World · permanent entity record · SA

Saudi Arabia

Thirty-second orientation

Saudi Arabia at a glance

Capital: Riyadh; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 36,973,555; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 2,149,690 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Saudi(s); adjective: Saudi or Saudi Arabian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: absolute monarchy; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Languages: Arabic (official); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Saudi Arabia through time

1945-10-24
Admitted to the United Nations
Saudi Arabia became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	36,973,555World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 36,544,431 (2024 est.) male: 20,700,838 female: 15,843,593CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-12

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $1.28 trillion; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $34,537; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 79.0 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 84.6%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 100.0%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 100.0%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Source footnote: Source and notes: Communications, Space and Technology Commission, Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Riyadh; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 2,149,690 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 36,973,555; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Source footnote: Extrapolated assuming the same growth rate as previous year. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: Saudi riyals (SAR); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
Languages: Arabic (official); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Saudi(s); adjective: Saudi or Saudi Arabian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: absolute monarchy; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1945-10-24; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: Asia; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Middle East.”
Coastline: 2,640 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Religions: Muslim (official; citizens are 85-90% Sunni and 10-12% Shia), other (includes Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh) (2020 est.) note: despite having a large expatriate community of various faiths (more than 30% of the population), most forms of public religious expression inconsistent with the government-sanctioned interpretation of Sunni Islam are restricted; non-Muslims are not allowed to have Saudi citizenship and non-Muslim places of worship are not permitted (2013); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: green, white; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: palm tree over two crossed swords; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: As Sarawat range · 9,843 ft (3,000 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Persian Gulf · 0 ft (0 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-12Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Not a member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-12 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

Background: Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman AL SAUD (Ibn Saud) founded the modern Saudi state in 1932 after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. One of his male descendants rules the country today, as required by the country's 1992 Basic Law. After Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia took in the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees, while allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil and liberate Kuwait the following year. Major terrorist attacks in 2003 spurred a strong ongoing campaign against domestic terrorism and extremism. US troops returned to the Kingdom in 2019 after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure. From 2005 to 2015, King ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud incrementally modernized the Kingdom through a series of social and economic initiatives that included expanding employment and social opportunities for women, attracting foreign investment, increasing the private sector's role in the economy, and discouraging the hiring of foreign workers. Saudi Arabia saw some protests during the 2011 Arab Spring but not the level of bloodshed seen in protests elsewhere in the region; Riyadh took a cautious but firm approach, arresting and quickly releasing some protesters and using its state-sponsored clerics to counter political and Islamist activism. The government held its first-ever elections in 2005 and 2011, when Saudis voted for municipal councilors. King ABDALLAH's reforms accelerated under King SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz, who ascended to the throne in 2015 and lifted the Kingdom's ban on women driving, implemented education reforms, funded green initiatives, and allowed cinemas to operate for the first time in decades. In 2015, women were allowed to vote and stand as candidates for the first time in municipal elections, with 19 women winning seats. King SALMAN initially named his nephew, MUHAMMAD BIN NAYIF bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, as the Crown Prince, but a palace coup in 2017 resulted in King SALMAN's son, Deputy Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, taking over as Crown Prince. King SALMAN appointed MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN as prime minister in 2022. In 2015, Saudi Arabia led a coalition of 10 countries in a military campaign to restore Yemen's legitimate government, which had been ousted by Houthi forces. The war in Yemen has drawn international criticism for civilian casualties and its effect on the country’s dire humanitarian situation. The same year, MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN announced that Saudi Arabia would lead a multi-nation Islamic Coalition to fight terrorism, and in 2017, Saudi Arabia inaugurated the Global Center for Combatting Extremist Ideology (also known as "Etidal"). The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and holds about 17% of the world's proven oil reserves as of 2020. The government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification -- particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in 2005 -- and promotes foreign investment in the Kingdom. In 2016, the Saudi Government announced broad socio-economic reforms known as Vision 2030. Low global oil prices in 2015 and 2016 significantly lowered Saudi Arabia’s governmental revenue, prompting cuts to subsidies on water, electricity, and gasoline; reduced government-employee compensation; and new land taxes. In coordination with OPEC and some key non-OPEC countries, Saudi Arabia agreed to cut oil output in 2017 to regulate supply and help boost global prices. In 2020, this agreement collapsed, and Saudi Arabia launched a price war by flooding the market with low-priced oil before returning to the negotiating table to agree to a major output cut that helped buoy prices.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Geography19 fields

