The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved the highest Safety Index among G20 nations in 2023, with 92.6% of the population reporting feeling safe walking alone at night in their residential areas, according to data from the Global SDG Indicators Database and the Safety Index Publication released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) on February 10, 2025.
Context and Background
The Safety Index Publication is a key output of the 2023 Household Socio-Economic Survey, which gathers comprehensive data on economic, social, and household conditions across the Kingdom. The survey measures the rate of residents who feel safe walking alone in their neighborhoods, providing a reliable gauge of public perception of security. Saudi Arabia previously topped the G20 in the 2020 Sustainable Development Report for the highest Safety Index, underscoring a sustained trend of excellence in public safety.
Key Details
GASTAT highlighted that the results reflect the contributions of various government sectors in ensuring safety across all regions and governorates of Saudi Arabia. These efforts encompass multiple dimensions of security, including economic, food, environmental, health, social, political, intellectual, technological, and cybersecurity safety. The coordinated initiatives aim to enhance stability and quality of life, aligning with broader national strategies to improve service quality and public well-being under the guidance of the Kingdom’s leadership.
Implications and Impact
The top ranking among G20 countries positions Saudi Arabia as a global leader in public safety, reinforcing its reputation as a secure destination for tourism, business, and investment. This achievement is particularly significant as the Kingdom seeks to attract international visitors under its tourism development goals and create an inviting environment for foreign investors. The high Safety Index also contributes to social stability, enabling citizens and residents to participate actively in economic and social activities with confidence.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This milestone directly supports Saudi Vision 2030 objectives of creating a vibrant society with a high quality of life. By ensuring safety across multiple domains, the Kingdom is building a secure foundation for economic diversification, cultural development, and social progress. The sustained focus on safety indicators reflects the government’s commitment to continuous improvement in public services and infrastructure, paving the way for a prosperous future aligned with the long-term goals of the nation.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Safety Index Publication?
A1. The Safety Index Publication is a report by GASTAT that measures the percentage of residents who feel safe walking alone at night in their residential areas, based on data from the Household Socio-Economic Survey.
Q2. How did Saudi Arabia rank among G20 countries in the 2023 Safety Index?
A2. Saudi Arabia ranked first among G20 countries, with 92.6% of the population reporting feeling safe walking alone at night, the highest score among the group.
Q3. What is the source of the Safety Index data?
A3. The data comes from the Global SDG Indicators Database and the Safety Index Publication issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) based on the 2023 Household Socio-Economic Survey.
Q4. What types of safety does the report cover?
A4. The report covers economic, food, environmental, health, social, political, intellectual, technological, and cybersecurity safety, reflecting a comprehensive approach to security.
Q5. How does this achievement align with Vision 2030?
A5. It supports Vision 2030’s goal of creating a vibrant society with high quality of life by ensuring a safe environment that fosters economic growth, tourism, and social well-being.
Q6. Has Saudi Arabia topped the Safety Index before?
A6. Yes, Saudi Arabia also ranked first among G20 countries in the 2020 Sustainable Development Report for achieving the highest Safety Index.
Q7. What is the Household Socio-Economic Survey?
A7. It is a survey conducted by GASTAT that collects data on economic, social, and household conditions in Saudi Arabia, used to produce the Safety Index and other indicators.
Q8. What government sectors contributed to this result?
A8. Multiple government sectors contributed, including those responsible for security, infrastructure, health, technology, and social services, working together to ensure public safety.
Q9. Why is feeling safe walking alone at night an important indicator?
A9. It measures perceived safety in public spaces, which is crucial for quality of life, social trust, and the attractiveness of a country for residents and visitors.
Q10. How does safety affect tourism in Saudi Arabia?
A10. A high safety index makes Saudi Arabia more appealing to international tourists, supporting the country’s tourism sector expansion under Vision 2030.
Q11. What is the Global SDG Indicators Database?
A11. It is a UN-affiliated database that tracks progress on Sustainable Development Goals, including safety indicators used for international comparisons.
Q12. What regions were included in the survey?
A12. The survey covered all regions and governorates of the Kingdom, ensuring a representative measure of safety across the entire country.
Q13. How does the Safety Index relate to the Sustainable Development Goals?
A13. It directly relates to SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions, which includes targets on safety and security.
Q14. What is the timeframe for the 2023 Safety Index Publication?
A14. The publication was released on February 10, 2025, based on data from the 2023 Household Socio-Economic Survey.
Q15. How does this ranking compare to other G20 nations?
A15. Saudi Arabia ranked first, meaning it scored higher than all other G20 countries in the percentage of people feeling safe walking alone at night.
Q16. What initiatives support the improvement of safety in Saudi Arabia?
A16. Ongoing initiatives include enhancing security services, urban development, community policing, and technology-driven surveillance to maintain high safety standards.
Q17. How does GASTAT ensure data accuracy?
A17. GASTAT follows rigorous methodologies in surveys and data collection, adhering to international statistical standards to ensure reliability and comparability.
Q18. What is the significance of topping the G20 in safety?
A18. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s leadership in public security, positively impacting investor confidence, tourism, and the well-being of citizens and expatriates.
Q19. How does safety contribute to economic growth?
A19. A safe environment attracts investments, encourages business activities, and allows people to participate in the economy without fear, driving growth.
Q20. Where can readers find the full Safety Index Publication?
A20. The full publication is available on the official website of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in Saudi Arabia.
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