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Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

2025/11/03

Statistical Presentation

Data description

The Environment Statistics Publication is an annual publication that aims to provide beneficiaries and decision makers with updated data related to Environment Statistics, covering various aspects of the environment within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Publication includes detailed indicators on the main characteristics as follows:
•    Environmental conditions and quality.
•    Environmental resources and their uses.
•    Waste.
•    Human settlements and environmental health.
•    Environmental protection, resource management, and engagement.
Presented in the form of statistical tables and analytical reports.

Classifications

The following classifications are applied in Environment Statistics:
The National Classification for Economic Activities (ISIC4):
It is a statistical classification based on the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities  (ISIC4) used to describe the productive activities of an establishment. 
 National Classification for Economic Activities ((ISIC4:

The Harmonized System (H.S.2017) 
The Commodity exports and imports statistics are based on classification issued by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is a table for describing and classifying goods that includes sub-items and their numeric codes, sections and chapters, in accordance with the Harmonized System Convention signed in Brussels.
The classification is used to categorize exports and imports.
The classifications are available on the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority website:
Harmonized System (H.S.2017)

General Framework for the Development of Environmental Statistics (FDES 2013):
It is a multi-purpose, comprehensive and integrated conceptual and statistical framework, prepared by the United Nations Statistics Division, that defines the scope of environmental statistics and provides an organizational structure to guide the collection and compilation of environmental statistics at the national level, collecting data from various relevant areas and sources, and is also of a general and holistic nature that encompasses environmental issues and aspects relevant to policy analysis and decision-making through its application to cross-cutting issues, such as SEEA.
This framework is an important document because of its effective role in: 
•    Determine the scope of environment statistics.
•    Facilitate the presentation of data in various fields and from different sources.
•    Organize environmental topics in a simplified way, avoiding complexities, so that environmental indicators can be measured more easily.
•    Contribute to identifying environmental statistics relevant to decision-making in society.
•    Deal consistently with statistical frameworks used in other areas, contributing to the integration of environmental statistics with other types of statistics.
•    It is founded on a conceptual basis.
The framework organizes Environment Statistics in a simple and flexible manner and consists of six main sections, as follows:
•    Section one: Environmental conditions and quality. 
•    Section two: Environmental resources and their uses.
•    Section three: Waste.
•    Section four: Serious accidents and disasters.
•    Section five: Human settlements and environmental health. 
•    Section six: Environmental protection, management and obligations.
The framework for the development of environmental statistics (FDES 2013) is published on the United Nations website at the following link:  UNSD - Environment Statistics

