Geography of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and occupies most of the
Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is famous for its deserts, oil reserves,
Islamic holy cities, and strategic location. Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s
largest oil-producing countries and holds great religious importance because
Mecca and Medina are located here. Questions related to Saudi Arabia are important
for competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, Banking, Defence, PSC,
and various GK examinations.
Saudi Arabia at a Glance
| Topic |
Information |
| Country |
Saudi Arabia |
| Continent Region |
Asia (Middle East) |
| Capital City |
Riyadh |
| Largest City |
Riyadh |
| Official Language |
Arabic |
| Currency |
Saudi Riyal (SAR) |
| Area |
About 2.15 Million km² |
| Population |
More than 36 Million |
| Government Type |
Absolute Monarchy |
| National Religion |
Islam |
Location and Boundaries of Saudi Arabia
| Direction |
Bordering Country / Water Body |
| North |
Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait |
| East |
Persian Gulf, Qatar, UAE |
| South |
Yemen and Oman |
| West |
Red Sea |
Major Physical Features of Saudi Arabia
| Physical Feature |
Important Fact |
| Arabian Desert |
Largest desert region in the country |
| Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) |
Largest sand desert in the world |
| Hejaz Mountains |
Mountain range near the Red Sea |
| Asir Highlands |
Cooler mountainous region in southwest |
| Najd Plateau |
Central plateau region |
Major Deserts of Saudi Arabia
| Desert |
Important Fact |
| Rub' al Khali |
Largest continuous sand desert |
| An Nafud Desert |
Located in northern Saudi Arabia |
| Ad Dahna Desert |
Connects major deserts of Saudi Arabia |
Climate of Saudi Arabia
| Region |
Climate Type |
| Central Saudi Arabia |
Hot Desert Climate |
| Coastal Areas |
Hot and Humid Climate |
| Southwestern Highlands |
Moderate Mountain Climate |
Natural Resources of Saudi Arabia
| Resource |
Importance |
| Petroleum |
World-leading oil producer |
| Natural Gas |
Major energy resource |
| Gold |
Important mineral resource |
| Phosphate |
Used in fertilizer industry |
| Bauxite |
Used in aluminum production |
Important Cities of Saudi Arabia
| City |
Importance |
| Riyadh |
Capital and largest city |
| Jeddah |
Major commercial and port city |
| Mecca (Makkah) |
Holiest city in Islam |
| Medina |
Second holiest city in Islam |
| Dammam |
Important oil and industrial city |
Important Rivers and Water Bodies
| Name |
Important Fact |
| Red Sea |
Located west of Saudi Arabia |
| Persian Gulf |
Located east of Saudi Arabia |
| Wadis |
Dry river valleys found in desert regions |
Agriculture of Saudi Arabia
| Crop |
Importance |
| Dates |
Most important traditional crop |
| Wheat |
Important food grain |
| Barley |
Widely cultivated cereal crop |
| Vegetables |
Produced using irrigation |
Important Religious and Cultural Places
| Place |
Importance |
| Mecca |
Birthplace of Prophet Muhammad |
| Masjid al-Haram |
Holiest mosque in Islam |
| Kaaba |
Most sacred site in Islam |
| Medina |
City of Prophet’s Mosque |
Important One-Liner GK Facts About Saudi Arabia
| Question |
Answer |
| Capital of Saudi Arabia |
Riyadh |
| Currency of Saudi Arabia |
Saudi Riyal |
| Largest desert in Saudi Arabia |
Rub' al Khali |
| Holy city of Islam in Saudi Arabia |
Mecca |
| Main natural resource of Saudi Arabia |
Petroleum |
| Largest city of Saudi Arabia |
Riyadh |
| Saudi Arabia is located in |
Middle East |
| Official language of Saudi Arabia |
Arabic |
| Major sea west of Saudi Arabia |
Red Sea |
| Largest sand desert in the world |
Rub' al Khali |