Saudi Arabia Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Saudi Arabia, State of the Arabian Peninsula, Southwest Asia; 2.2 million km², 33.7 million residents (2019).Saudi Arabia occupies about 3/4 of the Arabian peninsula. The country borders in the north to Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait, in the east to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, in the east and southeast to Oman and in the south to Yemen and to the coast of the Persian Gulf in the east and the Red Sea in the west. However, not all boundaries are definitely set. The capital is Riyadh (4.9 million residents, 2010).

Country facts

al-Mamlaka al-rabArabiyya as-Sa˙ūdiyya / Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Country abbreviation: SA
Area: 2.2 million km²
Population (2019): 33.7 million residents
Capital: Riyadh
Main languages: Arabic
State: Monarchy
Head of State and Head of Government: Salman bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud (King)
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 23,219
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 21,540
Currency unit: 1 riyal = 20 qirsh = 100 halala
Currency code: SAR
Country number (telephony): 966
Internet Domain Name: Sa
Time difference compared to Sweden: +2
National Day: September 23 (United Kingdom, 1932)

Nature

Land use: forest (1%), agricultural land (2%), other (97%)
Highest mountain: Sawda (2,995 m above sea level)

Population

Population density (2019): 15 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.3%; birth number 16 ‰, death number 3 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (25%), 15-64 (72%), 65- (3%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 74 years, women 77 years
Infant mortality (2019): 13 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 48 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.853 (place 39 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 84%
Most populous cities (2010): Riyadh (4.9 million residents), Jeddah (3.2 million), Mecca (1.5 million)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (3%), industry (44%), service (53%)
Exports (2017): US $ 221 100 million
Main export product: crude oil, oil products
Main exporting countries: Japan, China, South Korea
Imports (2017): US $ 119,300 million
Main import products: machinery, food, chemicals
Main Importing Countries: China, USA, United Arab Emirates
Railway network (2016): 5,400 km

Geography of Saudi Arabia

Location and Size

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, located in the Middle East of Asia. It is bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen, and it has coastlines along both the Red Sea to the west and the Arabian Gulf to the east. Covering an area of approximately 2.15 million square kilometers (830,000 square miles), Saudi Arabia ranks as the 13th largest country in the world by land area, making it the largest country in the Arab world. Its vast territory encompasses diverse geographical features, from barren deserts to fertile plains and mountains.

The capital city, Riyadh, is located in the central region of the country and is the political, economic, and cultural hub. Other significant cities include Jeddah, the main port city on the Red Sea, and Mecca and Medina, the two holiest cities in Islam. Saudi Arabia is strategically positioned as a bridge between Africa and Asia and plays a pivotal role in the political and economic landscape of the Middle East.

Topography and Natural Features

The topography of Saudi Arabia is dominated by desert landscapes, with significant portions of the country covered by the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), the largest continuous sand desert in the world. The Empty Quarter spans much of the southeastern part of the country and consists of vast sand dunes, which can stretch hundreds of meters in height. Other notable deserts include the Nefud Desert in the north and the Dahna Desert in the central region.

In addition to its deserts, Saudi Arabia is also home to mountain ranges such as the Asir Mountains in the southwest, which are rich in biodiversity and have a much cooler and more temperate climate than the rest of the country. The highest peak in Saudi Arabia is Jabal Sawda, located near Abha, at an elevation of 3,133 meters (10,279 feet). These mountains are important for agriculture in the region, as their elevation provides more favorable conditions for farming.

Along the coastlines of the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia has developed key port cities, such as Jeddah and Dammam, which are vital to its trade and commerce. The Red Sea coast, in particular, is known for its rich coral reefs and marine life, contributing to the country’s potential for tourism and fishing.

Climate of Saudi Arabia

Desert Climate

Saudi Arabia experiences a hot desert climate, characterized by extreme heat during the summer and mild winters. The country’s vast deserts and arid conditions make water a scarce resource, and much of the population lives in cities that rely on desalinated water for daily needs. In the summer, temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), especially in the interior and southern regions, where the heat is compounded by the dry conditions and lack of shade.

The coastal regions along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf are somewhat moderated by the influence of the sea, making the climate in cities like Jeddah and Dammam slightly more tolerable, though still hot and humid during the summer. In the winter, temperatures drop, and the central and northern regions can experience colder nights, with temperatures sometimes dipping below freezing. The cooler months between November and February bring more moderate weather, and this period is often considered the best time to visit the country.

Rainfall and Dust Storms

Rainfall in Saudi Arabia is very limited and irregular, with most regions receiving less than 3 inches (75 mm) of rain annually. The wettest areas are found in the southwestern highlands, where the Asir Mountains receive more rainfall due to the monsoon winds that blow from the Indian Ocean. These areas are more conducive to agriculture due to the rainfall, which supports the cultivation of crops such as grains and vegetables.