Statistical concepts and definitions

Concepts and Terminology of the Environment Statistics publication:
•    Environment statistics:
Statistics that describe the state and trends of the environment, covering the media of the
natural environment (air, climate, water, land, and soil), the biota within the environment media, and human settlements. Environment Statistics tend by nature to achieve integration as they measure human activities and natural events that affect the environment, the impact of
these activities and events, the social response to environmental impacts, and the quality
and availability of natural assets.
•    Air Temperature:
The temperature of the atmosphere which represents the average kinetic energy of the
molecular motion in a small region and is defined in terms of a standard thermometer.
•    Rain:
The amount of water falling in rain, during a certain time and region.
•    Wind speed:
Wind speed describes how quickly air moves beyond a certain point. This may be an average on a certain unit of time, such as miles per hour.
•    Dam:
It is an artificial barrier or obstruction that holds water, including any solid materials or other substances that may be present in it.
•    Torrents:
Heavy amount of water resulting from rainwater falling above the ground. Torrents often
occur in mountainous areas and valley areas.
•    Desertification:
The degradation of vegetation cover in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including human activities and climate change.
•    Rangelands:
Lands predominantly occupied by native vegetation which is grazed by herbivores or
rodents.
•    Protected Area:
Any area of land or water that has been allocated for a specific purpose, often to prevent
or minimize damage to wildlife, marine life, and ecosystems (ecological systems).
•    Forests:
A plant formation consisting of one or several species of trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants, either in a pure or mixed state, with a tree density of less than 10% of the site area, whether this formation is natural or cultivated.
•    Acidity (or pH):
A measure of how acidic/basic water is. The range goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. pH of less than 7 indicate acidity, whereas a pH of greater than 7 indicates a base. The pH of water is a very important measurement concerning water quality.
•    Nitrogenous oxygen demand:
A quantitative measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen required for the biological
oxidation of nitrogenous material.
•    Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD): 
The amount of oxygen used for biochemical oxidation by the unit of water volume at a
given temperature and for a given period of time. It is an indicator of the degree of organic contamination in water. The dissolved oxygen required by living organisms for the aerobic decomposition of organic matter in water.
•    Chemical oxygen demand (COD): 
It is a test for indirect measurement of the number of organic compounds in water. Most COD applications determine the number of organic pollutants found in surface water (e.g. lakes and rivers) or in wastewater.
•    Salinity:
The degree of dissolved salts in water measured by weight in parts per thousand.
•    Water Temperature:
Water temperature is a physical property expressing how hot or cold the water is.
It can be defined as a measurement of the average thermal energy of a substance. Thermal energy is the kinetic energy of atoms and molecules, so temperature in turn measures the average kinetic energy of the atoms and molecules. This energy can be transferred between substances as the flow of heat. Heat transfer, whether from the air, sunlight, another water source or thermal pollution can change the temperature of water.
•    Phosphorus:
An essential component of organisms growth and contributes to enriching the water of
lakes and other water bodies with nutrients.
•    Evapotranspiration:
It is the process through which liquid water is converted into water vapor (evaporation) and removed from the surface (vapor removal). Water evaporates from a variety of surfaces, such as lakes, rivers, pavements, soil, and wet vegetation.
•    Groundwater:
Freshwater contained in underground formations that can usually be recovered from or through these formations. All permanent or temporary water deposits, whether naturally occurring or artificially stored in the subsoil, with sufficient quality for at least seasonal use. This category includes the water-bearing layer and the deep layer, whether under pressure or not, contained within porous or loose soil.
•    Surface Water:
Freshwater that flows over or accumulates on the surface of a landmass, forming natural watercourses such as channels, or lakes, etc., as well as artificial watercourses like irrigation channels, man-made or navigable canals, drainage networks, and artificial reservoirs.
•    Water Stress Level: 
It is the ratio of freshwater withdrawals to available freshwater resources, that is, the proportion of the total freshwater withdrawn by all major sectors to the total renewable freshwater resources, taking environmental flow requirements into account.
•    Water treatment: 
It is a process that makes the withdrawn water suitable for its first use, and the used water is treated with advanced mechanical and biological technologies.
•    Desalinated water:
 The total volume of water obtained from desalination of seawater and brackish water.
•    Wastewater:
 Discharge of effluent from waste water treatment plants which receive wastewater from
households, commercial establishments, and industries.
•    Reused water: 
It is used water obtained directly from another user, whether treated or untreated, for use in other purposes. It also includes treated wastewater obtained from treatment plants for use in other applications. It excludes wastewater discharged into a watercourse and used
again downstream, and recycling of water within industrial sites.
•    Waste: 
Everyday waste resulting from human activities. Its percentage is on the rise in developing
countries, especially where there is overpopulation. Without public health awareness,
waste can lead to serious harm. It does not include recycled or reused materials; and is
divided into:
-   Organic waste:
Biodegradable materials, such as food and garden waste.
-    Inorganic waste:
Waste that does not contain organic compounds such as plastics, metals.
-    Municipal waste:
Waste material usually generated in the residential environment. 
 Waste with similar characteristics may be generated in other economic activities.
-    Collected Municipal Waste:
Municipal waste collected by or on behalf of municipalities, as well as municipal waste
collected by the private sector. It includes mixed waste, and fractions collected
separately for recovery operations (through door-to-door collection and/or through
