Country
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Saudi Arabia
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
al-Mamlakah al- ‘Arabiyah al-Su ‘udiyah
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); 24,792,000 (2004E). The 1992 figure includes 4,624,459 foreign nationals.
Major Urban Centers (1992C): RIYADH (royal capital, 2,776,100), Jiddah (administrative capital, 2,046,300), Makhah (Mecca, 965,700), al-Madinah (Medina, 608,300), Dammam (482,300), al-Ta'if (416,100).
Official Language: Arabic.
Monetary Unit: Riyal (official rate July 1, 2005: 3.75 riyals = $1US).
Ruler and Prime Minister: King ‘Abdallah ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Al SA‘UD; confirmed on August 1, 2005, by the royal court upon the death of King Fahd ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Al SA‘UD.
Heir Apparent: Crown Prince Sultan ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Al ...