Facts about Saudi Arabia
Official languages: Arabic
Capital: Riyadh
Area: 1,960,582 km²
Population: 25.7 million residents
Population density: 13.12 residents per km²
Currency: SAR
Internet TLD: .sa
ISO codes: SA, SAU, 682
The dialing code for Saudi Arabia is +966
Flag of Saudi Arabia
The flag of Saudi Arabia consists of a green background on which is placed the Arabic inscription “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet” and a saber pointing towards the pole side of the flag. When hanging, two flags are sewn together so that the inscription can be read from both sides and that the blade always points in the right direction. The sword symbol is supposed to commemorate the unification of the kingdom in the 12th century, which took place under the leadership of the commander Ibn Saud. The color green is traditionally associated with Islam, but above all it is the color of the Wanhabs and Sunnis. An interesting fact is that flying the flag at half-mast is prohibited under the threat of criminal prosecution for insulting Islam.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is located on the Arabian Peninsula and borders on neighboring countries, the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. The two holiest places of Islam, the Kaaba in Mecca and the resting place of the Islamic prophet Mohammed in Medina, are in Saudi Arabia. Islam plays a major role in Saudi Arabia, the country is considered to be particularly strict and Islamic-conservative. The weekend is on Thursday and Friday, so Thursday is partly a day of rest and Friday is a complete day of rest. In Saudi Arabia, the Islamic calendar applies.
Biggest Cities of Saudi Arabia by Population
The largest city in Saudi Arabia is the capital, Riyadh. Located in the central part of the country, it has a population of over 7 million people and is a vibrant and modern city with plenty to see and do. Popular attractions here include Al Masmak Fortress which is an impressive 19th-century fort; Masmak Museum which contains artifacts from the city’s history; and Riyadh Zoo which is a great place to see some exotic animals. Other attractions worth visiting include Kingdom Centre which is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world; King Fahd International Stadium which hosts some of the biggest events in Saudi Arabia; and Al Faisaliyah Tower which offers stunning views over Riyadh.
The second largest city in Saudi Arabia is Jeddah. Located on the Red Sea coast, it has a population of around 4 million people and serves as a major port city with plenty to explore. Popular attractions here include Al Balad Historic District where visitors can see some beautiful old buildings; Jeddah Corniche which offers stunning views over the Red Sea; and King Fahd’s Fountain which is one of the tallest fountains in the world. Other cities worth visiting include Mecca where visitors can explore some important religious sites such as Masjid al-Haram or Jabal al-Nour; Medina where visitors can admire some impressive architecture such as Quba Mosque or Qiblatain Mosque; or Dammam where visitors can explore some interesting museums such as Aramco Exhibit Center or King Fahd Cultural Center.
| # | City | Population | Latitude | Longitude |