Location: Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of Yemen; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Geographic coordinates: 25 00 N, 45 00 E; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Map references: Middle East; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Area: total : 2,149,690 sq km land: 2,149,690 sq km water: 0 sq km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Area - comparative: slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Land boundaries: total: 4,272 km border countries (7): Iraq 811 km; Jordan 731 km; Kuwait 221 km; Oman 658 km; Qatar 87 km; UAE 457 km; Yemen 1,307 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Coastline: 2,640 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 18 nm continental shelf: not specified; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Climate: harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Terrain: mostly sandy desert; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Elevation: highest point: As Sarawat range, 3,000 m lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m mean elevation: 665 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 80.8% (2023 est.) arable land: 1.6% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 79.1% (2023 est.) forest: 1.3% (2023 est.) other: 17.9% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Irrigated land: 7,575 sq km (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Major aquifers: Arabian Aquifer System; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Population distribution: historically a population that was mostly nomadic or semi-nomadic, the Saudi population has become more settled since oil was discovered in the 1930s; most of the country's population is now concentrated in a wide area across the middle of the peninsula, from Ad Dammam in the east through Riyadh in the interior to Mecca-Medina in the west near the Red Sea; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Natural hazards: frequent sand and dust storms volcanism: little activity in the past few centuries, despite many volcanic formations; volcanoes include Harrat Rahat, Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Lunayyir, and Jabal Yar; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Geography - note: Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the world without a river; extensive coastlines on the Persian Gulf and Red Sea allow for considerable shipping (especially of crude oil) through the Persian Gulf and Suez Canal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

People and Society34 fields

Population: total: 36,544,431 (2024 est.) male: 20,700,838 female: 15,843,593; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Nationality: noun: Saudi(s) adjective: Saudi or Saudi Arabian; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Ethnic groups: Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Languages: Arabic (official) major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Religions: Muslim (official; citizens are 85-90% Sunni and 10-12% Shia), other (includes Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh) (2020 est.) note: despite having a large expatriate community of various faiths (more than 30% of the population), most forms of public religious expression inconsistent with the government-sanctioned interpretation of Sunni Islam are restricted; non-Muslims are not allowed to have Saudi citizenship and non-Muslim places of worship are not permitted (2013); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Age structure: 0-14 years: 22.9% (male 4,266,720/female 4,097,270) 15-64 years: 72.7% (male 15,577,133/female 10,994,061) 65 years and over: 4.4% (2024 est.) (male 856,985/female 752,262); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 37.5 (2024 est.) youth dependency ratio: 31.5 (2024 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 6.1 (2024 est.) potential support ratio: 16.5 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Median age: total: 32.8 years (2025 est.) male: 34.6 years female: 29.3 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Population growth rate: 1.72% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Birth rate: 13.41 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Death rate: 3.51 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Net migration rate: 7.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Population distribution: historically a population that was mostly nomadic or semi-nomadic, the Saudi population has become more settled since oil was discovered in the 1930s; most of the country's population is now concentrated in a wide area across the middle of the peninsula, from Ad Dammam in the east through Riyadh in the interior to Mecca-Medina in the west near the Red Sea; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 85% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.69% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Major urban areas - population: 7.682 million RIYADH (capital), 4.863 million Jeddah, 2.150 million Mecca, 1.573 million Medina, 1.329 million Ad Dammam, 872,000 million Hufuf-Mubarraz (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.42 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.14 male(s)/female total population: 1.31 male(s)/female (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 7 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 11.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 12.8 deaths/1,000 live births female: 10.5 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.2 years (2024 est.) male: 75.6 years female: 78.8 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Total fertility rate: 1.84 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 0.9 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Drinking water source: urban: 98.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 100% of population (2022 est.) total: 98.6% of population (2022 est.) urban: 1.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 0% of population (2022 est.) total: 1.4% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Health expenditure: 6% of GDP (2021) 12.8% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Physician density: 3.41 physicians/1,000 population (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Hospital bed density: 2.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Sanitation facility access: urban: 99.7% of population (2022 est.) rural: 99.7% of population (2022 est.) total: 99.7% of population (2022 est.) urban: 0.3% of population (2022 est.) rural: 0.3% of population (2022 est.) total: 0.3% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 35.4% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Alcohol consumption per capita: total: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Tobacco use: total: 17.6% (2025 est.) male: 28.3% (2025 est.) female: 2% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 3.5% (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 55.3% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Education expenditure: 5.1% of GDP (2023 est.) 14.8% national budget (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Literacy: total population: 97.9% (2024 est.) male: 98.6% (2024 est.) female: 96.7% (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 17 years (2022 est.) male: 16 years (2022 est.) female: 18 years (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Environment12 fields

