Saudi Tsunami Fundraising Drive Raises

Saudi Tsunami Fundraising Drive Raises over $30 million in First Day

Saudi Arabia Television held a fundraising drive for the victims of the tsunami and raised a little over $30 million on the first day. Saudi Arabia’s per capita income is about $8500 per year according to the Atlas method, and there are about 15 million Saudi citizens. The one-day donation total equals $2 per citizen in absolute terms. Given the difference in per capita income and population, it is as though private US donors gave over $2 billion in a single day.

[Update 1/7/2005 6 pm: The Saudi television fundraising total has gone to $82 million on the second day – al-Hayat)