voluntary deposits).
-    Industrial waste:
Solid, liquid and gaseous waste arising from the manufacture of products.
•    Waste management: 
Various activities include:
-    Collection, transport, treatment and disposal of waste.
-    Control, monitor and regulate the generation, collection, transport, treatment and
disposal of waste.
-    Prevent the generation of waste through modifications within production.
•    Recycling: 
Processing and use waste in production and consumption processes, such as smelting iron
waste so that it can be converted into iron products.
•    Waste Processing:
Physical, thermal, chemical or biological processes, which change the properties of wastes
in order to reduce their size or hazardous nature, to facilitate their handling or to enhance
recovery.
•    Landfilling:
Final placement of waste under the surface in a controlled or non-controlled manner. 
Waste Incineration:
The controlled combustion of waste with or without energy recovery.
•    Transition stations:
Stations that are used at some stage of waste transportation process to treatment sites
and facilities, waste sorting or to final disposal sites in order to reduce the cost of
transportation.
•    Safe "Improved” Drinking Water Source: 
Piped water into dwelling, plot or yard; public tap or standpipe; protected dug well;
protected spring and rainwater. 
•    Water supply:
Water distribution, including collection, treatment and storage, for use in a town, city or
municipal area, which is generally used to meet domestic and industrial needs.
•    Public Network: 
It is the network that transports water from sources and storage reservoirs to places of use, in addition to the pipes and networks within residential units and near sources of clean water.
•    Public Sewage Network: 
All extensions and equipment used to collect, transport and deliver sewage effluents to
treatment or discharge sites, including pipe extensions, collection tanks, manholes,
pumping stations, ventilation valves, etc.
•    Green Spaces:
It is a place prepared with grass, flowers or trees in parks, playgrounds and squares not intended for agricultural use.
•    Exports and imports:
 The transactions and commercial movements between countries for the exchange of various productive goods and services in order to exchange benefits and meet the general needs of the countries. 
•    Surface water withdrawn:
All water found on the Earth's surface, including water in rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, swamps, and wetlands.
•    Atmospheric pressure: 
It is the pressure within the Earth's atmosphere, defined by the combined weight of the air particles in that layer. 
•    Fecal coliform:
It is almost exclusively found in human intestinal waste. If detected in water, it is an indicator that the water has been contaminated with sewage or has been improperly treated.
•    Horizontal Solar Radiation: 
Incident radiation is a measure of the amount of solar radiant energy reaching the Earth's surface, measured in watts per square meter.
•    Lengths of Marine Coasts:
It is defined as the total distance along which the coastline extends between land and marine waters, usually measured from the baseline at the lowest water level.
•    Lengths of Island Coasts: 
The lengths of island coasts are defined, according to international standards, as the distance measured from the baseline, which is usually determined at the low-water line. This line is used as the basis for measuring the limits of territorial waters and other maritime zones.
•    Lengths of Valleys and Streams: 
The lengths of valleys and streams are defined as the total distance over which a valley or stream channel extends from its source to its mouth, considering the natural curves and meanders of the channel. This length is usually measured using geographic information systems (GIS) and high-resolution topographic maps.
•    Terrain area by type: 
The terrain area by type is defined as the geographical area occupied by each category of natural landforms, such as plains, plateaus, mountains, valleys, and coasts. 
•    Built-up Area:
This refers to all types of built-up land, in addition to any surface classified as an artificial surface (man-made), such as paved roads. It also includes lands.
•    Hills and Rocky Outcrops: 
They are diverse geological formations composed of basalt and olivine rocks, quaternary sedimentary formations, cross-bedded quartz sandstone, diorite, and granodiorite. They consist of highly inclined or steep-sided rocky hills containing shallow or very shallow soils, found in small areas on slopes, lower hillsides, and along stream beds. 
•    Mountains:
Connected or continuous rocky ranges or hills composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks such as granite, diorite, schist, and quartzite. They are characterized by prominent rocky outcrops with very shallow, gravelly soils that are highly permeable and rapidly drained. 
•    Aljelasi: 
This land unit is located in various parts of the Kingdom, characterized by gentle slopes, with some areas affected by gullies, and the surface covered by a moderate number of stones. This unit consists of homogeneous soils covering most or all of its area. The soils are deep, with a loamy or sandy texture, well-drained or somewhat excessively drained, moderately to highly saline, with moderate to very rapid permeability, a moderately high to rapid infiltration rate, and a very low to low available water capacity. 
•    Sabkha: 
It consists of sabkhas or locally low-lying lands where water accumulates from the surrounding higher areas, with surfaces remaining wet most of the time or submerged for short periods after rainfall. This unit is composed of homogeneous, deep, loamy or layered soils, poorly to moderately drained, highly saline, containing large gypsum crystals in thin layers, with slow to moderate permeability, a low to somewhat high water infiltration rate, and a high available water capacity. In some areas, there are accumulations or crusts of salts, and sand dunes are also present within the area. 
•    Gypsum Plain: 
It consists of undulating or gently undulating gypsum plains, with stones covering the surface. Some areas include rocky lands, sand dunes, and gullies. The soils are homogeneous, shallow to medium in depth, loamy or loamy with a sandy top layer, underlain by a hard gypsum layer, well-drained, highly saline, containing gypsum, with slow to moderate permeability, low available water capacity, and soil covering most of the unit’s area. 
•    Gypsum Plain Overlain by a Sandy Layer: 
It consists of a gently undulating or undulating gypsum plain with a sandy top layer, with a moderate number of stones covering the surface. Some areas include sand dunes, rocky lands, and gullies. The soils are homogeneous gypsum soils, shallow to medium in depth, loamy or loamy-gravelly, with a sandy top layer, well-drained, highly saline, with slow to moderate permeability, high gypsum content, and variable water infiltration rate and available water capacity. 