Environmental issues: desertification; depletion of underground water resources; limited freshwater resources; coastal pollution from oil spills; air pollution; waste management; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
International environmental agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Climate: harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 80.8% (2023 est.) arable land: 1.6% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 79.1% (2023 est.) forest: 1.3% (2023 est.) other: 17.9% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 85% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.69% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Carbon dioxide emissions: 656.511 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 384,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 418.326 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from consumed natural gas: 237.801 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 60.7 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Methane emissions: energy: 1,743.8 kt (2022-2024 est.) agriculture: 162.9 kt (2019-2021 est.) waste: 927.6 kt (2019-2021 est.) other: 28.3 kt (2019-2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 16.126 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 18.8% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 3.392 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 1.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 21.2 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Total renewable water resources: 2.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Geoparks: total global geoparks and regional networks: 2 (2025) global geoparks and regional networks: North Riyadh; Salma (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Government23 fields

Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia conventional short form: Saudi Arabia local long form: Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah local short form: Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah etymology: named after the ruling dynasty of the country, the House of Saud; the name Arabia can be traced back at least as far as the ancient Romans, who referred to the peninsula as "Arabia Felix" (Arabia the Fortunate); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Government type: absolute monarchy; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Capital: name: Riyadh geographic coordinates: 24 39 N, 46 42 E time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name derives from the Arabic word riyadh, meaning "gardens;" the city was built around a small oasis; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Administrative divisions: 13 regions (manatiq, singular - mintaqah); Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah (Northern Border), Al Jawf, Al Madinah al Munawwarah (Medina), Al Qasim, Ar Riyad (Riyadh), Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern), 'Asir, Ha'il, Jazan, Makkah al Mukarramah (Mecca), Najran, Tabuk; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Legal system: Islamic (sharia) system with some elements of Egyptian, French, and customary law; commercial disputes handled by special committees; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Constitution: history: 1 March 1992 -- Basic Law of Government, issued by royal decree, serves as the constitutional framework and is based on the Qur'an and the life and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad amendment process: proposed by the king directly or proposed to the king by the Consultative Assembly or by the Council of Ministers; passage by the king through royal decree; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Saudi Arabia; a child born out of wedlock in Saudi Arabia to a Saudi mother and unknown father dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal for municipal elections; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Executive branch: chief of state: King SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 23 January 2015) head of government: Crown Prince and Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 27 September 2022) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch every 4 years and includes many royal family members election/appointment process: none; the monarchy is hereditary; an Allegiance Council created by royal decree in 2006 established a committee of Saudi princes who have a voice in selecting future Saudi kings; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Legislative branch: legislature name: Shura Council (Majlis Ash-Shura) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 151 (all appointed) scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 9/2/2024 percentage of women in chamber: 19.9% expected date of next election: August 2028; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Judicial branch: highest court(s): High Court (consists of the court chief; organized into circuits with 3-judge panels, except for the criminal circuit, which has a 5-judge panel for cases involving major punishments) judge selection and term of office: High Court chief and chiefs of the High Court Circuits appointed by royal decree on the recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council, a 10-member body of high-level judges and other judicial heads; new judges and assistant judges serve 1- and 2-year probations, respectively, before permanent assignment subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; Specialized Criminal Court, first-degree courts composed of general, criminal, personal status, and commercial courts; Labor Court; a hierarchy of administrative courts; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Political parties: none; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Reema Bint Bandar Bin Sultan AL SAUD (since 8 July 2019) chancery: 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 342-3800 FAX: [1] (202) 295-3625 email address and website: saudisusemb@mofa.gov.sa https://www.saudiembassy.net/ consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, New York; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Alison DILWORTH (since January 2025) embassy: Riyadh 11564 mailing address: 6300 Riyadh Place, Washington DC 20521-6300 telephone: [966] (11) 835-4000 FAX: [966] (11) 488-7360 email address and website: RiyadhACS@state.gov https://sa.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Dhahran, Jeddah; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
International organization participation: ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BIS, BRICS, CAEU, CP, FAO, G-20, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Independence: 23 September 1932 (unification of the kingdom); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
National holiday: Saudi National Day (Unification of the Kingdom), 23 September (1932); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Flag: description: green (traditional Islamic color) with the Shahada, or Muslim creed, in large white Arabic script that translates as, "There is no god but God; Muhammad is the messenger of God;" the text is above a white horizontal saber pointing to the left history: design dates to the early 20th century and is closely associated with the Al Saud family that established the kingdom in 1932; the flag has different sides so that the text reads correctly from right to left and the saber points in the same direction on both sides note 1: the only national flag that has an inscription as its primary design note 2: one of three national flags that differ on each side -- the others are Moldova and Paraguay; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
National symbol(s): palm tree over two crossed swords; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
National color(s): green, white; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
National anthem(s): title: "Aash Al Maleek" (Long Live Our Beloved King) lyrics/music: Ibrahim KHAFAJI/Abdul Rahman al-KHATEEB history: music adopted 1947, lyrics adopted 1984; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 7 (7 cultural, 1 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Hegra Archaeological Site (al-Hijr / Madā ͐ in Ṣāliḥ) (c); At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah (c); Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah (c); Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia (c); Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape (c); Ḥimā Cultural Area (c); ‘Uruq Bani Ma’arid (n);The Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area (c); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Economy28 fields

