The largest state on the Arabian Peninsula, occupying more than 80% of the territory, is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the north, this country borders on Jordan. The eastern neighbors of the giant country are Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Yemen and Oman neighbor Saudi Arabia on the south side. This state is washed by the sea from two sides: the Red Sea in the west, the Persian Gulf - from the northeast.
Along the western coast of the Arabian Peninsula stretches a chain of magnificent Al-Hijaz mountains. Their height reaches 3000 m. Their foot attracts numerous tourists with a mild warm climate and a unique variety of greenery. The eastern and southern parts of the country are occupied mainly by deserts, and are inhabited by nomadic Bedouins.
Saudi Arabia is a country of numerous Muslim mosques. It was here that one of the most numerous religions in the world, Islam, was founded.
Capital |
Riyadh |
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Population |
26 534 504 people |
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2,149,000 km² |
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Population density |
12 people/km² |
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Arab |
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Religion |
Sunni Islam, Wahhabism |
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Form of government |
absolute theocratic monarchy |
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Saudi rial |
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Timezone |
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International dialing code |
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Internet domain zone |
Saudi Arabia opened to tourists only recently, no more than three years ago. She is pleased to offer her guests the unique flavor of the Arabian deserts, as well as numerous shrines of the Muslim world. The ancient traditions of the East and the modern environment make this country attractive for lovers of non-traditional recreation. Diving has become a feature of the country's tourism business, which allows you to explore the diversity of the unique underwater world of the Red Sea. Camel beauty pageants are unique in the world. And participation in the famous falconry will give you new experiences.
Climate and weather
The climate in Saudi Arabia is unusually arid and dry. Arabian Peninsula is one of the few places where the temperature never drops below +50 °C in summer.
The north of the country belongs to the subtropical climatic zone, and the south - to the tropical. Snow here can only be seen in the mountains, and even then not every year. In January, the air temperature does not exceed +20 ° C in cities and deserts, and on the coast red sea the air warms up to +30 °C.
Summer in Saudi Arabia gets unusually hot. In the shade, the air temperature ranges from +35 °C to +45 °C. But in deserts, due to the ability of sand to give off heat very quickly, one can also encounter low temperatures, sometimes reaching 0 ° C. For this area, sharp changes in day and night temperatures are quite common.
Rainfall in Saudi Arabia is uneven. At the same time, in the east and in the center of the country, the rainy season lasts from February to April, and in the west - exclusively in winter (from late November to early February). In winter, thick fogs are often observed in the mountains of the Arabian Peninsula.
Tourists to visit Saudi Arabia prefer to choose periods from the first days of September to mid-October, as well as at the end of spring. Throughout May, the temperature is not too high here, and the sea wind brings some moisture to the rather dry air.
Nature
The nature of Saudi Arabia is truly unique. On the territory of this state you can find huge hot deserts, high cool mountains, and wonderful warm sandy beaches.
Beautiful and mighty mountains rise along the coast of the Red Sea. Hijaz. The height of some of them reaches three kilometers. In the same area is one of the most attractive resorts in the Middle East - Asir. It attracts tourists from all over the world with its rather mild pleasant climate and unique vegetation. This resort is preferred by lovers of ecotourism.
The eastern part of the Kingdom is completely covered with deserts. The largest of them is Rub al Khali, which occupies almost the entire south and part of the southeast of the country. It is the invisible border of Saudi Arabia with Oman and Yemen. The total area of deserts in this country reaches almost 1 million km 2. Most often, these deserts are inhabited by nomadic Bedouin tribes.
Attractions
Saudi Arabia, as a strictly Muslim country, is notable for tourists for its religious relics and shrines. The most attractive to visit are the famous Arab cities, such as the capital Riyadh, Mecca, Medina And Jeddah.
The most visited city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is its capital Riyadh. The most popular attraction of this city is the citadel of old Riyadh, which houses Museum dedicated to King Abdulaziz. Also widely known royal center, owned by the Prince of Saudi Arabia, it is the tallest building in the entire Kingdom. This huge complex includes a large number of residential apartments, offices, excellent restaurants and chic shopping centers.
Of course, not a single stay in Saudi Arabia is complete without a visit to the Muslim shrine - the city Mecca. The founder of the most numerous religion in the world, Prophet Mohammed, was once born in this area. In Mecca there is a well-known since 1570 Holy Haram Mosque. Its area is more than 300,000 km2. This majestic building of Arabic architecture is completely lined with beautiful lilac marble and includes nine minarets, each of which reaches a height of almost 95 meters. The famous Haram can simultaneously accommodate up to 700 thousand people.