•    Sedimentary plain: 
It consists of a sedimentary plain that is level to semi-level or gently undulating. Some of its areas may be affected by gullies, rocky lands, and sabkhas (salt flats). It is composed of homogeneous soils formed from water deposited materials, deep, silty or sandy, well-drained or moderately drained, medium to highly saline, with varying permeability, and varying rates of infiltration and available water capacity. It may also contain a high percentage of crystalline gypsum. 
•    Sedimentary Plain Overlain by a Sandy Layer: 
It consists of a sedimentary plain that is level to semi-level or gently undulating overlain by a sandy layer. Some of its areas may be affected by gullies, sand dunes, rocky lands, or volcanic lava. It is composed of homogeneous soils formed from water deposited materials, deep, loamy or sandy, well-drained or moderately drained, medium to highly saline, with varying permeability, and varying rates of infiltration and available water capacity. It may also contain a high percentage of crystalline gypsum. 
•    Sandy plain: 
It consists of a gently undulating or undulating sandy plain, with slopes ranging from zero to eight percent depending on the location, and slightly undulating topography in some areas. This unit consists of homogeneous soils that are deep or moderately deep, sandy or sandy loam with a loose sand surface layer, well-drained or somewhat excessively drained, moderately saline to non-saline, with moderate to rapid permeability, a moderate to very high water infiltration rate, and a low to very low available water capacity. Some areas contain rocky lands or sand dunes covering part of the area and occasionally gullies or volcanic lava.
•    Sandy Plain and Rolling Hills:
This land unit is located in various parts of the Kingdom and includes sandy plains and lightly to strongly undulating rolling hills, with some surfaces affected by gullies. This unit consists of homogeneous soils that are deep or moderately deep, sandy or sandy loam with a loose sand surface layer, well-drained or somewhat excessively drained, moderately saline to non-saline, with moderate to rapid permeability, a moderate to very high water infiltration rate, and a low to very low available water capacity. The unit also includes rocky lands and sand dunes, where the rocky rolling hills areas are generally unsuitable for cultivation.
•    Sandy Plain and Sabkhas: 
This land unit is located in various parts of the Kingdom and includes sandy plains and sabkhas that are nearly level to gently undulating, interspersed with sand dunes, rocky lands, and marshes. The unit consists of deep clayey or loamy soils overlain by a layer of loose sand, poorly drained, highly saline, with low to rapid permeability, a slow to high water infiltration rate, and a moderate available water capacity.
•    Sandy and Dunes: 
This land unit is located in various parts of the Kingdom and includes highly undulating or mobile sandy plains and dunes, occasionally interspersed with longitudinal depressions. The unit consists of deep soils of loose sand, excessively drained, moderately saline, with very rapid permeability, a very high water infiltration rate, and a low available water capacity. Some areas include rocky lands or scattered shallow soils and may also contain depressions that are partially suitable for cultivation under a center-pivot irrigation system.
•    Coastal Plains: 
This land unit is located along the Kingdom’s coasts and includes nearly level and gently sloping coastal plains. The unit consists of deep loamy soils, poorly drained, highly saline, with moderate permeability, a moderate water infiltration rate, and high available water capacity. Some areas also contain sabkha lands or soil-poor zones.
•    Weathered Rocky Plain with a Sandy Top Layer:
This land unit is located in several parts of the Kingdom and consists of a gently undulating weathered rocky plain overlain by a sandy layer. Its soils are deep to moderately deep, loamy with a loose sand surface layer, well-drained, moderately to highly saline, with moderate to rapid permeability, a moderate to high water infiltration rate, and low available water capacity. Some areas may also be interspersed with rocky lands.
•    Shallow-soiled Weathered Rocky Plain: 
These land units are located in several parts of the Kingdom and have surfaces covered with a moderate number of stones, in addition to extensive rocky lands. They are occasionally interspersed with gullies, and their soils are shallow, very loamy to loamy-gravelly, sometimes overlain by a sandy layer in certain areas. They are well-drained, highly saline, with moderate to slow permeability, a relatively high water infiltration rate, and a very low available water capacity. 
•    Deep-soiled Weathered Rocky Plain: 
They are gently sloping to gently undulating weathered rocky plains, with gullies in some locations and a surface covered by a small number of stones, while other areas are free of stones. These units are primarily composed of homogeneous soils, deep to moderately deep, with a loamy texture that may be overlain by a sandy layer in some areas. They are well-drained, with moderate to high salinity, moderate to rapid permeability, and a moderate to high water infiltration rate. The available water capacity is generally low but may be relatively high in some locations. 
•    Denuded Plains:
They are exposed rocky plains, with terrain ranging from gently undulating to moderately undulating, and surfaces covered by varying amounts of stones and gullies. They may occasionally be interspersed with sand dunes or prominent rocky areas. The soils are mostly shallow to moderately deep, with a loamy or sandy-loam texture, well-drained in most locations, moderately to highly saline, with moderate to slow permeability, and a variable water infiltration rate from low to rapid. The available water capacity is generally very low. These soils develop on diverse geological formations, including sandstone, marl, limestone, and dolomite.
•    Beaches and Wet Sands: 
They consist of coastal beaches and sands that are level or gently sloping (1–3%). They mostly consist of wet coastal sands that are deep and highly saline, with a high groundwater table fluctuating with tidal movements, in addition to dry sands located farther from the sea, also highly saline, occasionally interspersed with sand dunes formed by wind activity. The soils in these units are sandy, poorly drained due to the proximity of groundwater, excessively saline, highly permeable, and have a low available water capacity.
•    Sand Dunes: 
