saudi arabia

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula and the 12th largest in the world by area, covering about 2,150,000 km². It is a monarchy ruled by the Saudi royal family, with King Salman bin Abdulaziz as the head of state and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The capital and largest city is Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is known for its vast oil reserves, being the world's second-largest oil producer and exporter, which underpins its economy and global influence. It holds the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina, making it a religious center for Muslims worldwide. The official language is Arabic, and Islam is the official religion. The country has a population of about 33.6 million as of 2025, with a significant youth demographic. Saudi Arabia is a member of several international organizations, including the G20, OPEC, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. It borders several countries including Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Yemen, and has coastlines on both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. The government is an absolute monarchy with Islamic law as the constitution. Culturally, Saudi Arabia has a rich heritage with archaeological sites from various historical periods and is increasingly promoting tourism while adhering to its conservative social and religious values. It faces criticism for its restrictive political freedoms and human rights situation. This overview provides a snapshot of Saudi Arabia's geography, governance, economy, society, and international role.