There is a shrine in the center of the Haram. Kaaba. Its corners are oriented to the cardinal points. The eastern corner of the Kaaba is distinguished from others by the presence of the Black Stone. Some scientists believe that this is a meteorite. But Muslims hold a different opinion that it was this stone that God gave to Adam, who was expelled from paradise, after his repentance. The legend says about the white color of the stone, which, after the touch of the sinners, he changed to black.
Mecca is known throughout the world for its many shrines of Islam. During the Hajj, this city is visited by more than two million people from all over the world. People who profess other religions cannot enter this holy place.
Another major attraction of Saudi Arabia is the national Asir park located near the city of Jeddah. Its unique vegetation and unique wildlife attract many ecotourists.
Nutrition
The national cuisine of Saudi Arabia includes the culinary traditions of all countries of the Middle East. The staple foods of the local Arabs are lamb, poultry, lamb, eggs, and fish. The traditional side dish for these dishes is rice with raisins. Traditional dishes of Arabic cuisine include all kinds of soups (rice, pea, bean) and stew, which is seasoned with onions and lentils.
Not a single feast in Saudi Arabia is complete without a national dish " burgul". This original name has porridge made from corn or wheat groats with the obligatory addition of sour milk. Also a popular dish, especially among the southern peoples of Saudi Arabia, is flour porridge with olive oil and pepper.
Local restaurants are happy to provide their customers with the famous national dish " geese» - it includes baked lamb meat, generously seasoned with special spices, rice and nuts.
As in other Arab countries, in Saudi Arabia, when preparing meat dishes, it is customary to use only heat treatment without adding fat. As a side dish, meat dishes are usually served with rice, which is traditionally seasoned with tomato paste and onions. Some restaurants may serve meat with french fries.
A large share in the diet of the inhabitants of Saudi Arabia is occupied by all kinds of fruits and vegetables. Dates and figs are especially popular here. Local residents pay great attention to the use of healthy nuts.
The most popular drink in Saudi Arabia is coffee. In this country there is a special ceremony of preparing and drinking this wonderful drink. In Saudi Arabia, people are accustomed to flavoring coffee with all sorts of spices, especially cloves and cardamom, while Arabs do not add sugar to coffee at all. Arabs are very fond of various spices.
Dishes made from fermented milk products are especially popular in this country.
Accommodation
The development of the tourism business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is only at an early stage. Strict Muslim customs create certain restrictions for attracting foreign tourists to this country, so not all hotels in the Kingdom have the required number of stars. Mostly those hotels that are part of large hotel chains have passed the international classification. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that all hotels and hotels are happy to offer visitors a service and comfort of a quite decent level, which meets all European standards.
Most of the best hotels are located in the capital of Saudi Arabia Riyadh. They offer their customers not only spacious and comfortable rooms, but also additional services of excellent restaurants, fitness centers, spas, swimming pools.
The hotel " Lyauzan which was built exclusively for women. Here they, despite the rules of conduct prescribed in a Muslim country, can independently book and check into rooms.
The cost of renting an individual apartment in Saudi Arabia is about $800 per month in the state capital, and no more than $400 in other cities.
Entertainment and recreation
Most foreign tourists choose the capital of the state to see local attractions. Riyadh. While there, you should definitely visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, where a huge exposition is presented, introducing visitors to the history and culture of this unique Muslim country. It is worth paying attention to the tallest building in the country - Royal Center owned by the prince. This building is usually associated with an oasis of modern life in Saudi Arabia.
None of the tourists who decide to come to this wonderful country will leave it without visiting Mecca. The "Mother of Cities" is called by the locals. This city is the most sacred place for all Muslims in the world and is a kind of center of the spiritual culture of the Kingdom. It is worth noting that only adherents of the Muslim religion can visit this place, dissidents are not allowed into Mecca. If, nevertheless, you managed to get into the territory of this ancient city, then you should definitely visit the famous Haram Mosque, look into the main sanctuary of all Muslims - Kaab.
Near the famous city of Medina is the most famous uninhabited city Madain Salih. This is the largest and most exciting archaeological area in Saudi Arabia. Be sure to visit this unique place, and it will not leave you indifferent.
Saudi Arabia has one of the most beautiful coral reefs on the planet. Therefore, this country is simply a must-visit for all lovers. diving.
The real entertainment of men here is Falcon hunting. Many centuries ago, such an occupation was a kind of means of survival. To date, this is one of the most popular sports, however, the price for this type of recreation is not at all cheap. The cost of one hunting falcon reaches $80,000.
Another great entertainment in Saudi Arabia is magnificent and unforgettable yacht cruises along the offshore islands. Such a short trip, helping to get acquainted with the local beauties, will leave an indelible impression. The yachts that are used for such cruises have everything you need on board: air-conditioned rooms, separate cozy bedrooms, and spacious rooms with video systems.
