Country Guide • Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia occupies four-fifths of the Arabian peninsula. To the west lies the Red Sea. Egypt and Jordan to the north east, Iraq and Kuwait to the north, the Persian Gulf, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the south east and south as well as Yemen to the south and south west.
| Official Name | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Area | 2,331,000km² (900,004mile²) |
| Population | 24,293,000 |
| Continent | Middle East |
| Population per mile² | 27 |
| Capital City | Riyadh |
| Religions | 85% Sunni Muslims, 14% are Shiite Muslims, Christians 1% |
| Language | Arabic, English |
| Government | Monarchy |
| Currency | Riyal |
| GDP | $242 billion |
| GDP per Head | $10,500 |
| Natural Resources | Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper |
| Land Use | Arable Land 1.72% |
| Agriculture | Barley, wheat, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus; mutton, chickens |
| Tourism | The British Foreign and Commonwealth office state: 'We advise British nationals against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia. We continue to judge that attacks against Western interests in Saudi Arabia are likely. If you choose to travel to, or remain in, Saudi Arabia you should take all necessary steps to protect your safety and should make sure you have confidence in your individual security arrangements' |
| Natural Hazards | Frequent sand and dust storms |
| Health Risks | Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and cerebral malaria mainly in the Jizan area. ACWY quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine is mandatory for people coming to perform Hajj and Umrah. This is a new requirement. Those who have already been immunised against meningitis may require further vaccinations to meet the new standards |
| Climate | Saudi Arabia has a hot and dry climate with frost and freezing temperatures in winter while the Red Sea coast experiences high humidity and temperatures. Rainfall is sparse with an average annual rainfall of approx. 4 inches. Average temperature ranges in Riyadh are from 8 - 21°C - in January to 26 - 42°C - in July |
| Time | GMT/UTC+3 hours |
| National Days | September 23 |
| Visas | All visitors, including pilgrims, require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. In Line with recent changes to the visa process, all applicants should now apply for visas through a visa agency accredited to the royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Details of the process and agencies can be obtained from the royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
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