Middle East–N. Africa
Saudi Arabia
Capital: Riyadh
- 34MPopulation
- 32MMuslim
- 93%Muslim share
- $33,000GDP per person
- 5.7%Unemployment
- 98%Literacy
- 78Life expectancy
- System
- absolute monarchy
- In power
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
- Currency
- riyal
- In the UN since
- 1,945
Life today
A booming entertainment opening: cinemas after 35 years, Formula 1, football's global stars; gig work rises.
Word on the street
Among the world's highest internet use: X, Snapchat and TikTok; Vision 2030 is on every wall.
Names the world knows
- Mohammed bin Salman crown prince
- Alwaleed bin Talal investor
- Salem Al-Dawsari footballer
- Lubna Olayan banker
Did you know?
Mecca's Abraj clock tower is among the tallest buildings on Earth.