For lovers of a relaxing holiday, Saudi Arabia is pleased to offer a great opportunity to catch local fish in deep waters in Persian Gulf. If the captain stops the yacht in a fishing spot, then you will remember such an amazing bite for a lifetime.
It should be noted that fans of nightlife in Saudi Arabia will not find their usual activities, since such activities are prohibited by strict Sharia law.
Purchases
The fame of the country was brought not only by Muslim shrines, but also by a huge number of various outlets. These include traditional Arab markets, large department stores and major shopping malls. And here you can find both expensive boutiques and quite cheap shops.
Shopping is a favorite pastime of the locals, since other entertainment is prohibited by the Koran - in this country there is not a single night bar, club or casino.
Shops usually work without a fixed schedule. As a rule, the working hours of most outlets are from 9 to 13 hours, as well as from 17 to 20 hours. During the month of Ramadan, shops are open from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am. Friday is a public holiday in Saudi Arabia. On this day, it is customary to attend traditional sermons and prayers in mosques.
As in all Eastern countries, the locals are madly in love with haggling. It is common for this country to be able to bring down the quoted price by more than 40%. You can bargain with sellers in almost all outlets, except for large supermarkets.
Transport
There are several modes of transport in Saudi Arabia. Rail connection(several hundred kilometers of roads) connects the capital Riyadh with major ports in the Persian Gulf. In addition, the construction of a separate railway line connecting Mecca and Medina has begun.
Public transport is represented mainly city buses and taxis. The quality of the roads of the Kingdom leaves much to be desired. At the same time, roads in Riyadh are among the best in the country. The road surface in large cities has a special composition, which can significantly reduce the amount of reflected heat, which greatly saves local residents from the sweltering heat.
All buses in this country are very cozy and comfortable. The cost of one trip around the city ranges from 1 to 2 $.
There are 208 in Saudi Arabia airports, and three of them have international status. The average price of one flight across the country ranges from $120 to $150.
With access to the sea, Saudi Arabia contains a large amount seaports. Some of them are quite large, for example, Jeddah, Duba, Jizan, Jubail. They are the main link between Saudi Arabia and nearby countries.
Connection
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Post, Telegraph and Telephone provides a fairly high level of communication. The mobile communication system in this country is excellently developed. In most cities, telephone companies prefer to dismantle old public telephones due to the fact that they are hardly used anymore. Almost all the inhabitants of this state, with the exception of some Bedouin tribes, are happy owners of mobile phones or radio stations.
The cellular network has a large coverage area: the area around Riyadh and other large oases. Only some areas of the desert are not served by cellular companies.
The World Wide Web is quite common in all major cities of Saudi Arabia. Most hotels, post offices and business centers provide their visitors with services to use the World Wide Web.
Telephone communication in this country is provided with the latest equipment, which allows to achieve high quality data transmission. Using simple street machines, you can make a phone call to anywhere in the world. The cost of such a call will be a little less than $ 2. The operation of such machines is carried out both from coins and from a prepaid plastic card.
Safety
Saudi Arabia is closed to solo travelers. All movements around the country must be carried out exclusively in groups and accompanied by a local tour operator, whose duties include accompanying tourists everywhere and monitoring their timely departure.
There are practically no restrictions on movement around the country. The exception is the ancient Muslim cities Medina And Mecca which are closed to visitors of other religions. It is worth noting that local legislation even prohibits the import into this Muslim country of items that are related to other religions.
Saudi Arabia can be called a relatively safe country. Almost all tourist trips take place without criminal incidents. In large cities, including the capital, street crime is completely absent. This is due to the special mentality of the Arabs, as well as methods of combating the organization of crimes. Local authorities prefer to deal with hooligans by fines.
If we talk about the features of road transport, it is worth mentioning that the traffic in Saudi Arabia is one-way, and the speed in cities and towns is reduced to 40 km / h. Such an innovation is quite unusual for Europeans.
Business climate
Huge oil reserves in Saudi Arabia have made this country a major producer and exporter oil products in the world (the closest rival of the Kingdom in this area is the Russian Federation). Such a colossal concentration of natural resources makes the country attractive for doing business. Moreover, recently the Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz, introduced some innovations into the legislation of his country that make it easier to do business. This is especially true for the tourism industry.
With the increasing interest of Muslim tourists in the beauties of famous religious shrines and due to the implementation of policies that soften the rules of the Koran, some foreign businessmen prefer to invest in the economy of this particular country, which is currently the most promising in the development of the country. religious tourism.
It is worth noting that recently Saudi Arabia is known for holding major summits and conferences related to oil production and export.
Real estate
Most scholars believe that the real estate market in Saudi Arabia is practically the most stable in the world. It is not affected by the global economic crisis. Thanks to the deliberate strengthening of the country's economy and a good demographic situation, the real estate market of the Kingdom is growing steadily.
