Overview of Saudi Arabia

Profile

Saudi Arabia occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula and is a coastal nation facing both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. With the world's second-largest oil reserves and enormous production capacity, it plays a central role in OPEC and, as the only Arab member of the G20, wields significant influence over international economics and energy security. Its political system is an absolute monarchy based on Wahhabism, with the House of Saud leading national governance. In recent years, under the banner of "Vision 2030," it has been transforming toward a post-oil economy focusing on tourism, high-tech, and renewable energy. The country has begun opening its doors to tourists beyond Muslim pilgrims (Hajj and Umrah), with mega-projects like the futuristic city "NEOM" underway across various regions.

Official name: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Common name: Saudi Arabia
Numeric code: 682
Alpha-3 code: SAU
Alpha-2 code: SA
Population: Approximately 36 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 17 people/km²
Primary languages: Arabic
Major religions: Islam (Sunni majority)
National anthem: Aash Al Maleek (Long Live the King)
Calling code: +966
Internet TLD: .sa

History

After the founding of the First Saudi State in 1744 and subsequent rises and falls, the current kingdom was established in 1932.

The origin of the modern kingdom traces back to the alliance between the House of Saud in central Arabia's Najd region and religious leader Ibn Abd al-Wahhab, which initiated the Wahhabi movement. The First and Second Saudi States experienced cycles of collapse and revival through conflicts with the Ottoman Empire and Egyptian forces. In 1902, Abdulaziz (Ibn Saud) recaptured Riyadh and expanded his territory, unifying Hejaz and Najd to found the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on September 23, 1932. The discovery of oil fields in 1938 and the post-war oil boom transformed it into an economic powerhouse. Oil and geopolitics have shaped the nation's course through events such as the 1973 oil shock, the 1990 Gulf War, and the 2016 announcement of Vision 2030.

Geography & climate

Most of the country consists of deserts and gravel plains. The Hejaz and Asir mountain ranges run north-south along the west, with coral reefs developed along the Red Sea coast.

Subtropical arid (desert climate, BWh)

Area: Asia / 2149690 km²
Capital: Riyadh
Largest city: Riyadh
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen

Natural resources

Crude oil, Natural gas, Gold, Phosphate, Copper, Iron ore, Barite, Uranium, Limestone, Silica sand

Politics

Government: Absolute monarchy (monarchy based on Islamic law)

Economy

Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)

GDP (nominal): Approximately 1.11 trillion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): Approximately 2.04 trillion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Arabic

Time zone: Arabia Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Arab Saudis, Hasawis (Eastern Shia), Asir mountain tribes, Najdi tribes, Red Sea coastal Hejazis, Asian expatriates, Afro-Saudis

Life expectancy

Approximately 75 years

Literacy rate

97%

National sports

Football (soccer), Camel racing, Endurance horse riding, Falconry, Cricket, Basketball, Athletics