According to the Department of Statistics and Information, the Kingdom’s population reached 23.98 million in 2007, comprising 17.5 million Saudi nationals (73%) and 6.5 million non-Saudi (27%)[1]. Arriyadh City is one of the world’s fastest growing cities, and its population has risen steadily at a rate of 4.2% during the period 1990 to 2004[2], In the early 1950s the population of the City was no more than 100,000, mostly of common heritage and following a pattern of life  characterized by unified activities, but it now accommodates over 4.6 million people from more than 50 different cultures, languages and interests[3]. The increase in population has been responsible for the growth of other sectors that seek to meet people’s needs. From an annual increase of 8% in the mid-20th century, since the 1980s population growth has doubled to 16%, with a consequent change to the way of life[4]. According to a population survey for 2007 carried out by Arriyadh Development Authority, the population of Arriyadh City stood at 4.6 million compared with only 3.1 million in 2006. A similar survey in the same year showed the population of Saudi Arabia at three million – 1.7 million male and 1.3 million female. The non-Saudi population is made up about 1.5 million, one million male and half a million female[5].

 

Population Pyramid[6]

 

Young people make up the majority of the Arriyadh City population. Those below 15 years of age constitutes about 34% of the total, as shown below, thus the base of the pyramid is wide due to the growing number of youth.

 

 

This will lead to an increased labor force in the future, and necessitate economic programs and projects in order to increase job opportunities. The Saudi population as a whole is typically younger compared to other countries. The under-15s make up 40% for Saudis and 23% for non-Saudis.

 

 

Gender

Saudi residents of Arriyadh City have high fertility rates and produce roughly equivalent numbers of male and female offspring (2 million and 1.97 million respectively[7]). In contrast, the ratio of male to female non-Saudis is approximately three to one. The distribution and classification of non-Saudis with respect to age and gender is explained by the fact that the majority of expatriates are in the country to work.

 

Households

There are two types of households in the Arriyadh region: the nuclear family, consisting of one couple and their children, and the extended family, consisting of married couples and their relatives. The changing pattern of Saudi households shows an increase in numbers of nuclear families – 75% in 2004, compared to 67% in 1996. The percentage of extended family reached 21% in 2004.[8] According to the population survey of 2007[9], the number of residences reached 1.02 million private houses, villas and flats, the majority of flats (368,000) being occupied by non-Saudi residents. The number of residences occupied by Saudi families in the Arriyadh region reached approximately 657,162 out of a total of 1.02 million, divided between private houses, villas, and flats within villas or other flats. The total of residences occupied by Saudis reached 657,162, of which 269,979 were villas. The home ownership rate stood at 56%.[10]

 

The number of Saudi families in Arriyadh Region reached approximately 657,000, most living in residences with between four and six rooms. The average number for each family is 6.3 individuals.