Overview of Saudi Arabia
Overview of Saudi Arabia Last updated on Sunday 25th April 2010
Official name
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Al-Mamlaka al-Arabiya as-Saudiya)
Capital
Riyadh (4.300.000 people, estimation of 2001)
Population
17,050,934 (1992 estimate)
Population density
7.3 per sq. km / 18.9 per sq. mi.
Population distribution
77.3% urban, 22.7% rural
Land area
2,331,000 sq. km (900,000 sq. mi.)
Physical Features
Deserts, Plateaux, Mountains
Highest Point
Jabal Sawda
Type of government
Monarchy
Legislature
Consultative Council appointed by the King
Highest Court
Supreme Council of Justice
Political subdivisions
14 emirates
Official language
Arabic, but English is widely spoken in commerce and business
Official religion
Islam
Saudi Arabia does not allow the practice of any other religion within its borders.
Literacy (1990)
62.4% of adult population
Universities (1989)
7
Hospital beds (1988)
32,371
Life expectancy (1992)
Women, 68
Men, 65
Infant mortality (1992)
59 per 1000 live births
GDP (1991 est)
$104 billion
$5800 per capita
Foreign trade (1990)
Imports $21.5 billion
Exports $44.3 billion
Currency
Saudi riyal
Railroads
893km (555 mi.)
Roads (1988)
92,802km (57,644 mi.)
Major ports
7
Major airfields
7
Weights & measures
Metric
Power
Both 110 and 220 volts, 60 cycles AC
380 volts is used for industrial purposes
Working hours
Government: 7:30am-2: 30pm
Private businesses and shops: about 9:30am-2: 00pm, and about 5:00pm-10:00pm.
The workweek begins on Saturday and runs through to Wednesday or Thursday.
Official holidays
Friday is the Islamic day of rest, corresponding to Sunday in the west.
Government offices are also closed on Thursdays.
Public holidays
There are two every year: Eid Al Fitr which comes after the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting; and Eid Al Adha which is during the month of pilgrimage or Hajj.
Flag
Green Banner of Islam, bearing the inscription: "There is no God but God; and Muhammad is his Messenger". The sword was added in 1906, symbolizing the military successes of Islam and of Ibn Saud, founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Anthem
Sarei Lil Majd Walaya
Time zone
GMT +3 hours
International dialing code
+966