| 1 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 4,206,072 | 24.6877 | 46.7219 |
| 2 | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | 2,867,557 | 21.5424 | 39.198 |
| 3 | Mecca, Saudi Arabia | 1,323,735 | 21.4266 | 39.8256 |
| 4 | Medina, Saudi Arabia | 1,300,111 | 24.4686 | 39.6142 |
| 5 | Sultanah, Saudi Arabia | 946,808 | 24.4926 | 39.5857 |
| 6 | Dammam, Saudi Arabia | 768,713 | 26.4344 | 50.1033 |
| 7 | Ta’if, Saudi Arabia | 530,959 | 21.2703 | 40.4158 |
| 8 | Tabuk, Saudi Arabia | 455,561 | 28.3998 | 36.5715 |
| 9 | Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia | 425,411 | 24.1554 | 47.3346 |
| 10 | Buraydah, Saudi Arabia | 391,447 | 26.326 | 43.975 |
| 11 | Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia | 387,664 | 18.3 | 42.7333 |
| 12 | Al Hufuf, Saudi Arabia | 293,290 | 25.3647 | 49.5876 |
| 13 | Al Mubarraz, Saudi Arabia | 290,913 | 25.4077 | 49.5903 |
| 14 | Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia | 271,753 | 28.4328 | 45.9708 |
| 15 | Ha’il, Saudi Arabia | 267,116 | 27.5219 | 41.6907 |
| 16 | Najran, Saudi Arabia | 258,684 | 17.4933 | 44.1277 |
| 17 | Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia | 237,385 | 27.0174 | 49.6225 |
| 18 | Abha, Saudi Arabia | 210,997 | 18.2164 | 42.5053 |
| 19 | Yanbu, Saudi Arabia | 200,272 | 24.0895 | 38.0618 |
| 20 | Khobar, Saudi Arabia | 165,910 | 26.2794 | 50.2083 |
| 21 | Arar, Saudi Arabia | 148,651 | 30.9753 | 41.0381 |
| 22 | Sakakah, Saudi Arabia | 128,443 | 29.9697 | 40.2064 |
| 23 | Jizan, Saudi Arabia | 105,309 | 16.8892 | 42.5511 |
| 24 | Qurayyat, Saudi Arabia | 103,014 | 31.3318 | 37.3428 |
| 25 | Dhahran, Saudi Arabia | 99,651 | 26.2886 | 50.114 |
| 26 | Al Qatif, Saudi Arabia | 98,370 | 26.5654 | 50.0089 |
| 27 | Al Bahah, Saudi Arabia | 88,530 | 20.0129 | 41.4677 |
| 28 | Tarut, Saudi Arabia | 85,482 | 26.5733 | 50.0403 |
| 29 | Qal`at Bishah, Saudi Arabia | 81,939 | 20.0005 | 42.6052 |
| 30 | Ar Rass, Saudi Arabia | 81,839 | 25.8694 | 43.4973 |
| 31 | Ash Shafa, Saudi Arabia | 72,301 | 21.0721 | 40.3119 |
| 32 | Sayhat, Saudi Arabia | 66,813 | 26.4834 | 50.0485 |
| 33 | Al Mithnab, Saudi Arabia | 60,981 | 25.8601 | 44.2223 |
| 34 | Al Khafji, Saudi Arabia | 54,968 | 28.4391 | 48.4913 |
| 35 | Ad Dawadimi, Saudi Arabia | 54,585 | 24.5077 | 44.3924 |
| 36 | Sabya, Saudi Arabia | 54,219 | 17.1495 | 42.6254 |
| 37 | Az Zulfi, Saudi Arabia | 53,255 | 26.2994 | 44.8154 |
| 38 | Abu `Arish, Saudi Arabia | 49,282 | 16.9689 | 42.8325 |
| 39 | Safwa, Saudi Arabia | 45,987 | 26.6497 | 49.9552 |
| 40 | Afif, Saudi Arabia | 45,636 | 23.9065 | 42.9172 |
| 41 | Rabigh, Saudi Arabia | 41,870 | 22.7986 | 39.0349 |
| 42 | Rahimah, Saudi Arabia | 41,299 | 26.7079 | 50.0619 |
| 43 | Turaif, Saudi Arabia | 40,930 | 31.6725 | 38.6637 |
| 44 | Tubarjal, Saudi Arabia | 40,130 | 30.4999 | 38.216 |
| 45 | Ad Dilam, Saudi Arabia | 35,482 | 23.991 | 47.1618 |
| 46 | Umm Lajj, Saudi Arabia | 33,985 | 25.0213 | 37.2685 |
| 47 | Al-`Ula, Saudi Arabia | 32,524 | 26.6085 | 37.9232 |
| 48 | Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia | 29,585 | 25.934 | 49.6688 |
| 49 | Badr Hunayn, Saudi Arabia | 27,368 | 23.7829 | 38.7905 |
| 50 | Samitah, Saudi Arabia | 27,056 | 16.596 | 42.9444 |
