The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Al-Mamlaka al-Arabiya as-Saudiya)
Head of State and Prime Minister
King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
His highness Abdullah Ibin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, deputy Premier and head of the National Guard.
Second Deputy Premier
His Highness Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Minister of Defence and aviation and Inspector General.
Riyadh (4.300.000 people, estimation of 2001)
17,050,934 (1992 estimate)
7.3 per sq. km / 18.9 per sq. mi.
77.3% urban, 22.7% rural
2,331,000 sq. km (900,000 sq. mi.)
Physical Features
Deserts, Plateaux, Mountains
Highest Point
Jabal Sawda
Monarchy
Consultative Council appointed by the King
Highest Court
Supreme Council of Justice
14 emirates
Arabic, but English is widely spoken in commerce and business
Islam
Saudi Arabia does not allow the practice of any other religion within its borders.
62.4% of adult population
7
32,371
Women, 68
Men, 65
59 per 1000 live births
$104 billion
$5800 per capita
Imports $21.5 billion
Exports $44.3 billion
Saudi riyal
Railroads
893km (555 mi.)
92,802km (57,644 mi.)
7
7
Metric
Both 110 and 220 volts, 60 cycles AC
380 volts is used for industrial purposes
Government: 7:30am-2: 30pm
Private businesses and shops: about 9:30am-2: 00pm, and about 5:00pm-10:00pm.
The workweek begins on Saturday and runs through to Wednesday or Thursday.
Friday is the Islamic day of rest, corresponding to Sunday in the west.
Government offices are also closed on Thursdays.
There are two every year: Eid Al Fitr which comes after the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting; and Eid Al Adha which is during the month of pilgrimage or Hajj.
Green Banner of Islam, bearing the inscription: "There is no God but God; and Muhammad is his Messenger". The sword was added in 1906, symbolizing the military successes of Islam and of Ibn Saud, founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Anthem
Sarei Lil Majd Walaya
GMT +3 hours
+966