They are found in various parts of the Kingdom and consist of mobile or semi-fixed sand dunes, taking various forms such as high longitudinal ridges or newly formed crescent-shaped dunes. They mostly consist of fine sands that are constantly moved by the wind, resulting in continuous exposure to erosion processes. Narrow spaces between the dunes contain shallow to deep soils, which may support the growth of some grasses or limited seasonal vegetation. These soils are characterized as sandy, excessively drained, with low available water capacity, rapid permeability, and sometimes moderately saline.
•    Sedimentary Fans: 
They are distributed in various parts of the Kingdom and are gently sloping landforms with surfaces covered by varying amounts of stones. They are occasionally interspersed with small gullies or limited rocky areas. Their soils are mostly composed of water-deposited materials, deep or moderately deep, loamy, generally well-drained, moderately saline, with permeability ranging from slow to rapid, and a moderate to high water infiltration rate. The available water capacity varies from low to high depending on the location. These areas are commonly used as open rangelands with seasonal grasses and shrubs, with limited pockets of other vegetation.
•    Tidal Areas: 
They are coastal flats located along the various coastlines of the Kingdom, characterized by very gentle slopes. These flats are sometimes inundated directly by seawater or due to a rise in the groundwater level at high tide, and are occasionally exposed at low tide, leading to soil saturation with saline water and the formation of a salt crust on the surface during dry periods. Their soils are mostly composed of deep sands or sediments, highly saline, with moderate to high permeability, variable drainage, and medium to low available water capacity. These areas include vegetation, marshes, and salt flats.
•    Volcanic Lava and Hills: 
These are terrain areas composed of volcanic lava and hills, with terrain varying between undulating plateaus and cone-shaped hills. Volcanic lava covers most of the surface and consists of dark rocks such as clinkers, basalt, and andesite, which often break down into stone blocks or gravel. Small sabkhas occupy limited areas, and some depressions contain shallow to moderately deep sandy or stony soils, occasionally deep in small depressions. These soils are generally nutrient-poor, highly saline, poorly drained and aerated, with variable permeability and low water-holding capacity. Some soils may be shifted by wind to form small sand dunes, and natural vegetation typically covers only limited areas, while most of the surface is occupied by lava and volcanic rocks devoid of vegetation. Due to the harshness of the terrain, high salinity, and shallow soil depth.
•    Lower Slopes:
These are terrain areas composed of gently to strongly undulating slopes, with surfaces covered by varying amounts of stones, in addition to some rocky lands. This unit consists of shallow to moderately deep soils, mostly loamy and gravelly or loamy-textured, with moderate to excessive drainage, moderate to high salinity, and variable permeability, a water infiltration rate ranging from moderate to very rapid, and low to very low available water capacity. These lands are considered open rangelands for seasonal grasses.
•    Steep Slopes:
These are terrain areas characterized by very steep slopes, including numerous deep gullies and bare rocks. There are limited areas of very shallow soils, stony or loamy-gravelly, with rock fragments beneath them, and sometimes deeper loamy soils accumulate at the bottoms of gullies. These units are formed from diverse geological formations such as sandstone, limestone, and Tuwaiq rocks, and are heavily affected by water and wind erosion. 
•    Terraced Slopes:
These are terrain areas consisting of nearly level or undulating terraces built on slopes. They contain homogeneous, moderately deep soils with a loamy texture, moderate salinity, good drainage, and moderate permeability, with a relatively high water infiltration rate and low available water capacity. These units also contain scattered rocky lands between the terraces.
•    Active Slopes: 
These are lands with very steep slopes, often exceeding 30% and sometimes over 60%, characterized by gullies and rocky outcrops, with surfaces mostly covered by stones or exposed rocks. These slopes are unsuitable for traditional agriculture or urban uses, and the land is relatively unstable due to continuous erosion and soil and rock movement.
•    Valleys: 
These are land areas composed of level to nearly level valleys, consisting of water-deposited soils that are generally deep, loamy-textured, well-drained, non-saline to slightly or moderately saline, with moderate to rapid permeability, a moderate to high water infiltration rate, and medium to low available water capacity.
•    Soil:
It is a fundamental resource and a vital part of the natural environment, where most of the world’s food is produced. Soil also provides a vital space for humans, in addition to essential ecosystem services such as water regulation and supply, climate regulation, and biodiversity conservation.
•    Fine Particles (PM2.5):
They are particles with a diameter ≤2.5 micrometers, found in smoke and haze. Some are emitted directly from wildfires, while others form from the reaction of gases released by power plants, factories, and vehicles.
•    Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Concentration:
It is a primary pollutant in the gas phase (formed during fuel combustion) and a secondary pollutant (produced by the oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds in the atmospheric gas phase or in droplets) (sulfides).
•    Fine Particles (PM10):
They are particles with a diameter ≤10 micrometers, capable of passing through the nose and throat to reach the lungs and can affect both the heart and lungs.
•    Tropospheric Ozone (O3) Concentration: 
It is a gas in the troposphere and a secondary pollutant, formed through photochemical reactions of precursor gases, and is not emitted directly from specific sources.
•    Carbon Monoxide (CO): 
It is a colorless and odorless gas that can be harmful when inhaled in large quantities. Carbon monoxide is released when something is burned.
•    Nitrogen Oxides (Nox): 
They are gaseous pollutants that mainly include nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). These terms are used collectively to refer to these gases, with NO₂ considered a key indicator of nitrogen oxide levels in the air.
•    Nitrogen dioxide: (NO₂) 
It is a toxic gas primarily emitted from fuel combustion in power plants, vehicles, and industrial processes. It is considered a key indicator of nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) levels in the air and contributes to the formation of photochemical smog and ground-level ozone.

