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South Korea vs Saudi Arabia Population
South Korea has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 Saudi Arabia stood at roughly 10% of Korea, Rep.’s Population; today the figure is about 72%.
| Year | South Korea | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia as % of South Korea |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 25,012,374 | 2,435,403 | 10% |
| 1970 | 32,240,827 | 3,562,470 | 11% |
| 1980 | 38,123,775 | 6,047,997 | 16% |
| 1990 | 42,869,283 | 10,640,691 | 25% |
| 2000 | 47,008,111 | 16,177,722 | 34% |
| 2010 | 49,554,112 | 23,978,487 | 48% |
| 2020 | 51,836,239 | 31,552,510 | 61% |
| 2025 | 51,684,564 | 36,973,555 | 72% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea pass Saudi Arabia in Population?
It has not come to that. South Korea has posted the larger Population in every published year (1960–2025).
How do Korea, Rep. and Saudi Arabia compare today?
South Korea is ahead: 51,684,564 against 36,973,555 — the trailing economy stands at about 72% of the leader.
Are these Population figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — people — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: