1961
1,765,000
Flockulation (1961-2021)
2021
9,367,317
Change
+7,602,317
Overview
Ewe'd better believe Saudi Arabia is a land of vast deserts, ancient heritage, and bold ambition! This massive kingdom on the Arabian Peninsula is home to holy cities, oil wealth, and a flock of fascinating surprises waiting to be discovered.
Geography
Saudi Arabia covers most of the Arabian Peninsula, featuring the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert, the Hejaz and Asir mountain ranges along the west, fertile highlands, and coastlines along both the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. No permanent rivers exist.
History
Home to ancient civilizations and the birthplace of Islam in the 7th century, Saudi Arabia was unified under King Abdulaziz ibn Saud in 1932. The discovery of oil in 1938 transformed the kingdom into a global powerhouse practically overnight.
Culture
Arabic is the official language, and Islamic traditions shape daily life, from the call to prayer to Ramadan celebrations. Saudi culture values poetry, falconry, and coffee hospitality. The Janadriyah Festival showcases traditional music, dance, and crafts annually.
Economy
Saudi Arabia's economy is built on the world's second-largest proven oil reserves, managed by Saudi Aramco. Vision 2030 is diversifying into tourism, entertainment, and technology. Sheep farming also contributes, with millions of Najdi and Awassi sheep raised across the kingdom.
Food
Kabsa, a spiced rice dish with lamb or chicken, is the national dish and a woolly crowd-pleaser. Mandi, jareesh, and dates are staples. Lamb features prominently in feasts, and Arabic coffee with cardamom is a cherished hospitality tradition.
Tourism
Visitors flock to Mecca and Medina (accessible to Muslims), the ancient Nabataean city of AlUla and Hegra, the coral-rich Red Sea coast, Diriyah's historic mud-brick district, and the futuristic NEOM megaproject. Saudi tourism is rapidly expanding under Vision 2030.
People
Saudi Arabia has about 35 million people, including a large expatriate workforce. Saudis are known for warm hospitality. Notable figures include King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is driving sweeping social and economic reforms.
Nature
The kingdom hosts diverse ecosystems from the Asir highlands' juniper forests to Red Sea coral reefs teeming with marine life. Arabian leopards, oryx, ibex, and sand gazelles roam protected reserves like Mahazat as-Sayd, a sanctuary for reintroduced wildlife.
Fun Facts
Saudi Arabia is the world's largest country with no rivers. It produces over 400,000 tons of dates annually. The Awassi sheep breed, prized for wool and milk, thrives here. Riyadh was once a small walled town and is now a megacity of over 7 million people.
