Saudi Arabia
The Country of the Week
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Riyadh
- Population
- 36,544,431 (2024 est.)
- Area
- 2,149,690 sq km
- Government
- absolute monarchy
- Religions
- Muslim (official; citizens are 85-90% Sunni and 10-12% Shia), other (includes Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh) (2020 est.)
- Ethnic Groups
- Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%
- Currency
- Saudi riyals (SAR)
- Life Expectancy
- 77.2 years (2024 est.)
- Internet Domain
- .sa
- Climate
- harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes
- Terrain
- mostly sandy desert
- Natural Resources
- petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper
- Major Exports
- crude petroleum, refined petroleum, plastics, alcohols, ships (2023)
Source: CIA World Factbook (public domain)
Overview
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.