Data sources

The Environment Statistics Publication relies on three main sources, which makes it provide comprehensive data related to environment statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where it includes statistics from sources in GASTAT (censuses, statistical surveys) and statistics from sources of administrative records, through which data can be obtained annually and on a regular basis, to calculate its indicators and publish them in the Environment Statistics Publication.
The following table shows the data sources in the Environment Statistics Publication:

Third source: Massive and open data:
GASTAT has calculated and estimated the following indicators:
•    Minimum and maximum value of rainfall 
•    Minimum wind speed
•    Maximum wind speed
•    Horizontal solar radiation for 2024
•    Lengths of marine coasts
•    Lengths of island coasts 
•    Lengths of valleys and streams
•    Terrain area by type

Using massive and open data sources, such as satellite data, as follows:
•    Satellite data obtained from NASA’s Giovanni platform.
Link: Giovanni
•    Source: Copernicus Climate Data Store (CDS) – ECMWF
Link Climate Data Store

Designing the data collection tool

Data were collected using standardized data request forms sent to the data-providing entities to obtain periodic, harmonized, and well-documented data derived from administrative records related to the Environment Statistics indicators.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

Not applicable, as the product is registry-based and relies on registry data available from the relevant authorities.

Statistical population

The statistical population for the Environment Statistics Publication comprised all administrative regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that have environmental data related to natural environmental components and their quality, environmental resources and their uses, waste, biodiversity, human settlements, and environmental protection and resource management.
This includes various government agencies, national centers, and regulatory bodies responsible for environmental monitoring, water management, waste treatment, wildlife protection, vegetation development, and other environment related activities. This encompassed all relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture; the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing; the Saudi Water Authority; the National Center for Meteorology; the National Center for Wildlife Development; the National Center for Environmental Compliance Monitoring; the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification; the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu; and the National Water Company.

Sample Design

Not applicable. Not applicable, as the product is registry-based and relies on registry data available from the relevant authorities.

Statistical unit (sampling unit)

The statistical unit for the Environment Statistics Publication is the geographic location for which environmental data are collected or measured from various sources, and for which statistics are compiled at the level of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Data collection

Data collection from administrative records:
In coordination with the relevant departments of GASTAT responsible for collecting administrative data,  the data for the Environment Statistics Publication is obtained from the administrative records of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture; the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing;  Saudi Water Authority;  National Center for Meteorology;  National Center for Wildlife;  National Center for Environmental Compliance;  National Centre for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification;  Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu; and  National Water Company.
They will be stored in the authority's databases after auditing and reviewing according to established statistical methods and recognized quality standards, with reference to the data source in case any errors are discovered or if there are any observations regarding the data.

Data collection frequency 

The process of collecting Environment Statistics data is carried out on an annual basis.

Reference area

Environment Statistics cover data at two geographical levels within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are:
•    Administrative regions: The Environment Statistics data include information according to the administrative division of the Kingdom into 13 administrative regions.
•    Monitoring stations: These are the monitoring stations of the National Center for Meteorology across the Kingdom.
•    The publication also includes a number of environmental indicators at the national level, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the environment and its various components in the Kingdom.

Reference period (time reference)

Environment Statistics data are assigned to the last day of the Gregorian year each year, according to the reference period established for the administrative data sources provided by the relevant entities.

Base period

Not applicable. 

Measurement unit

•    Statistics measured in percentage (e.g.: Average temperatures, small temperatures, etc.)
•    Some of them are measured in millimeters (e.g.: The annual average rainfall).
•    Some indicators are calculated in tons (e.g.: The amount of collected waste, and the amount of treated waste. etc.)
•    Some indicators are calculated in square kilometers (e.g.: Protected areas, green space area, ... etc.)
•    Statistics calculated as a percentage (e.g.: The percentage of the population using improved (safe) drinking water.
•    Statistics measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), such as fine particle concentration, carbon monoxide concentration, and sulfur dioxide concentration.
•    Statistics measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L), such as (water salinity, nitrogen concentration in water, and phosphorus concentration in water).
•    Statistics measured in pH, such as the pH of freshwater and the pH of saline water.

Time coverage

The Environment Statistics Publication is based on the available administrative data from the relevant entities. The publication includes indicators covering the period from 2010 to 2024, prepared using the most recent data available, while the time coverage for some indicators varies depending on data availability and their sources.

Publication frequency

The results of the Environment Statistics Publication are published annually according to the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

Careful procedures are implemented to detect errors in administrative record data obtained from the relevant government entities, with supportive methods applied to measure quality indicators, following systematic procedures that ensure data accuracy and consistency. These included the following:
•    Identifying illogical or out-of-range values, such as inconsistent quantities or aggregates.

