Saudi Arabia is located in Western Asia, and its capital is Riyadh. It has a population of approximately 35,300,280 and covers an area of about 2,149,690 km². Its official currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR).
What stands out
People & place
16.4 /km² across 2,149,690 km²
Saudi Arabia has a recorded population of 35,300,280 and a reported surface area of 2,149,690 km².
Economic snapshot
$1.24 trillion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $1.24 trillion and GDP per capita at $35,122 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
Saudi riyal (SAR)
Saudi Arabia uses Saudi riyal (SAR), calling code +966, internet domain .sa.
About Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula. With a land area of approximately 2,150,000 km2 (830,000 sq mi), it is the largest country in the Middle East and the second-largest in Asia by land area. Saudi Arabia is bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen.
The majority of Saudi Arabia's territory is desert. The An-Nafud desert in the north and the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) in the south are the most significant deserts. The country has a long coastline along the Red Sea to the west and the Persian Gulf to the east. The Hejaz region in the west contains the mountainous areas of Asir.
Saudi Arabian culture is deeply rooted in Islam, which influences its laws, customs, and daily life. The official language is Arabic. Traditional Saudi clothing includes the thobe for men and the abaya for women. Cuisine features rice, lamb, chicken, and spices, with notable dishes like Kabsa. Music and dance, particularly the Ardah, are important cultural expressions.
The history of Saudi Arabia dates back to the earliest days of Islam, with Mecca and Medina being the holiest cities. The modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded by Abdulaziz Ibn Saud in 1932, who unified much of the Arabian Peninsula. The discovery of oil in the 1930s transformed the country's economy and global standing. The country has played a significant role in regional and international politics.
Key facts
Capital: Riyadh
Official Language: Arabic
Currency: Saudi Riyal
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Saudi Arabia has a recorded population of approximately 35,300,280 people.
How big is Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia covers an area of about 2,149,690 km².
What is the population density of Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has a population density of roughly 16.4 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $1.24 trillion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has a GDP per capita of approximately $35,122.
What currency is used in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi riyal (SAR), with the symbol ﷼.
Where is Saudi Arabia located?
Saudi Arabia is located in Western Asia, Asia.
What is the native name of Saudi Arabia?
The native name of Saudi Arabia is المملكة العربية السعودية.
What are people from Saudi Arabia called?
People from Saudi Arabia are referred to as Saudi, Saudi Arabian.
What is the phone calling code for Saudi Arabia?
The international dialing code for Saudi Arabia is +966.
What is the internet domain for Saudi Arabia?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Saudi Arabia is .sa.
What time zone is Saudi Arabia in?
Saudi Arabia uses the Asia/Riyadh time zone.
What is Saudi Arabia known for?
Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula. With a land area of approximately 2,150,000 km2 (830,000 sq mi), it is the largest country in the Middle East and the second-largest in Asia by land area. Saudi Arabia is bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen.
Western Asia