Facts and Figures about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

  • The official name of the country is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

  • Islam is the official religion. The population is predominantly Sunni Muslim, with Shia Muslim communities concentrated mainly in the Eastern Province.

  • Arabic is the official language. English is widely used in business, education, and international trade.

  • Saudi Arabia is a leading global energy producer, holding the second-largest proven oil reserves in the world. Oil and gas remain the primary sources of government revenue and exports.

  • The total population is approximately 36.3 million (2024 estimates), with Saudi citizens representing around 63% of the population and expatriates making up about 37%.

  • Riyadh is the capital and political center, while cities such as Jeddah and Dammam serve as major commercial, industrial, and port hubs.

  • The Kingdom places significant emphasis on education, providing free schooling for Saudi citizens from primary to higher education. Adult literacy rates exceed 95%.

  • The climate is predominantly desert, with very hot summers, mild winters, and low annual rainfall. Some highland and southern regions receive moderate precipitation.

  • Historically, the Kingdom’s economy was based on agriculture, trade, and pilgrimage, before the discovery of oil in the 1930s transformed its economy and global influence.

  • Saudi Arabia is a monarchy with a rich cultural heritage rooted in Islamic tradition, Arabic language, and Bedouin customs.

  • Major national initiatives, including Saudi Vision 2030, aim to diversify the economy, modernize infrastructure, develop human capital, and promote tourism, culture, and innovation.

This summary provides a concise overview of the Kingdom’s demographics, religion, language, economy, education, climate, and governance for informational purposes.