| 51 | Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia | 26,747 | 26.2455 | 36.4525 |
| 52 | Al Bukayriyah, Saudi Arabia | 25,264 | 26.1392 | 43.6578 |
| 53 | An Nimas, Saudi Arabia | 24,264 | 19.1455 | 42.1201 |
| 54 | As Sulayyil, Saudi Arabia | 24,208 | 20.4607 | 45.5779 |
| 55 | Turabah, Saudi Arabia | 23,346 | 21.2141 | 41.6331 |
| 56 | Al Jumum, Saudi Arabia | 22,318 | 21.6169 | 39.6981 |
| 57 | Duba, Saudi Arabia | 22,111 | 27.3513 | 35.6901 |
| 58 | At Taraf, Saudi Arabia | 21,497 | 25.3623 | 49.7276 |
| 59 | Qaisumah, Saudi Arabia | 20,796 | 28.3112 | 46.1273 |
| 60 | Al Battaliyah, Saudi Arabia | 16,717 | 25.4333 | 49.6333 |
| 61 | Al Munayzilah, Saudi Arabia | 16,407 | 25.3833 | 49.6667 |
| 62 | Adh Dhibiyah, Saudi Arabia | 15,111 | 26.027 | 43.157 |
| 63 | Al Majaridah, Saudi Arabia | 14,941 | 19.1236 | 41.9111 |
| 64 | Tanumah, Saudi Arabia | 13,705 | 27.1 | 44.1333 |
| 65 | Al Qurayn, Saudi Arabia | 12,124 | 25.4833 | 49.6 |
| 66 | Umm as Sahik, Saudi Arabia | 11,924 | 26.6536 | 49.9164 |
| 67 | Sajir, Saudi Arabia | 11,828 | 25.1825 | 44.5996 |
| 68 | Al Awjam, Saudi Arabia | 11,571 | 26.5632 | 49.9433 |
| 69 | Farasan, Saudi Arabia | 10,638 | 16.7022 | 42.1183 |
| 70 | Al Mindak, Saudi Arabia | 9,329 | 20.1588 | 41.2834 |
| 71 | Al Artawiyah, Saudi Arabia | 9,263 | 26.5039 | 45.3481 |
| 72 | Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia | 9,219 | 25.4 | 49.65 |
| 73 | Al Qarah, Saudi Arabia | 9,217 | 25.4167 | 49.6667 |
| 74 | Marat, Saudi Arabia | 8,996 | 25.0706 | 45.4577 |
| 75 | Al Jafr, Saudi Arabia | 8,826 | 25.3774 | 49.7215 |
| 76 | Suwayr, Saudi Arabia | 8,626 | 30.1171 | 40.3893 |
| 77 | Tumayr, Saudi Arabia | 8,357 | 25.7035 | 45.8684 |
| 78 | At Tubi, Saudi Arabia | 7,851 | 26.5578 | 49.9917 |
| 79 | Al Jaradiyah, Saudi Arabia | 7,507 | 16.5795 | 42.9124 |
| 80 | Al Muwayh, Saudi Arabia | 7,475 | 22.4333 | 41.7583 |
| 81 | As Saffaniyah, Saudi Arabia | 7,125 | 27.9708 | 48.73 |
| 82 | Al Hada, Saudi Arabia | 6,996 | 21.3675 | 40.2869 |
| 83 | Al Markaz, Saudi Arabia | 6,575 | 25.4 | 49.7333 |
| 84 | Misliyah, Saudi Arabia | 6,228 | 17.4599 | 42.5572 |
| 85 | Al Mutayrifi, Saudi Arabia | 6,073 | 25.4788 | 49.5582 |
| 86 | Mizhirah, Saudi Arabia | 5,640 | 16.8261 | 42.7333 |
| 87 | Ad Darb, Saudi Arabia | 5,489 | 17.7229 | 42.2526 |
| 88 | Julayjilah, Saudi Arabia | 5,470 | 25.5 | 49.6 |
| 89 | Mulayjah, Saudi Arabia | 5,358 | 27.271 | 48.4242 |
| 90 | Al Fuwayliq, Saudi Arabia | 5,316 | 26.4436 | 43.2516 |
| 91 | Tabalah, Saudi Arabia | 5,262 | 19.95 | 42.4 |
Saudi Arabia: Riyadh
The capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh and is located in the center of the Arabian Peninsula. It is good to know, because some crossword puzzles asks, “What is the name of the capital of Saudi Arabia?” “Riyadh” is of course the correct answer. Translated from Arabic, the word means “the gardens”. Every fifth Saudi lives here. A long time ago there was a settlement here called Hajar, which was built at the confluence of several rivers because of the fertility of the landscape. But today the rivers have dried up for a long time and so only the name of the town bears witness to the former blossoming of the gardens with date palms and orchards.