This state has the largest real estate market among the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf. Due to the high level of urbanization, large cities of the country began to develop quite quickly, which required the construction of new residential buildings.
More recently, Saudi Arabia passed a law allowing the sale of real estate and building land to foreign nationals. But there are some limitations here. Firstly, a potential buyer must permanently reside in the state and acquire real estate only for their own use. It is also allowed to sell premises to foreign investors for doing business in the state.
Secondly, when buying a land plot in Saudi Arabia for a positive decision of the General Investment Management, the cost of the construction project must exceed $ 8 million. In addition, the entire amount of investment must be made in the country within five years. Otherwise, the purchase will be refused.
It should be noted that the sale of real estate to foreigners in Mecca and Medina is strictly prohibited.
If you want to visit this unique Kingdom, you should pay attention to some strict rules of behavior in Muslim society.
- When entering the state, women must wear a veil or a long dress that covers their legs and arms. A prerequisite for a woman to go out into the street is to cover her head with a scarf. If you violate these rules, you may be expelled from the country without explanation.
- Any immodest clothing that exposes arms above the elbow and legs, as well as a woman’s head not covered with a scarf, can cause sharp condemnation from the religious police.
- In Saudi Arabia, women of any nationality are prohibited from driving.
- Although the ban on photography and video filming in public places has recently been lifted in Saudi Arabia, special permission is required to photograph military installations and people, private and public property.
- For the use of alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, for committing theft or premeditated murder, according to local laws, a very serious punishment threatens: from chopping off hands to decapitation.
Visa information
When visiting Saudi Arabia, make sure you have the required visa. It is strictly forbidden to enter this country for people who have an Israeli passport or an Israeli visa, as well as people who have a mark in their passport about the Jewish religion.
The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Moscow is located at the address: 119121, Moscow, 3rd Neopalimovsky lane, 3.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the richest oil country in the world and among the driest and hottest places on the planet. The country is the spiritual center of the Arab world and the Islamic religion. It was here in 540 in the city of Medina that the prophet Muhammad was born. In Saudi Arabia, everything starts and ends with religion. It is exceptionally strongly woven into the way of life and laws. One of the strictest branches of Islam is practiced in the country, called Wahhabism.
Form of government. Saudi Arabia is a kingdom, and more precisely an absolute monarchy. All power in the state, including religious rule, is concentrated in the hands of the monarch, and in this case in the hands of the Saudi dynasties. As understood from the meaning itself, the country bears the name of the Al Saud dynasty.
Geographic location, boundaries and dimensions. Saudi Arabia is the largest Arab country in the world. It covers an area of 2,218,000 sq. km. 
and is the 13th largest in the world. The country is completely located in the tropics and occupies almost the entire area of the Arabian Peninsula. It lies approximately between 32.09° and 16.22° north latitude and between 34.34° and 55.40° east longitude. The country is bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. In addition, it is in close proximity to other three states - Bahrain, and. The country is connected with Bahrain through a bridge and has access to the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.
Climate and water. Saudi Arabia falls completely within the borders. The local climate is characterized by year-round high temperatures, constantly sunny weather and poor rainfall. Temperatures in the capital Riyadh are very high. They vary between 21°C in the coldest month of January and 40-45°C during the summer months from May to September. Precipitation reaches its maximum of 25 mm in April. Between June and the end of September, there is usually not a drop of rain. For a whole year, only about 100 mm of rain falls, but in places in the country it does not rain for years. Saudi Arabia is very poor in water, and in its vast territory there is not a single permanent river or lake. The main sources of fresh water are sea water desalination and artesian wells.
Relief. Saudi Arabia is predominantly flat in its eastern parts, but in the west it is mostly occupied by mountains of varying heights. The Hijaz and Asir mountains follow the coastline of the Red Sea, from which it is separated by a narrow, dry and hot plain. The highest peak in the country is called Jebel Sevda. It is located in the southwestern parts of Saudi Arabia in Mount Asir, 70 km. from the Red Sea, and rises to 3133 m in height. The coastline of the country is moderately dissected both to the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. In the immediate vicinity of the coast there are many small islands with a low level above the sea and with a desert view.
Nature. The landscapes of Saudi Arabia liken those in Egypt, and . Almost the entire country is occupied by deserts and semi-deserts. The vast sand dunes seem endless. There are practically no forests. The only exception are oases, which are lush greenery in the middle of the desert near some random source. The mountains are also bare and barren. Even at high altitudes, vegetation is quite rare. This is no coincidence - Saudi Arabia is among the driest and hottest countries on the planet. The landscape of this Arab country is dominated by two large deserts - the Great Nefud in the north and the even more severe Rub al-Khali in the south. In some parts of the country, thanks to the desalination of sea water, large areas have been reclaimed from the desert, which have been turned into cultivated land. Few creatures can survive in such conditions. The most well adapted are camels and various types of snakes, lizards and insects. They can survive without water for quite a long time, and this is the most important condition for maintaining integrity in this harsh environment. The ever-warm sea waters off the coast of Saudi Arabia are full of life. A little under the surface of the Red Sea there are beautiful ones. The waters are clean and transparent. Thousands of species of fish and other marine life live here. In places on the coasts (especially on the Red Sea), beautiful beaches with golden sand took shape.
