The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has four major cities, the capital being Riyadh with a population of 5.3 million people. The total population of the Kingdom is 27.3 million people, and King, Salman is the current ruler. The Kingdom covers more than two million square kilometers and her monetary unit is Riyal.
Government
The Kingdom is a monarchy under the leadership of the al-Saud family. She does not have a formal constitution, though the king is normally sworn in by the Koran. Consequently, Saudi Arabia is ruled by sharia law. There are no elections or political parties. The king is also the head of the executive, legislature as well as the judiciary.
Languages and Religion
Arabic is the official language with three regional dialects, namely the Nejdi, Hejazi and Gulf. The kingdom hosts at least 5.5 million foreign workers with vast native languages. Saudi Arabia is home to the holy cities Mecca and Medina. These cities are monumental up to date. It is also the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad. Hence, Wahhabism is the national form of Islam religion. There are other minorities in Islam, such as the Shi’ite, though they are discriminated in education, jobs and justice. The law dictates that any Saudi citizen who converts to another religion commits a capital offense and, he is sentenced to death. Foreigners who become proselytizers face expulsion or a jail term. However, they are allowed to practice their own religions.
Geography
Saudi Arabia is extended through the central Arabian Peninsula, including the sand desert, ‘rub al Khali’. The country borders Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and the Red Sea. The highest mountain is soda, which is 10,279 feet above sea level. The kingdom experiences desert climate characterized with hot days and very low temperatures at night. Saudi Arabia does not receive any reliable rain; equating to 300 mm/year. The country also experiences harsh sandstorms. The highest temperature ever recorded was 540C, and the lowest is 110C. Both were observed at Turaif in 1973.
Economy
Petroleum is the major income earner totaling to 80% of her revenue. 90% of these earnings comes from exported products. The kingdom serves at least 20% of the world’s petroleum needs. Her per capita income is about $ 32,000, and unemployment rates are as high as 25%, even though that only applies for men. Women are not allowed to work, drive or cycle in Saudi Arabia.
History
The Kingdom mainly consists of nomadic people. It came into being after Islam had gained roots and Mecca was still considered the best place to host hajj. In 1744, Muhammad bin Saud and Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, founders of al-Saud dynasty and the Wahhabi movement started a political alliance that ruled the Riyadh region. The Kingdom only became stronger after the discovery of oil fields. Her ties with US are good. Saudi Arabia remains to be repressive especially for women and religious minorities.
With this information, anyone can apply for their Saudi Visa UK.
