32 Interesting Facts About Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, a country known for its vast deserts, is the heart of Islam, home to the religion's two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. Its vast oil reserves have made the kingdom one of the richest and most influential countries in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia's rich history, strategic geopolitical position, and rapid modernization efforts make it a country of great interest on the global stage. Beyond its oil wealth, the country is making strides in diversifying its economy and opening up to tourism, showcasing its unique heritage and natural beauty. Here are 32 interesting and informative facts about Saudi Arabia that offer a glimpse into its culture, history, and modern life.

1. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and the 13th largest in the world.
2. It is the only country that has both the Red Sea coast and the Persian Gulf coast.
3. Approximately 95% of Saudi Arabia's territory is desert or semi-desert.
4. The kingdom was founded by Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1932.
5. Saudi Arabia has no rivers, making it the largest country in the world without natural fresh water sources.
6. Islam's two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, are located in Saudi Arabia.
7. Every year, millions of Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which is obligatory for all able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime.
8. The Kingdom holds approximately 161 TP3T of the world's proven oil reserves.
9. The Arabian oryx, a species of antelope native to the Arabian Peninsula, is the national animal of Saudi Arabia.
10. Saudi Arabia was the last country in the world to allow women to drive, lifting the ban in June 2018.
11. Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia.
12. Saudi Arabia's economy is heavily dependent on oil; it is the world's largest oil exporter.
13. Saudi Arabia does not have an official written constitution.
14. The kingdom is governed by Islamic law, known as Sharia.
15. Saudi Arabia is building a futuristic city called Neom, which is planned to be powered by 100% renewable energy sources.
16. The country's flag depicts the Shahada, or Islamic confession of faith, and a sword.
17. Saudi Arabia is home to the world's largest continuous sand desert, the Rub' al-Khali, or Empty Quarter.
18. The Kingdom recently opened up to tourism, issuing tourist visas to non-religious visitors for the first time in 2019.
19. Saudi Arabia is a state with an absolute monarchy.
20. The Kingdom has a young population, more than half of which is under 25 years old.
21. Falafel, hummus and dates are staples in Saudi cuisine.
22. The Kingdom is implementing a sweeping economic reform plan known as Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on oil.
23. The Jeddah Tower, currently under construction in Jeddah, will be the world's first building to reach 1 kilometre in height.
24. The King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh is famous for its tent-shaped design and is one of the largest sports stadiums in the world.
25. Saudi Arabia is home to Madain Saleh, an archaeological site with well-preserved Nabatean ruins similar to Petra in Jordan.
26. There are no political parties or national elections in the Kingdom.
27. Al-Ula, an ancient city in Saudi Arabia, contains historical sites dating back thousands of years.
28. The King Fahd Causeway connects Saudi Arabia with Bahrain and is one of the longest bridges in the world.
29. Saudi Arabia has been a member of the United Nations since 1945.
30. The country's legal system is based on Islamic law, which provides for punishments such as flogging and amputation of limbs for certain crimes.
31. The national currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR).
32. Saudi Arabia's National Day is celebrated on September 23 to commemorate the country's unification.

Saudi Arabia is a country of contrasts, combining rich traditions with aspirations for modernization and economic diversification. From its historical significance as the birthplace of Islam to its ambitious plans for the future, the Kingdom is a dynamic country with much to offer. While continuing to evolve, Saudi Arabia remains a key player on the international stage, rich in culture, history, and resources. Recent steps toward opening up to the world mark a new chapter in the country's history, promising a blend of tradition and innovation.