Population and villages. The population of Saudi Arabia exceeds 25.7 million people. Despite this, given its vast area, the country is very 
sparsely populated. Huge squares are deserted. In cities like the capital city of Riyadh, there is a large accumulation of population. The city has almost 5,300,000 inhabitants, and the urban agglomeration is home to another 1,500,000 people. Other major cities are Jeddah, Mecca and Medina. All of them are located in the western part of the country, and Jeddah is located on the very coast. The population of Saudi Arabia consists entirely of Muslims. This is probably the most religious Arab country. It is no coincidence that the most important Muslim city, Mecca, is also located here. The official language in the country is Arabic. A characteristic feature of the local population is the lack of equality between men and women.
Economy. Saudi Arabia is a wealthy country that derives its economic prosperity entirely from its huge oil reserves. In terms of deposits and production, the country ranks first in the world, and therefore Saudi Arabia boasts a gross domestic product that in 2010 exceeds $24,000 per capita. The local economy is dominated by men, with exceptions for women. A large number of foreigners work in the country (about 1/3 of all workers in Saudi Arabia). They are also male and predominantly from Islamic countries in the area. Literacy for men reaches almost 85%, but for women it is quite lower - about 71%.
conservative society. Saudi Arabia is often criticized for its attitude towards women. Still their role in it is exceptionally weak and unequal. They are not allowed to travel unless they are accompanied by a spouse or male relative. In addition, they cannot work without permission from their spouse. The most embarrassing fact is that women in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to have medical operations without the permission of their spouse! It is forbidden to listen to music or smoke in the country. Practicing another religion is a crime, and homosexuality is punishable by death!
Saudi Arabia Tourism
Saudi Arabia is not a very popular destination. The number of Western tourists is negligible. Despite this, tourism is a significant branch of the local economy, especially during the Hajj - the largest religious worship in the world. It takes place between the 10th and 15th of the month of Zul-Hijjah. A characteristic feature of Saudi Arabia is that, unlike most countries in the world, the country uses the Islamic calendar, whose year is 11 days shorter than the year of the Gregorian calendar. For this reason, the Hajj is not associated with a specific date in the Western calendar. During the Hajj, millions of visitors gather in the Muslim holy city of Mecca. An important feature is the fact that Mecca, holy places, as well as the second most important city for Muslims, Medina, are absolutely forbidden for Muslims!
The most popular seaside resort in Saudi Arabia is located on the Red Sea. It is called Jeddah and has many hotels. Those looking for beautiful and extensive beaches, however, may be left a bit disappointed by Jeddah. The city does have a picturesque coastline, but lacks a beach strip. Beautiful beaches and excellent coral reefs for diving do exist, but they are located in the north of Jeddah. There you will find yacht ports and even hotel complexes with their own beaches, from which you can get to coral reefs without even leaving the hotel.
The biggest advantages of Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia is a sunny country. No matter what part of the year you travel, sunny and warm weather is guaranteed. The underwater biodiversity in the coastal coral reefs is amazing, and the landscapes and architecture seem to come out of the fairy tale “Aladdin and the magic lamp”.
The biggest disadvantages:
The culture and lifestyle in Saudi Arabia is too different from anything one can see in Western countries. local society 
extremely conservative, and for this reason, a person runs the risk of getting himself into serious trouble with behavior that is considered completely normal and acceptable in America or other parts of the world. In addition, not everyone can adapt to too high temperatures, which can rise up to 50°C during the summer months!
"The country of two mosques" (Mecca and Medina) - this is how Saudi Arabia is often called differently. The form of government of this state is an absolute monarchy. Geographic information, a brief history and information about the political structure of Saudi Arabia will help to get a general idea about this country.
General information
Saudi Arabia is the largest state on the Arabian Peninsula. It borders Iraq, Kuwait and Jordan to the north, UAE and Qatar to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south. It owns more than 80 percent of the peninsula, as well as several islands in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
More than half of the country's territory is occupied by the Rub al-Khali desert. In addition, in the north is part of the Syrian desert, and in the south is An-Nafud - another large desert. The plateau in the center of the country is crossed by several rivers, which usually dry up during the hot season.
Saudi Arabia is exceptionally rich in oil. The profit from the sale of "black gold" is partly invested by the government in the development of the country, partly invested in industrialized countries and used to provide loans to other Arab powers.
