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.