Economic overview: high-income, oil-based Middle Eastern economy; OPEC founding member; Vision 2030 strategy prioritizing economic diversification, increased private sector involvement, and projects funded by sovereign wealth fund and foreign investment; young labor force; falling but significant poverty rate despite lack of official statistics; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $2.213 trillion (2024 est.) $2.173 trillion (2023 est.) $2.161 trillion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Real GDP growth rate: 1.8% (2024 est.) 0.5% (2023 est.) 12% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Real GDP per capita: $62,700 (2024 est.) $64,500 (2023 est.) $67,200 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $1.238 trillion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.7% (2024 est.) 2.3% (2023 est.) 2.5% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 2.5% (2024 est.) industry: 44.8% (2024 est.) services: 47.2% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 45% (2024 est.) government consumption: 21.4% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 28.7% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: 1.4% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 29.2% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -25.6% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Agricultural products: milk, dates, chicken, wheat, tomatoes, watermelons, potatoes, olives, eggs, onions (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Industries: crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, construction; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Industrial production growth rate: -1.3% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Labor force: 17.168 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Unemployment rate: 3.9% (2024 est.) 4.1% (2023 est.) 5.6% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 13.8% (2024 est.) male: 9.8% (2024 est.) female: 23.8% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Average household expenditures: on food: 20.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 0.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Remittances: 0% of GDP (2024 est.) 0% of GDP (2023 est.) 0% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Budget: revenues: $378.413 billion (2023 est.) expenditures: $388.489 billion (2023 est.) note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Public debt: 13.1% of GDP (2016 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Taxes and other revenues: 7.8% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Current account balance: -$5.685 billion (2024 est.) $35.133 billion (2023 est.) $150.353 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Exports: $360.897 billion (2024 est.) $368.731 billion (2023 est.) $445.881 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Exports - partners: China 21%, India 12%, Japan 12%, USA 6%, UAE 4% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, refined petroleum, plastics, alcohols, ships (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Imports: $317.012 billion (2024 est.) $289.91 billion (2023 est.) $258.371 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Imports - partners: China 21%, UAE 8%, USA 7%, India 6%, Germany 5% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Imports - commodities: cars, refined petroleum, gold, broadcasting equipment, packaged medicine (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $463.87 billion (2024 est.) $457.949 billion (2023 est.) $478.232 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Exchange rates: Saudi riyals (SAR) per US dollar - 3.75 (2024 est.) 3.75 (2023 est.) 3.75 (2022 est.) 3.75 (2021 est.) 3.75 (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Energy7 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 119.62 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 383.512 billion kWh (2023 est.) exports: 352 million kWh (2023 est.) imports: 308 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 38.23 billion kWh (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 99.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Coal: consumption: 66,000 metric tons (2023 est.) exports: 500 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 223,000 metric tons (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 11.174 million bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 3.524 million bbl/day (2023 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 258.6 billion barrels (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Natural gas: production: 121.219 billion cubic meters (2023 est.) consumption: 121.219 billion cubic meters (2023 est.) proven reserves: 9.423 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 349.692 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 6.788 million (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 20 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 52.5 million (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 132 (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Broadcast media: state-controlled broadcast media; state-run TV operates 4 networks; major market for pan-Arab satellite TV broadcasters; state-run radio with several networks; multiple international broadcasters available; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Internet country code: .sa; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 100% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 14.5 million (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Transportation6 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: HZ; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Airports: 90 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Heliports: 69 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Railways: total: 5,410 km (2016) standard gauge: 5,410 km (2016) 1.435-m gauge (with branch lines and sidings); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Merchant marine: total: 433 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 9, container ship 1, general cargo 20, oil tanker 55, other 348; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Ports: total ports: 16 (2024) large: 0 medium: 1 small: 7 very small: 8 ports with oil terminals: 10 key ports: Dammam, Duba, Jiddah, Jizan, Ju Aymah Oil Terminal, Ras Tannurah, Ras Al Khafji, Ras Al Mishab; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Military and Security6 fields

