Saudi Arabia is located on the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East, bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south. To the west, it is flanked by the Red Sea, and to the east, by the Persian Gulf.
Geography
Climate
Saudi Arabia’s climate varies across its vast expanse, but it is predominantly arid desert. Summers are extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 45°C (113°F) in the interior regions, while winters are mild in the coastal areas and cooler in the desert. Precipitation is scarce, particularly in the central and eastern regions.
Fauna
The fauna of Saudi Arabia is adapted to its arid environment. Wildlife includes Arabian oryx, gazelles, and Nubian ibex in the desert regions, while marine life thrives in the coastal waters, including dolphins, dugongs, and various species of fish.
Longest Rivers
Saudi Arabia has few permanent rivers due to its arid climate. The longest river is the Wadi Al-Rummah, but it is typically dry for much of the year. Most of the water in the country comes from underground aquifers and desalination plants.
Highest Mountains
The highest peak in Saudi Arabia is Jabal Sawda, standing at approximately 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) above sea level. It is part of the Asir Mountains in the southwest region of the country.
History
Prehistory
Saudi Arabia has a rich prehistoric heritage, with evidence of human activity dating back tens of thousands of years. The region was inhabited by ancient civilizations, including the Nabateans, who built the city of Petra, and the Lihyanites, who left behind impressive inscriptions in the northwestern desert.
Ancient Kingdoms
In ancient times, the Arabian Peninsula was home to several powerful kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Lihyan, the Kingdom of Nabatea, and the Kingdom of Kindah. These civilizations thrived due to their control over trade routes connecting the Mediterranean world with the Indian Ocean.
Islamic History
The rise of Islam in the 7th century brought profound changes to the Arabian Peninsula. Mecca and Medina, located in present-day Saudi Arabia, became the holiest cities in Islam, and the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings laid the foundation for a unified Arab state.
Modern Age
In the 18th century, the Al Saud dynasty emerged in central Arabia, eventually establishing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 under the leadership of King Abdulaziz Al Saud. Since then, the country has experienced rapid modernization and economic development, fueled by its vast oil reserves.
Demographics
Population
Saudi Arabia has a population of approximately 34.8 million people, with a significant portion being expatriates. The population is predominantly young, with a large percentage under the age of 30.
Ethnicity and Language
The majority of the population is of Arab descent, with various tribal affiliations. Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, although English is widely spoken, especially in business and education.
Religion
Islam is the state religion of Saudi Arabia, and the majority of the population adheres to the Sunni branch of Islam. The country is home to the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina, which attract millions of pilgrims from around the world each year.
Administrative Divisions and Population
Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 administrative regions, each governed by a prince appointed by the king. Here are the first-level administrative divisions along with their populations:
- Riyadh Region – Population: 8.3 million
- Makkah Region – Population: 8.2 million
- Eastern Province – Population: 5.1 million
- Asir Region – Population: 2.2 million
- Madinah Region – Population: 2 million
- Qassim Region – Population: 1.4 million
- Tabuk Region – Population: 1.3 million
- Hail Region – Population: 0.8 million
- Jazan Region – Population: 1.7 million
- Najran Region – Population: 0.7 million
- Al Bahah Region – Population: 0.5 million
- Northern Border Region – Population: 0.6 million
- Al Jawf Region – Population: 0.5 million
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Riyadh
- Jeddah
- Mecca
- Medina
- Dammam
- Ta’if
- Buraidah
- Khobar
- Tabuk
- Khamis Mushait
Education Systems
Free Education
Education is free at all levels for Saudi citizens, from primary school to university. The government invests heavily in education, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Top Universities
Saudi Arabia is home to several prestigious universities, including King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. These institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and are renowned for their research facilities and academic excellence.
Transportation
Airports
Saudi Arabia has a well-developed air transportation system, with numerous airports serving domestic and international flights. Major airports include King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
Railways
The Kingdom is investing heavily in railway infrastructure, with the Haramain High-Speed Rail connecting Mecca and Medina, and the Riyadh Metro under construction. The total length of railways in Saudi Arabia is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
Highways
Saudi Arabia has an extensive network of highways and roads, connecting cities and regions across the country. The Kingdom is also investing in major infrastructure projects, such as the construction of new highways and the expansion of existing ones.
Country Facts
- Population: 34.8 million
- Capital: Riyadh
- Official Language: Arabic
- Religion: Islam (Sunni)
- Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
- ISO Country Codes: SA, SAU
- International Calling Code: +966
- Top-Level Domain: .sa