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.

This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.