The form of government in Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy. Islam is recognized as the state religion. Arabic is the official language.
The name of the country was given by the ruling dynasty in it - the Saudis. Its capital is the city of Riyadh. The population of the country is 22.7 million people, mostly Arabs.
Early history of Arabia
In the first millennium BC, the Minean kingdom was located on the shores of the Red Sea. On the east coast was Dilmun, which was considered the political and cultural federation in the region.
In 570, an event occurred that determined the further fate of the Arabian Peninsula - Muhammad, the future prophet, was born in Mecca. His teaching literally turned the history of these lands, subsequently influenced the features of the form of government of Saudi Arabia and the culture of the country.
The followers of the prophet, known as caliphs (caliphs), conquered almost all the territories of the Middle East, bringing Islam. However, with the advent of the caliphate, whose capital was first Damascus, later Baghdad, the significance of the prophet's homeland gradually lost its importance. At the end of the 13th century, the territory of Saudi Arabia was almost entirely under the rule of Egypt, and two and a half centuries later these lands were ceded to the Ottoman Porte.
Rise of Saudi Arabia
In the middle of the 17th century, the state of Nazhd appeared, which managed to achieve independence from the Porte. In the middle of the 19th century, Riyadh became its capital. But the civil war that broke out a few years later led to the fact that the weakened country was divided among the neighboring powers.
In 1902, the son of the sheikh of the Dirayah oasis, Abdul-Aziz ibn Saud, managed to take Riyadh. Four years later, almost all of Nazhd was under his control. In 1932, emphasizing the special significance of the royal house in history, he officially gave the country the name Saudi Arabia. The form of government of the state allowed the Saudis to achieve on its territory.
Since the middle of the last century, this state has become the main ally and strategic partner of the United States in the Middle East region.
Saudi Arabia: form of government
The constitution of this state officially proclaims the Koran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. However, in Saudi Arabia, the form of government and the general principles of power are determined by the Basic Nizam (law), which came into force in 1992.
This act contains a provision that Saudi Arabia is a sovereign system of power in which it is monarchical. country is based on Sharia law.
The king from the ruling family of the Saudis is also the religious leader and the highest authority in relation to all kinds of power. At the same time, he holds the post of supreme commander of the army, has the right to make appointments to all important civil and military posts, and to declare war in the country. He also oversees that the overall political direction meets the norms of Islam and supervises the implementation of Sharia principles.
Government departments
The executive power in the state is exercised by the Council of Ministers. The king holds the post of its chairman, it is he who is engaged in its formation and reorganization. The Nizams, approved by the Council of Ministers, enact royal decrees. The ministers head the respective ministries and departments, for the activities of which they are responsible to the king.
It is also carried out by the king, under which there is an Advisory Council with deliberative rights. The members of this council express their opinion on the draft Nizams adopted by the ministers. The Chairman of the Advisory Council and sixty of its members are also appointed by the King (for a term of four years).
The Supreme Judicial Council is at the head of the judiciary. On the recommendation of this council, the king appoints and removes judges.
Saudi Arabia, whose form of government and state structure is based on the almost absolute power of the king and the veneration of the Islamic religion, officially does not have any trade unions or political parties. Serving a religion other than Islam is also prohibited here.
It is the largest state on the Arabian Peninsula and one of the richest powers on the planet. It is here that the most important pilgrimage centers of the Muslim world are located, and the most prosperous countries of our time are frankly jealous of the local oil reserves. From different sides, the Saudi kingdom is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf, as well as the Arabian and Red Seas, delighting the eyes of amazed guests arriving on these mysterious shores.
Peculiarities
The monarchy flourishes in Saudi Arabia and is currently led by the son of the founder of the state from the Saudi dynasty, Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz al-Saud. The symbol of the country's economy is the oil refining industry, thanks to which the welfare of the state has been kept at the highest level for a long time. Among the regular buyers of oil and gas are the United States, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and other prosperous powers. The harsh Sharia law that the kingdom lives by is an integral part of the image of Saudi Arabia in the West and often causes dissatisfaction with international organizations that monitor the observance of human rights. The penalties for violating the laws of Islam are indeed very severe here. A small offense can cost a person a certain amount of money, and a big one can cost a head, in the truest sense of the word. The observance of norms of behavior and morality is vigilantly monitored by the religious police.