•    Categorizing data to verify accuracy, with reference to the primary data source when any errors or quality-related issues are detected.
•    Reviewing internal consistency between variables to ensure the logical relationships among values and indicators.
•    Comparing current data with previous data to ensure the integrity of time series before processing the data and producing the final results.
•     Reviewing the relationships between indicators such as the volume of treated water and the treatment capacity of wastewater treatment plants.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

Environment Statistics Publication relies on integrating data from multiple sources to calculate some of its indicators, aiming to achieve data integration and enhance their accuracy and comprehensiveness. This is done by utilizing administrative record data from the relevant authorities and linking them with statistical data issued by GASTAT to calculate composite indicators.

Imputation and calibration

Handling missing values (Imputation):
Statistical imputation or calibration methods are not applied in the Environment Statistics Publication, as it relies on complete administrative and registry data. In cases where any data gaps or inconsistencies are detected, the source agency is directly contacted to complete the missing information and ensure data consistency and accuracy before inclusion in the publication.
Procedures for calculating variables and aggregates:
•    Green space per capita:
To calculate the green space per capita, the total green space area is divided by the population and then multiplied by 100.
-    Calculation method:

Green space per capita=     × 100

•    Percentage of water tests meeting standards

To calculate the percentage of water tests meeting the standards, divide the total number of tests that meet the standards by the total number of tests conducted. 
-    Calculation method:

Percentage of water tests meeting the standards=     × 100 

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, as the final results for each year are published based on administrative data from official sources.

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Not applicable. The results are published in their final form and are not released as preliminary results. 

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A criterion that indicates how well the product meets users’ needs.

User needs 

The Environment Statistics product aims to provide environmental data and build a reliable information base that supports decision-makers and researchers. It also contributes to preparing studies and conducting local, regional, and international comparisons to develop this vital sector.
Internal users in the GASTAT for the Environment Statistics publication data:
•    International Indicators Department
•    Population, Health, and Education Department.
•    Spatial Data and Information Analysis Department
•    Traffic & Transport Statistics Department.
Some several external users and beneficiaries greatly benefit from Environment Statistics publication data, including:
•    Government entities
•    Regional and international organizations
•    Research institutions.
•    Media.
•    Individual researchers and scholars.
Key variables that are mostly used by external users:

Completeness 

The Environment Statistics Publication relies on three main sources of data: administrative records, statistical survey and census data, and massive and open data (satellite data) to provide comprehensive information on environment statistics. A thorough review of the submitted data is conducted to ensure completeness and compliance with national requirements and international standards, including Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators and other relevant indicators. This review aimed to ensure the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and alignment of the data with international standards.
Data coverage:
The General Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES 2013) consists of 458 individual statistics organized in the structure (sections, subsections and topics), four sections of which have been addressed in this first edition of this publication, according to availability and conformity. The core group is divided into three layers of statistics, according to the layers of the "basic set of environment statistics”, number of statistics have been covered as follows:
•    First layer:
A total of 58 statistics were covered based on the available data out of 100 high-priority statistics with a sound methodological basis, of which 11 statistics are covered in other products.
•    Second layer:
A total of 60 statistics were covered based on the available data out of 200 high-priority environmental statistics that require methodological development, of which 12 statistics are covered in other products.
•    Third layer:
A total of 21 statistics were covered based on the available data out of 158 environmental statistics that are either of low priority or require significant methodological development, of which 2 statistics are covered in other products.
Some of these are covered in related publications, such as Agricultural Statistics, Energy Statistics, Spatial Statistics, Traffic Statistics, and Transportation Statistics.

Accuracy and reliability 

A standard that measures how close the calculations or estimates are to the exact or true values that reflect reality.

Overall accuracy 

GASTAT contributes to enhancing the quality and reliability of environmental data by monitoring continuous improvement opportunities in updating, compiling, and verifying processes.
The key areas for improvement are:
•    Updating administrative records:
Efforts have been made to enhance the accuracy of administrative data by monitoring periodic updates and minimizing discrepancies between source data and data published in annual reports or open data, ensuring the time reference among various indicators.
•    Improving compilation processes:
Developing data compilation methods to ensure consistency between aggregates and details by administrative regions and business areas, and standardizing classification methodologies across data-providing entities.
Data accuracy and reliability are also ensured through the following procedures:
•    Regular review and auditing of administrative records received from relevant authorities.
•    Verifying the relationships between variables, such as water withdrawn, desalinated water, collected wastewater, and treated wastewater.
•    Comparing data over time with previous years to identify any significant changes in values or pattern.
•    Ensuring internal consistency by verifying that aggregates match the details at the administrative region and business regions.
•    Cross-checking the data with information published by other official sources as supporting data for comparison and accuracy verification.
Matching the data with information published by other official sources as supporting data, to compare and verify data accuracy.
•    Implementing multi-stage review procedures before approving the final results to ensure the stability and accuracy of statistical outputs.

Timeliness and punctuality 

A standard that measures the time gap between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
However, timeliness reflects the time difference between the date of data publication and the target date when it is actually published.

