US vs Saudi Arabia CO2 per capita

Saudi Arabia overtook United States in 1973. In 1970 United States stood at roughly 153% of Saudi Arabia’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 74%, and the pair was closest in 1975 (101%).

Frequently asked questions

When did Saudi Arabia pass United States in CO2 per capita?

In 1973. Saudi Arabia’s published CO2 per capita rose above United States’s that year and the lead has held since.

How do United States and Saudi Arabia compare today?

Saudi Arabia is ahead: 18.48 against 13.62 — the trailing economy stands at about 74% 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:

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