Military and security forces: the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces (SAAF) are divided into two ministries: Ministry of Defense: Royal Saudi Land Forces, Royal Saudi Naval Forces (includes marines, special forces, naval aviation), Royal Saudi Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal Saudi Strategic Missiles Force; Ministry of the National Guard: Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) Other security forces include: Ministry of Interior: Facilities Security Forces, Public Security Forces (police), General Directorate of Border Guard State Security Presidency (SSP): General Directorate of Investigation (Mabahith), Special Security Forces, Special Emergency Forces (2025) note 1: the regular armed forces under the Ministry of Defense are responsible for external defense, although they can be called for domestic security duties if needed note 2: the SANG (also known as the White Army) is a land force comprised of tribal elements loyal to the House of Saud; it is responsible for internal security, protecting the royal family, guarding against military coups, defending strategic facilities and resources, and providing security for the cities of Mecca and Medina; it may also assist the regular armed forces in combat operations note 3: the SAAF includes the Saudi Royal Guard Command, a unit which provides security and protection to the ruling family and other dignitaries; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Military expenditures: 7.1% of GDP (2024 est.) 7% of GDP (2023 est.) 6.5% of GDP (2022 est.) 7% of GDP (2021 est.) 8% of GDP (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 250,000 active Saudi Armed Forces, including 125,000 under the Ministry of Defense and 125,000 in the National Guard (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the Saudi military forces, including the SANG, is comprised of imported modern armaments; major suppliers include Canada, China, France, Spain, the UK, and the US; Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest importers of arms (2025) note: the Saudi Navy is in the midst of a multi-year and multi-billion-dollar expansion and modernization program to purchase new frigates, corvettes, and other naval craft from such suppliers as Spain and the US; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Military service age and obligation: voluntary military service for men (17-40) and women (typically 21-40, although maximum age may vary by role); no conscription (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Military - note: Saudi Arabia's security concerns include border security, cyberattacks, instability in Yemen, international terrorism, maritime security, and regional rivals such as Iran and Turkey Saudi Arabia has close security ties with the US; the SAAF conducts bilateral exercises with the US military and hosts US forces; the US has participated in a cooperative program to equip and train the SANG since 1973, and much of the equipment for both the regular forces and the SANG has been acquired from the US; Saudi Arabia also has defense relationships with China, France, India, Pakistan, the UK, and fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members; it is a member of the Peninsula Shield Forces, a joint military force established by the GCC countries with the aim of maintaining security and stability in the region; the force was established in 1982, and its leadership is based in Saudi Arabia (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Space3 fields

Space agency/agencies: Saudi Space Agency (SSA; elevated to agency level from previous Saudi Space Commission or SSC, which was established in 2018); King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST; established 1977) (2024); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Space program overview: has a national space strategy (Vision 2030) that seeks to grow its domestic space industry and use the space sector to accelerate economic diversification, enhance scientific research and development, and raise private-sector participation in the global space industry; manufactures and operates communications, remote sensing (RS), and scientific satellites; develops a range of satellite subsystems and payload technologies; is the main founder and financier of the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat, launched in 1976 and headquartered in Riyadh); cooperates with the space agencies and industries of a wide range of countries, including those of Belarus, China, Egypt, the ESA and its member states (particularly France, Germany, Greece, and Hungary), India, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Ukraine, the UAE, the UK, and the US; member of the Arab Space Cooperation Group (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source
Key space-program milestones: 1985 - first communications satellite (Arabsat-1A) built and launched by European commercial companies; first Saudi astronaut in space on US Space Shuttle 2004 - first domestically built, experimental remote sensing (RS) satellite (SaudiSat-2) launched by Russia 2017-2019 - contributed to China’s robotic spacecraft mission (Chang’e-4) to the far side of the Moon 2021 - domestically built maritime-tracking satellite (Shaheen Sat) launched by Russia; began participating in Russia's astronaut training program 2022 - signed US-led Artemis Accords on space and lunar exploration 2023 - sent two astronauts, including first Saudi woman, to the International Space Station on a US commercial spacecraft; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Terrorism1 fields

Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); al-Qa’ida note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

Transnational Issues1 fields

Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees: 4,355 (2024 est.) stateless persons: 70,000 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-12 · source

The underlying United States government material is public domain. The Almanac’s reuse terms do not change the legal status of this preserved source layer.

Saudi Arabia at a glance

Saudi Arabia through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

Maintained profile