Timeliness 

The General Authority for Statistics is committed to applying internationally recognized standards regarding the announcement, clarification of the time of publishing statistics on its official website, as outlined in the statistical calendar, as well as adhering to the announced time of publication. In the event of any delay, updates will be provided accordingly.

Punctuality 

Environment Statistics are published according to the release dates specified in the statistical calendar available on GASTAT's website, following the schedule outlined in the statistical calendar.

Coherence and comparability

The ability for users to access data, the availability of accurate or complete data, and the availability of a methodology and quality report.

Comparability - geographical

Environment statistical data are fully geographically comparable across administrative regions, as well as at the regional and international levels, based on the standards used in preparing environment statistics tables, which are built on internationally recognized concepts, definitions, and classifications endorsed by the relevant authorities.
Furthermore, the geographic distribution of projects has not changed within the administrative boundaries of the Kingdom, ensuring that key indicators and their related variables remain unaffected. Concepts and definitions aligned with international standards have been adopted to ensure the accuracy and quality of the statistical Publication.

Comparability - over time 

The Environment Statistics Publication was first issued in 2021 as an annual product, with no changes made to the publication. The data are fully comparable over time.

Coherence- Cross domain

The Environment Statistics Publication data are subject to standardized auditing and processing procedures, with consistency verified by comparing them to data published in other publication, such as Water Accounts and Household Environment Statistics.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Not applicable

Coherence- National Accounts 

Not applicable

Coherence- Internal 

The Environment Statistics Publication is internally consistent, as the statistics within each dataset align logically in terms of value sequences and consistency across different measures, such as aggregates, averages, and ratios.
Internal consistency is verified through:
•    Ensuring that data logically align with one another within the overall context of the publication.
•    Matching aggregates with details by administrative regions, stations, and consumption categories.
•    Reviewing relationships between indicators such as peak load, energy sold, and licensed electricity generation capacities to ensure consistency.

Accessibility and clarity

The ability for users to access data, the availability of accurate or complete data, and the availability of a methodology and quality report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 10.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT on the link: 
Press release

Publications

GASTAT issues Environment Statistics publication and reports on a regular basis within a pre-prepared dissemination plan and are published on GASTAT’s official website. GASTAT is keen to publish its results in a way that serves all types of users, including publications in different formats that contain (publication tables, data graphs, indicators, and methodology and quality reports) in both English and Arabic.
The results of the Environment Statistics Publication are also available on the following link:
GASTAT official website - Environment Statistics Publication

Online database

The data is published on the statistical database:
GASTAT (stats.gov.sa)

Microdata accessibility

Not available.

References and standards

GASTAT conducts all its statistical activities according to a unified methodology that aligns with the nature of each statistical product. It relies on a Statistical Business Procedures Manual that is consistent with the internationally adopted procedures and developed in coordination with the relevant authorities.
For more details, you can refer to the attachment. 
•    The General Authority for Statistics adopts a unified methodology in carrying out all its statistical work, according to the nature of each statistical product.  It relies on the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM), which aligns with the procedures adopted by international organizations, and is implemented in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the quality and efficiency of statistical operations. For more details, you can refer to the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM) via the following link:
Generic Statistical Business Process Model(GSBPM)
•    The Environment Statistics Publication is based on the General Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES 2013) Issued by the United Nations Environment Statistics Division:
UNSD — Environment Statistics (FDES 2013)
•    The concepts and definitions are based on the list of terms published on the United Nations website via the link:
United Nations Statistics Division - Environment Statistics ​​​​​​​
•    The European Environment Agency’s website is at the link:
  Glossary - European Environment Agency (Europa.EU)

Quality assurance

GASTAT considers the following principles: Impartiality, ensuring that the statistical product is user-oriented, maintaining the quality of processes and outputs, enhancing the effectiveness of statistical operations, and reducing the burden on respondents. 
Data is validated through procedures and quality controls that are applied during the process at various stages, such as: (data entry, data collection, and other final controls).

Quality assessment

GASTAT performs all statistical activities according to a national model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model – GSBPM). According to the GSBPM, the final stage of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each stage or sub-process. This information is used to prepare the evaluation report, which outlines all the quality issues related to the specific statistical activity and serves as input for improvement actions.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality - Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data were displayed in appropriate tables to facilitate their summarization, comprehension, and results extraction. Also, to compare data with other data and extract statistical meanings for the study community. It is also easier to check tables without the need to see any sensitive or confidential data, which violates the confidentiality of statistical data.

Publishing policy

Statistical calendar

The Environment Statistics publication has been included in the statistical calendar.
Statistical Calendar

User access

One of the objectives of GASTAT is to better meet the needs of its users; therefore, the results of the Environment Statistics publication are made available to all users immediately upon release. 
It also receives questions and inquiries from clients about the publication and its results through various communication channels, such as:
•    GASTAT official website:   www.stats.gov.sa
•    GASTAT official email address:   info@stats.gov.sa
•    Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
•    Official letters.
•    Statistical telephone: (199009).

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