
What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia and Ivory Coast?
Saudi Arabia recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Ivory Coast recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Saudi Arabia or Ivory Coast?
Saudi Arabia has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to Ivory Coast's 3.5%. Saudi Arabia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ivory Coast's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Saudi Arabia or Ivory Coast better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Bot...
Is Saudi Arabia or Ivory Coast cheaper to visit?
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia may ...
Is Saudi Arabia or Ivory Coast better for retirement?
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acce...
Is Saudi Arabia or Ivory Coast more expensive to live in?
Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 12.9x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living v...
Is Saudi Arabia or Ivory Coast better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Ivory Coast covers 1. Ivory Coast's lower cost of living makes it attractive for ...