The territorial expanses of the country are mainly formed from rocky and sandy deserts, where lichens, white saxaul, tamarisk, acacia and other plants grow. Date palms, bananas, citrus fruits, cereals and horticultural crops are often found in oases. Living creatures, despite the arid climate, are very diverse and are represented by many individuals, including antelopes, gazelles, wild donkeys, hares, jackals, hyenas, foxes, wolves, as well as dozens of species of birds and rodents. A significant disadvantage of the political structure of the state is serious youth unemployment and too much dependence on the financial generosity of the ruling royal family.
general information
The territory of Saudi Arabia is quite extensive and covers an area of just under 2 million 150 thousand square meters. km, which is 12 in the world. The population at the same time is about 27 million people. Arabic is used as the main language. The monetary currency is the Saudi rial (SAR). 100 SAR = $SAR:USD:100:2. Time zone UTC+3. Local time coincides with Moscow. Mains voltage 127 and 220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz, A, B, F, G. Telephone country code +966. Internet domain.sa.
A brief excursion into history
For a long time, the lands between the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea were occupied by Arab tribes, and in the 1st millennium BC, the Minean and Sabaean kingdoms existed in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula. At the same time, in the historical region of Hijaz, many centuries ago, pilgrimage centers of the Islamic world arose - Mecca and Medina. It was in Mecca that the Prophet Muhammad began to spread Islam at the beginning of the 7th century, and a little later he settled in Medina, which later became the capital of the Arab Caliphate. In the late Middle Ages, Turkish rule was established on the peninsula.
The birth of the first Saudi state began in 1744, with the active participation of the ruler of the city of Ad-Diriya - Muhammad ibn Saud and the preacher Muhammad Abdul-Wahhab. It lasted only 73 years until it was destroyed by the Ottomans. The same fate befell the second Saudi state, founded in 1824. The creator of the third was Abd al-Aziz, who captured Riyadh at the beginning of the 20th century, and then subjugated the Nejd region. In September 1932, after the unification of the Hejaz and Najd regions, modern Saudi Arabia was formed, whose king was Abd al-Aziz. In subsequent decades and up to the present day, the royal throne was regularly inherited, while international relations with the West still remain very moderate and not too open, allowing Saudi Arabia to maintain its relative closeness and confidentiality on the world political arena.
Climate
The country is dominated by an arid climate with minimal rainfall throughout the year. The air temperature in the winter months on the coast fluctuates between +20 .. +30 degrees, and in summer the thermometer of the thermometer regularly exceeds +50 degrees. The desert area is somewhat cooler. In summer, at night, the temperature can drop to 0 degrees there. Precipitation, depending on the region, falls only in winter and spring, and even then in small quantities. It is recommended to come here from September to October or from April to May, while it is still not too hot, and the sea winds sufficiently refresh the air.
Visa and customs regulations
Visiting Saudi Arabia by citizens of Russia and Ukraine is possible only with a transit, student, work, business or guest visa. In addition, group visas are accepted for Hajj pilgrims to Mecca. Ordinary tourist visas to the country are not issued. Women, during the application process, must provide a copy of the marriage document or confirm kinship with the man accompanying them on the trip. Without the presence of the latter, they are prohibited from leaving the airport transit zone. The local customs regulations provide for a complete ban on the transport of alcohol and printed materials in Hebrew. The death penalty is used for drug trafficking.
How to get there
There are 4 international airports in Saudi Arabia, one of which is in the capital, King Khalid. The most convenient flight option are flights with transfers in or. In addition, the kingdom can be reached through, and through several other European countries. On the coast of the Persian Gulf there are a number of large seaports that receive ferries from, and.
Transport
Within the country, rail and bus suburban communications are developed. Highways are of very high quality. Women under 30 are only allowed to drive if accompanied by men.
Cities and resorts
Saudi Arabia is one of the most closed and mysterious countries in the world. For many years, this Arab state has kept its culture, religion, traditions and customs hidden from human eyes. For many travel enthusiasts, a visit to the country of the sheikhs is a pipe dream, due to restrictions on foreign tourists, which, however, only makes it even more attractive and alluring.
The most important holy city of Muslims all over the world is in which the founder of the religion, Prophet Muhammad, was born. Here is located Holy Haram Mosque, accommodating up to 700 thousand people at the same time. In the center of the mosque is the sanctuary of the Kaaba, the corners of which are oriented to the four cardinal points. The Kaaba is covered with a black silk veil (kiswa), the upper part of which is decorated with sayings from the Koran embroidered with gold. The door to the sanctuary is made of pure gold and weighs 286 kg. In the eastern corner of the Kaaba is the Black Stone, which is bordered by a silver rim. In accordance with Muslim tradition, God gave this Black Stone to the first man, Adam, who was expelled from paradise, after his sincere repentance.
Tradition says that initially the stone had a white color, but over time it turned black from the touch of sinners. Just a few meters separate the Kaaba from another Muslim shrine - the Maqam Ibrahim stone, which keeps the imprint of Abraham's foot. In the Haram Mosque, the sacred spring of Zamzam beats, given to Ismail at the time when he, along with Hagar (Hajar), was dying in the desert from unbearable thirst. It was around this source that Mecca subsequently arose. According to the basics of Islam, every Muslim is obliged to visit Mecca at least once in his life.