The rest of the country, including cities like Riyadh, experiences arid conditions and very little rainfall. Occasionally, the country faces dust storms, especially in the desert regions, which can cause poor visibility and affect air quality. These dust storms can be particularly intense during the spring months, contributing to the harsh environmental conditions.

People of Saudi Arabia

Population and Demographics

Saudi Arabia has a population of around 35 million people, with a large proportion of the population being expatriates who work in the country, particularly in industries like construction, healthcare, and service sectors. Saudi citizens account for roughly 20-25% of the total population, while the rest are foreign nationals primarily from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.

The majority of the Saudi population is of Arab descent, and the country is home to diverse ethnicities, with smaller populations of South Asians, Southeast Asians, and Africans. The population is predominantly young, with a significant portion under the age of 30, reflecting the country’s high birth rate and young workforce.

Language and Religion

Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, and the vast majority of the population speaks it, with different dialects used across various regions. Modern Standard Arabic is used in official communication, media, and education, while local dialects such as Najdi Arabic (spoken in Riyadh and central Saudi Arabia) and Hijazi Arabic (common in the western region) are also widely spoken.

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and the religion holds a central place in the lives of its people. Islam’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, are located in Saudi Arabia, and millions of Muslims from around the world travel to the country each year for the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The majority of Saudis follow Sunni Islam, with a minority of Shia Muslims living primarily in the Eastern Province.

Islam is also the basis for Saudi Arabia’s legal and political systems, and the country operates under a strict interpretation of Islamic law, known as Sharia. Religious practices, such as daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and the observance of Islamic holidays, are integral to daily life in Saudi Arabia.

Education and Health

Education in Saudi Arabia is free and compulsory for children up to the age of 15. The country’s education system is highly influenced by Islamic teachings, and schools teach subjects such as Qur’anic studies, Arabic, and Islamic history alongside traditional subjects such as mathematics and science. There are separate educational institutions for men and women, although significant reforms in recent years have allowed for more opportunities for women in education and employment.

Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in higher education, with universities such as King Saud University and King Abdulaziz University offering a wide range of academic programs. The country also has numerous scholarship programs for students to study abroad, particularly in Western countries, to enhance their skills in specialized fields.

Healthcare in Saudi Arabia is also free for citizens, and the government has invested heavily in the expansion and modernization of the healthcare system. The country boasts a high standard of medical care, particularly in urban areas, where advanced hospitals and medical centers are available. However, access to healthcare in rural areas may be more limited, though ongoing efforts are being made to improve healthcare infrastructure across the country.

Economy of Saudi Arabia

Oil Industry and Energy Sector

Saudi Arabia’s economy is heavily dependent on oil, with the country possessing the second-largest proven oil reserves in the world and being the largest exporter of oil. The oil industry has long been the backbone of the Saudi economy, contributing a significant portion of the country’s GDP, exports, and government revenues. The state-owned oil company, Saudi Aramco, is the largest oil company in the world, and its operations span exploration, extraction, refining, and distribution of oil products.

The vast revenues generated from oil exports have allowed Saudi Arabia to invest in large-scale infrastructure projects, both domestically and internationally. The country’s wealth from oil has also enabled it to maintain a high standard of living, with significant investments in healthcare, education, and social services.

Saudi Arabia is also a key member of OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) and plays a significant role in shaping global oil prices. The country has faced challenges in recent years, including fluctuations in oil prices and global demand, but the oil sector remains the pillar of the economy.

Diversification Efforts

Recognizing the need to reduce its reliance on oil, Saudi Arabia has launched an ambitious economic diversification plan called Vision 2030. The goal of Vision 2030 is to modernize the economy by investing in other sectors such as technology, tourism, and entertainment, while also increasing private sector participation and decreasing public sector employment. The country aims to develop new industries such as renewable energy, manufacturing, and information technology.

Tourism is one of the sectors identified for growth under Vision 2030, with the government investing in the development of historical, cultural, and entertainment-based tourism. The introduction of tourist visas and the development of world-class attractions like the NEOM city project in the northwest of the country are steps toward boosting the country’s appeal as a tourist destination.

Challenges and Global Influence

Saudi Arabia’s economy faces several challenges, including the volatility of oil prices, unemployment rates, particularly among young people, and the need for greater private sector growth. While the government has implemented reforms to address these challenges, such as creating a more business-friendly environment and investing in non-oil industries, the country is still transitioning away from its oil-based economy.

