Country
Countries A-Z
Saudi Arabia
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
al-Mamlakah al-Arabiyah al-Suudiyah
Political Status: Unified kingdom established September 23, 1932; under absolute monarchical system; Basic Law of Government based on Islamic law promulgated by royal decree on March 1, 1992.
Area: 829,995 sq. mi. (2,149,690 sq. km.).
Population: 16,948,388 (1992C); 23,121,000 (2005E). The figures include approximately 4,624,000 foreign nationals in 1992 and 5,930,000 in 2005.
Major Urban Centers (2005E): RIYADH (royal capital, 5,126,000), Jiddah (administrative capital, 3,557,000), Makkah (Mecca, 1,446,000).
Official Language: Arabic.
Monetary Unit: Riyal (official rate July 1, 2006: 3.75 riyals = $1US).
Ruler and Prime Minister: King Abdallah ibn Abd al-Aziz Al SAUD; confirmed on August 1, 2005, by the royal court upon the death of King Fahd ibn Abd al-Aziz Al SAUD.
Heir Apparent: Crown Prince Sultan ibn Abd al-Aziz Al SAUD; appointed crown prince ...