Australia vs Saudi Arabia CO2 per capita

Saudi Arabia overtook Australia in 1989. In 1970 Australia stood at roughly 88% of Saudi Arabia’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 76%, and the pair was closest in 1990 (100%).

Frequently asked questions

When did Saudi Arabia pass Australia in CO2 per capita?

In 1989. Saudi Arabia’s published CO2 per capita rose above Australia’s that year and the lead has held since.

How do Australia and Saudi Arabia compare today?

Saudi Arabia is ahead: 18.48 against 14.1 — the trailing economy stands at about 76% of the leader.

Are these CO2 per capita figures nominal or adjusted?

They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — metric tons per capita — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.

Full series

Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations:

• Australia — CO2 per capita
• Saudi Arabia — CO2 per capita
• All countries ranked by CO2 per capita
• Interactive comparison tool