On the global stage, Saudi Arabia plays a significant role in regional and international politics, with its strategic position in the Middle East, its leadership in OPEC, and its relationship with global powers like the United States and China. The country’s economic influence extends beyond oil, as it is a key player in trade, finance, and regional development.

Government of Saudi Arabia

Political System

Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, with a king serving as both the head of state and head of government. The current king, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, ascended the throne in 2015, succeeding his brother King Abdullah. The king holds vast powers, overseeing domestic policies, foreign relations, and military affairs. While there is no formal constitution, the Qur’an and the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad) serve as the guiding principles for the country’s laws.

The king appoints the Crown Prince, who is typically the next in line for the throne, and the government operates under a system that includes ministers and royal advisors. The royal family, the Al Saud family, holds significant influence in Saudi politics, and power is often passed down within the family. The country’s political system is highly centralized, and political parties are not allowed.

Legal System

Saudi Arabia’s legal system is based on Sharia law, derived from Islamic principles. The judiciary is independent but operates within the framework of Islamic law, with judges applying Sharia to civil, criminal, and family matters. Saudi Arabia’s legal system places a strong emphasis on maintaining social order, and it is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. Punishments for crimes under Sharia law can include corporal punishment, such as flogging, as well as the death penalty for more serious offenses, such as murder or apostasy.

The legal system is often a source of controversy, particularly regarding its treatment of women and religious minorities. However, in recent years, the Saudi government has introduced legal reforms to modernize the system, including efforts to protect women’s rights and reduce the use of corporal punishment.

Culture of Saudi Arabia

Arts and Music

Saudi Arabia has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its Islamic traditions, Bedouin culture, and regional Arab influences. Traditional Saudi music includes genres like the “sawt,” a genre of music based on rhythmic poetry, and the “samri,” a type of poetry and music common among the Bedouins. While music has historically been restricted in public spaces due to conservative views, the country has seen a shift in recent years, with the government encouraging the development of entertainment and cultural industries.

Modern Saudi Arabia is increasingly embracing contemporary music and the arts, with the government’s Vision 2030 plan supporting cultural events, concerts, and festivals. The country now hosts international musicians and artists, and has begun hosting film screenings and theatre performances, both domestic and international.

Festivals and Traditions

Saudi Arabia’s cultural calendar is shaped by its Islamic heritage, with major religious events like Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr being celebrated with grand festivities. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, and the end of the month is marked by Eid, a festival that includes prayers, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. The Hajj pilgrimage, which millions of Muslims undertake annually to Mecca, is also central to the country’s religious life and culture.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has worked to diversify its cultural offerings with events like the Riyadh Season, a massive entertainment and cultural festival that features concerts, theater productions, and sports events. These efforts are part of the broader cultural transformation under Vision 2030, which aims to broaden the scope of entertainment options in the country.

Cuisine

Saudi cuisine reflects the country’s Bedouin heritage and its position in the Arabian Peninsula. Traditional dishes often include rice, lamb, chicken, and dates, along with a variety of spices such as cumin, turmeric, and saffron. One of the most popular dishes in Saudi Arabia is “kabsa,” a spiced rice and meat dish that is often served with vegetables and a rich sauce.

Saudi food is typically hearty and designed for communal eating. Bread, such as “khubz,” is a staple, and meals are often shared with family and friends. In addition to rice dishes, grilled meats, stews, and soups are common. Sweets like “baklava” and “kunafa” are enjoyed, particularly during Ramadan.

History of Saudi Arabia

Pre-Islamic and Islamic Era

Before the advent of Islam, the Arabian Peninsula was home to a variety of tribes and cultures. The region’s strategic position made it a crossroads for trade between Asia, Africa, and Europe. The rise of Islam in the 7th century brought profound changes to the region. Prophet Muhammad, born in Mecca, unified the Arabian tribes under Islam, which rapidly spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.

The Al Saud Dynasty

The foundation of modern Saudi Arabia traces back to the 18th century, when Muhammad ibn Saud, the founder of the Al Saud dynasty, forged an alliance with the religious leader Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhab, whose interpretation of Islam, known as Wahhabism, became the basis of Saudi Arabia’s religious and political framework.

The modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was officially founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud after he successfully unified the various tribal regions of the Arabian Peninsula. His descendants have ruled the country since then, with a focus on consolidating power and developing the state into a significant political and economic force.

Oil and Modernization

The discovery of vast oil reserves in the late 1930s transformed Saudi Arabia into one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The revenues from oil exports allowed the kingdom to modernize rapidly, building infrastructure, hospitals, schools, and other critical institutions. The ruling family has maintained its grip on power, while also navigating challenges such as the Gulf War, regional conflicts, and international pressures. The government continues to manage the oil wealth to influence regional and global politics while pushing for diversification and modernization through Vision 2030.