Saudi Arabia is a country located in the Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf to the east and the Red Sea to the west. It is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula and the world's largest oil exporter.

Saudi Arabia has a population of around 34 million people, and its official language is Arabic. The majority of the population practices Islam, and the country is home to the two holiest sites in Islam: Mecca and Medina. The government is an absolute monarchy, and the current monarch is King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The economy of Saudi Arabia is heavily dependent on the oil industry, which accounts for around 90% of the country's export earnings and over half of its gross domestic product (GDP). The government has taken steps to diversify the economy through initiatives such as Vision 2030, which aims to reduce the country's dependence on oil and develop other industries such as tourism and technology.

Saudi Arabia is also known for its strict social laws, which are based on conservative interpretations of Islamic law. Women in particular face significant restrictions on their rights and freedoms, although there have been some recent reforms aimed at increasing women's participation in the workforce and public life.

Saudi Arabia has played an important role in regional and international affairs, particularly as a major player in the global oil market. It has also been involved in a number of regional conflicts, including the ongoing war in Yemen. The country maintains close ties with the United States, which is a major arms supplier and strategic ally.

Telephone Code
966

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 997; Fire: 998; Police: 999

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Vaccinations required for certain visa classes. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes

Currency (Code)
Saudi riyals (SAR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages
Arabic

Major Religions
Muslim (85-90% Sunni and 10-15% Shia), other (includes Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh); note: most forms of public religious expression inconsistent with the government-sanctioned interpretation of Sunni Islam are restricted

Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
National Museum of Saudi Arabia; Jamaraat Bridge; Mada’in Salih; King's Fountain; Dumat al-Jandal; Al-Turaif District

Major Sports
Soccer, camel racing, wrestling

Cultural Practices
Do not point at people, better to keep hands flattened and gesture instead.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 10-15% is expected for good service. Tip a porter/bellhop $1-2 (USD) per bag and a housekeeper $2 (USD) per day.

Souvenirs
Oud perfume, dried dates, olive oil, woven wool prayer rugs, oil lamps or incense burners, frankincense and myrrh incense

Traditional Cuisine
Kabsa — water used to cook meat or fish is re-used to cook rice to impart flavor; the dish can be made with chicken, lamb, camel meat, fish, or shrimp; the meat or fish is usually placed on top of the rice and served on a large platter

Geography
Area
total: 2,149,690 sq km
land: 2,149,690 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes

Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper

People and Society
Population
35,939,806 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%

Languages
Arabic (official)

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.)

Population growth rate
1.65% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
absolute monarchy

Capital
name: Riyadh

Economy
Economic overview
high-income, oil-based Middle Eastern economy; OPEC leader; diversifying portfolio; declining per-capita incomes; young labor force; key human capital gaps; heavy bureaucracy and increasing corruption; substantial poverty; low innovation economy

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$1.594 trillion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$44,300 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
milk, dates, poultry, fruit, watermelons, barley, wheat, potatoes, eggs, tomatoes

Industries
crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, construction

Exports
$286.502 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
China 20%, India 11%, Japan 11%, South Korea 9%, United States 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, polymers, industrial alcohols, natural gas (2019)

Imports
$213.016 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 18%, United Arab Emirates 12%, United States 9%, Germany 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
cars, broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, telephones (2019)