A Brief Description
The founder of modern Saudi Arabia, Abd al-Aziz, captured Riyadh at the turn of the 20th century, and began his efforts to unify the many factions on the Arabian Peninsula. It took many decades but he enjoyed a large measure of success.
One of his many sons, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, rules the country today, and in fact, irrevocable Saudi law dictates that the throne of Saudi Arabia must remain in the hands of the sons and grandsons of the founder.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Middle East, is 95% desert, including the Rub' Al Khali, the biggest mass of sand on the planet.
In 1937 (near Riyadh) large oil reserves were discovered, and today, the country is the world's largest producer and exporter of oil.
Saudi Arabia (to its credit) still uses much of the profits from that industry to improve the infrastructure of the country and the lives of its people.
As an example; with an overall lack of rain and fresh water, it successfully (and very expensively) constructed the world's largest desalination plant on the shores of the Persian Gulf.
It's a strictly Muslim land and home to both Medina and Mecca, Islam's holiest cities, and each year an estimated two-million Muslims take part in the Hajj pilgrimage.
The Hajj is one of the five pillars, or duties, of the Islamic faith, requiring all able-bodied Muslims to make the journey to Mecca, the birthplace of the prophet Mohammed, at least once in their lifetime.
For additional info on this most fascinating land, click here
Worshippers at Kaba, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
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Facts and Figures
 Name Saudi Arabia
(long form) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Population 26,417,600
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Riyadh (3.2 million)
Currency Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Currency Converter
here
Languages Arabic
Flag here
National Day September 23
Religions Muslim (100%)
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
24º 39' N, 46º 46' E
Relative Location Saudi Arabia, located directly on the Tropic of Cancer, is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, and the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and the Gulf of
Aqaba.
Land Statistics
Coastline 1,640 miles (2,640 km)
Land Areas
(land) 756,985 sq miles (1,960,582 sq km)
(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)
(TOTAL) 756,985 sq miles (1,960,582 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms
Saudi Arabia is for the most part an uninhabited desert land, which includes the Rub' Al Khali Desert, the biggest mass of sand on the planet, and the An-Nafud Desert - where sand dunes often exceed 100 ft. in height.
The land (desert) rises into hills and mountains in the west and southwest, along the edges of the Red Sea. Mountain ranges include the Hejaz in the northwest, and the Azir in the southwest.
There are no perennial lakes or rivers.
 Highest Point Jabal Sawda' - 10,279 ft. (3,133 m)
 Lowest Point Persian Gulf - (0 ft.) (0 m)
Land Divisions 13 provinces, including: Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah, Al Jawf, Al Madinah, Al Qasim, Ar Riyad, Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern Province), 'Asir, Ha'il, Jizan, Makkah, Najran and Tabuk.
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We make no copyright claim on any statistical data on this page, nor on any non-original graphics, and/or pictures not produced by us. Certain statistical data is gathered from the CIA World Factbook, as well as numerous public domain reference materials.
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Maps
Saudi Arabia (large color) Map here
Saudi Arabia Outline Map here
Saudi Arabia CIA version here
Saudi Arabia Maps at UT here
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Asia Continent (printable) here
Asia Outline Map here
Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here
Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here
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Indian Subcontinent Map here
Middle East Landforms here
Middle East Map here
Middle East Outline Map here
Middle East Rivers here
Ring of Fire Map here
Tsunami Map (December 2004) here
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World Outline Maps (printable) here
World Time Zone Map here
Recommended Links
Saudi Arabia (Complete) info on the (GDP)
economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here
Saudi Arabia Embassy (Washington DC) here
Saudi Arabia History here
Saudi Arabia Photos at TrekEarth.com here
Saudi Arabia Photos (Mecca) here
A group of Arab men!
Travel the World through Poster Art!
Time and Weather
Climate
Saudi Arabia is hot and dry throughout the year, with very little rainfall. In fact, there are areas in the country that may not experience rainfall for several years.
The brief winter months (early December - February) do bring some mild cooling, especially along the western and southwestern coastlines..
Traveler Info
Attractions
In 2006, there is an on-going, very high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. Most experts agree that further attacks are inevitable, so Westerners are warned to avoid tourism-related travel to Saudi Arabia, if at all possible.
Business travelers are asked to take the necessary steps to protect their personal safety and to ask about, and then adhere to, strict security procedures. For those that do enter the country, Islamic law is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia and all American travelers should visit this site before traveling to any country in the Middle East.
Major points-of-interest include the central desert region, and the royal capital city of Riyahd. The fascinating holy cities of Jedda and Mecca are closed to non-Muslim travelers.
Country Dialing Code 966
Electricity Saudi Arabia uses 127/220 volts AC (60 Hz)
Electrical adapters, products and tips here
Travel Warnings
here
Visa Information
here
 PLEASE
NOTE:
Before making travel plans for any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate important details regarding visas, local health care, customs, etc. We always find it helpful to contact the nearest consulate of any country before beginning a journey into a foreign land.
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