Information About the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
- alumrahae
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is the largest country in the Middle East, occupying most of the Arabian Peninsula. It is known for its rich history, Islamic heritage, vast deserts, and significant oil reserves. As the birthplace of Islam, it holds immense religious importance, housing the two holiest cities in Islam—Mecca and Medina.
Geography & Climate
Location: Middle East, bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Oman, and Yemen.
Area: Approximately 2.15 million square kilometers (the 13th largest country in the world).
Landscape: Dominated by deserts, including the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), the largest continuous sand desert in the world.
Climate: Extremely hot in summer (reaching up to 50°C/122°F) and mild in winter.
Government & Politics
Government Type: Absolute Islamic monarchy
King: Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (since 2015)
Crown Prince & Prime Minister: Mohammed bin Salman (MBS)
Capital: Riyadh
Legal System: Based on Sharia (Islamic law)
Economy
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
GDP: One of the largest economies in the world, heavily reliant on oil exports.
Vision 2030: A strategic plan to diversify the economy, focusing on tourism, entertainment, and technology (e.g., NEOM, Red Sea Project).
Religion & Culture
Official Religion: Islam (Sunni majority, with a Shia minority in the Eastern Province).
Language: Arabic (official language).
Key Cities:
Mecca: Holiest city in Islam, destination for Hajj pilgrimage.
Medina: Second holiest city, burial place of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Jeddah: Major commercial hub and gateway to Mecca.
Dammam & Khobar: Key cities in the oil-rich Eastern Province.
Tourism & Recent Developments
Tourist Visas: Introduced in 2019, allowing easier access for international visitors.
Entertainment: New projects like AlUla, Diriyah Gate, and Qiddiya aim to boost tourism.
Social Reforms: Recent changes include allowing women to drive (2018), opening cinemas, and promoting sports and entertainment.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid transformation under Vision 2030, shifting from an oil-dependent economy to a diversified global hub. With its deep-rooted Islamic heritage and modern ambitions, KSA remains a key player in the Middle East and the world.
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