What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?

Riyadh (Al-Riyadh) is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, with a metropolitan population of over 7 million people.

What is the population of Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia's population is approximately 36–37 million people (2024 estimate), including a large expatriate workforce that makes up roughly 38% of residents.

What currency does Saudi Arabia use?

Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi Riyal (SAR), subdivided into 100 halalas. The Riyal has been pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 3.75 SAR per USD since 1986.

What language is spoken in Saudi Arabia?

Arabic is the official language. Gulf Arabic (Khaleeji) is the main spoken dialect. English is widely used in business, government, and education.

What type of government does Saudi Arabia have?

Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy governed under Islamic law (Sharia). The King serves as head of state, head of government, and commander in chief. There is no elected parliament.

Where is Saudi Arabia located?

Saudi Arabia occupies the majority of the Arabian Peninsula in southwestern Asia. It borders Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE to the east, Oman and Yemen to the south, and the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba to the west.

Saudi Arabia Country Facts

Name: Saudi Arabia Country Facts
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Instant reference for key facts about Saudi Arabia — capital, population, area, currency, language, government, and more.

Overview

Official Name

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Capital

Riyadh (Al-Riyadh)

Continent

Asia (Arabian Peninsula)

Region

Middle East / Western Asia

Country Code

SA / SAU

Calling Code

+966

Geography

Total Area

2,149,690 km² (830,000 sq mi)

Rank by Area

12th largest country in the world

Borders

Jordan & Iraq (N), Kuwait/Qatar/UAE/Bahrain (E), Oman & Yemen (S)

Coastline

Red Sea (W), Persian Gulf (E)

Highest Point

Jabal Sawda — 3,133 m (10,279 ft)

Major Desert

Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter)

Climate

Hot desert (BWh) — extreme heat, low rainfall

Time Zone

AST — UTC+3 (no daylight saving)

Coordinates (approx. center)

25° N, 45° E

People & Language

Population

~36–37 million (2024 est.)

Expatriate Share

~38% of residents are non-nationals

Official Language

Arabic

Widely Spoken Dialect

Gulf Arabic (Khaleeji)

Major Religion

Islam (~97% Muslim; official state religion)

Demonym

Saudi / Saudi Arabian

Holy Cities

Mecca and Medina

Largest City

Riyadh (~7.7 million metro area)

Government

Government Type

Absolute monarchy under Islamic law

Legal System

Islamic law (Sharia) with civil code elements

Legislature

Shura Council — 150 appointed members (advisory)

National Day

September 23, 1932 (Unification Day)

UN Member Since

1945 (founding member)

Major Alliance

GCC founding member (1981)

Economy

Currency

Saudi Riyal (SAR) — 3.75 per USD (fixed)

GDP (nominal)

~$1.06 trillion USD (2023 est.)

GDP per Capita

~$28,600 USD (2023 est.)

Key Industries

Petroleum, petrochemicals, construction, tourism

Oil Reserves

~267 billion barrels (2nd largest globally)

Internet TLD

.sa / .السعودية

Driving Side

Right

Vision 2030

National reform plan to diversify beyond oil

Summary

Instant reference for key facts about Saudi Arabia — capital, population, area, currency, language, government, and more.

How it works

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Use cases

Students researching Saudi Arabia for school or university assignments.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-24 · Reviewed by Nham Vu