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Iran vs. Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Comparison

Iran vs. Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Comparison

Iran and Saudi Arabia are two of the most influential countries in the Middle East, and their rivalry has had a significant impact on the region and the world. Both countries are major oil producers, and they have been involved in proxy wars and conflicts in countries like Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of Iran and Saudi Arabia, covering aspects like government, religion, military, economy, and demographics.

Government and Politics

Feature Iran Saudi Arabia
Government System Islamic Republic Absolute Monarchy
Head of State Supreme Leader (Ali Khamenei) King (Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud)
Head of Government President (Ebrahim Raisi) Prime Minister (Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud)
Political System Theocratic Republic Absolute Monarchy

Iran has a theocratic republic, where the Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority. The President is elected by the people, but the Supreme Leader has the final say on all matters. Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, where the King has absolute power. The King appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers.

Religion

Both Iran and Saudi Arabia are predominantly Muslim countries, but they follow different branches of Islam. Iran is a Shia Muslim country, while Saudi Arabia is a Sunni Muslim country. These theological differences have led to significant tensions between the two countries.

Military

>$16 billion

>$87 billion

Feature Iran Saudi Arabia
Active Personnel 523,000 230,000
Reserve Personnel 350,000 100,000
Defense Budget

Iran has a large and well-equipped military, but it is heavily reliant on domestic production. Saudi Arabia has a smaller but more technologically advanced military, which is heavily reliant on imports from Western countries.

Economy

$206 billion

$833 billion

$2,486

$22,407

Oil, Petrochemicals, Natural Gas

Oil, Petrochemicals, Chemicals

Feature Iran Saudi Arabia
GDP (nominal)
GDP per capita (nominal)
Major Exports

Saudi Arabia is the world's largest oil exporter and has a much larger economy than Iran. Iran's economy has been hampered by international sanctions and its nuclear program. However, Iran has a diversified economy with a strong manufacturing sector.

Demographics

85 million

36 million

50 people per square kilometer

19 people per square kilometer

76 years

75 years

Feature Iran Saudi Arabia
Population
Population Density
Life Expectancy

Iran has a much larger population than Saudi Arabia, but Saudi Arabia has a higher GDP per capita. Both countries have a young population, with a median age of around 30 years.

Conclusion

Iran and Saudi Arabia are two vastly different countries with a long history of rivalry. Their differences in government, religion, military, economy, and demographics have contributed to their ongoing tensions. However, both countries are important players in the Middle East and their relationship will continue to shape the region's future.