Flag of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

Middle East

Saudi Arabia is a country in Middle East, home to 34.6 million people, with an area of 2,149,690 km². Its capital is Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia
Capital
Riyadh
Population
34.6 million
Area
2,149,690 km²
Region
Middle East
Density
16.1 / km²
Status
Sovereign state
Saudi Arabia · Middle East · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Saudi Arabia is known for

Saudi Arabia is best known for Madain Saleh, The Edge of the World and Red Sea coast.

Saudi Arabia is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen. It is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, covering an area of approximately 2.15 million square kilometers.

Saudi Arabia at a glance

Language
Arabic is the official language, with English widely spoken
Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Religion
Islam is the predominant religion in Saudi Arabia, with the majority of the population adhering to the Sunni branch
National dish
Kabsa, a traditional dish of rice and meat, is considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia
Climate
Saudi Arabia has a desert climate with high temperatures and low precipitation. The temperature can reach up to 50°C in summer
Main industries
Petroleum and petrochemicals are the main industries in Saudi Arabia, with the country being the largest oil producer and exporter in the world. Other industries include construction, mining, and agriculture
GDP
$1.9 trillion (nominal, 2020 estimate)
Development
Saudi Arabia is considered a high-income economy and is classified as a developing country. Its human development index (HDI) ranking is 65 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Saudi Arabia

Some of the main tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia include:

  • Al-Masjid al-Haram: the holiest site in Islam, located in the city of Mecca and home to the Kaaba.
  • Madain Saleh an ancient Nabatean city located in the Al-Ula region, known for its well-preserved tombs and rock-cut monuments.
  • Al-Turaif District: a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Diriyah, featuring traditional Najd-style architecture and historic buildings.
  • The Edge of the World a popular hiking and camping spot located on a rocky escarpment overlooking the desert.
  • Al-Ula: a historic oasis town located in the northwest of the country, known for its ancient ruins and stunning natural beauty.
  • Red Sea coast a popular destination for diving and snorkeling, with a diverse range of marine life and coral reefs.
  • Al Wahbah Crater a volcanic crater located in the western part of the country, surrounded by a vast expanse of white salt.
  • Riyadh National Museum a museum in the capital city that showcases the history and culture of Saudi Arabia.
  • King Fahd Causeway a bridge connecting Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.
  • Jeddah Old Town a historic district in the city of Jeddah, known for its traditional architecture and vibrant street art scene.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Saudi Arabia has to offer. The country is also known for its rich cuisine, traditional arts and crafts, and vibrant festivals and celebrations.

Saudi Arabia in pictures

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia on video

The player loads when you press play — nothing is requested from the video host before that.

Saudi Arabia compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Middle East.

CountryPopulationAreaCapital
Flag of IraqIraq46 million438,317 km²Baghdad
Flag of YemenYemen40.6 million527,968 km²Sanaa
Flag of Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia34.6 million2,149,690 km²Riyadh
Flag of SyriaSyria24.7 million185,180 km²Damascus

Ranked 45th of 195 countries by population and 12th by area.

Questions about Saudi Arabia

What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?

The capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh.

How many people live in Saudi Arabia?

About 34.6 million people. Ranked 45th of 195 countries by population and 12th by area.

How big is Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km², in Middle East.

What is Saudi Arabia known for?

Saudi Arabia is best known for Madain Saleh, The Edge of the World and Red Sea coast.

What language is spoken in Saudi Arabia?

Arabic is the official language, with English widely spoken.

What currency is used in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Riyal (SAR).

Is Saudi Arabia a country?

Yes. Saudi Arabia is a sovereign state and is counted among the 195 countries this generator draws from.

Keep going