Another holy city of Muslims is, because it is here that the mosque of the Prophet is located, in which the tomb of the prophet is located, Abu Bakr (the first caliph and father of one of Muhammad's wives) and Umar ibn Khattab (the second caliph) are buried nearby. I must say that in total in this city there are about a hundred such places of worship, which are made in various architectural styles.
In you can admire the magnificent buildings of embassies and consulates. Be sure to visit the beautiful national park Asir.
Despite the fact that it is one of the most modern cities in the Middle East, it still retained the historical appearance of a typical oriental city, representing a fortress with a majestic medieval flavor, winding narrow streets where you can get lost, adobe houses, the facades of which face into the yard. Here is the royal palace and Jamid mosque.
If you prefer an active holiday, then you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of entertainment offered. Thus, the traditional sport of the inhabitants is camel racing. Both in the capital and in the most remote Bedouin camp, regardless of the time of year, you can watch races, dressage, as well as various team games in which camels are directly involved. Equestrian sport is no less popular here, while everything related to horses is an enduring value for local residents.
An actively developing type of recreation in the country is scuba diving in the waters of the Red Sea. I must say that foreign tourists appreciated the untouchedness, as well as the species diversity of this clean sea.
It is impossible not to say about deep-sea fishing in the waters of the Gulf, and directly on the Red Sea. At the same time, ancient original fishing methods are used for catching fish, which can easily compete with modern types of fishing, so such fishing tours are quite popular today.
Saudi Arabia is a rather closed state, the tourist potential of which is the unique nature of the deserts, a combination of ancient traditions and modern trends, as well as many places of worship of the Islamic world, which are the main reason for visiting the country by more than 90% of foreign citizens.
Accommodation
Hotels of all categories are available throughout the country of the Kingdom. Most tourist cities have the opportunity to rent an apartment for a short time, the owners of Shigka-maafroosha are in the lobbies of hotels, offering their services to tourists. 4-5 * hotels are quite expensive, but you get an excellent level of service, and the hotel restaurant will work even in Ramadan.
Capital: Riyadh.
Area: 2,149,690 sq. km.
Population: 26,939,583
Official language: Arabic.
Official currency: Saudi riyal.
Saudi Arabia is one of the most "closed" countries in the world. To visit it, you will have to fulfill a number of conditions and rules. But those who at least once saw its endless deserts and felt the influence of local culture are unlikely to regret that they ended up there...
Saudi Arabia occupies about 80% of the Arabian Peninsula - the largest in the world. It borders Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait to the north and northeast, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to the east, and Oman and Yemen to the south. With the island state of Bahrain, which is located in the waters of the Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia is connected by a huge bridge of King Fahd. It is completely located on piles driven into the bottom of the bay.
On the political map between Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman, the border is drawn not as a solid line, as is usually done, but as a broken line, because this border is conditional. It passes through the desert and is not marked on the ground. Because of this, the area of a country is always given as an approximation.
The inhabitants of the country are Muslims. They live under Sharia (Islamic law), which foreigners will find very strict. For example, in Saudi Arabia, public entertainment (theaters, cinemas, etc.), rallies and parades are prohibited, there are no holidays except religious ones, you can’t have pets, and you cut off your hand for theft ...
New Year and Christmas celebrations are banned in Saudi Arabia. These are Christian holidays, for which a punishment is imposed.
Saudi Arabia is an absolute theocratic monarchy. This means that the power in the country (both secular and spiritual) belongs to the king and is no longer limited by anyone. The role of the constitution in the state is performed by the holy book of Muslims - the Koran.
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia is one of the richest rulers in the world. His fortune totals 63 billion dollars.
At the beginning of the 20th century Saudi Arabia was one of the poorest countries in the world, now it is one of the richest. Oil helped the Saudis to get rich, huge deposits of which were found on the territory of the country. Thanks to the "black gold" over the past 20 years, Saudi Arabia has turned from a backward medieval into a modern developed state.
Saudi Arabia is the world leader in oil production.
Gasoline in Saudi Arabia is several times cheaper than water, and not because it is scarce in the desert, but because there is a lot of oil from which it is obtained.
They say that in Saudi Arabia men own everything and women own nothing. A woman has few rights here. She can only go outside when accompanied by a man, even if he is only 6 years old! She is not allowed to drive or work. In the country, even shops are divided into women's and men's.
Garden in the desert
Leave the city - and find yourself ... in the desert. Yes, this is possible not only in the imagination, but also in reality. The capital of Saudi Arabia - Riyadh - is surrounded by deserts. Walk quite a bit - and the city streets are replaced by endless hot sands. 
The life of Riyadh is divided into two periods: before the discovery of oil fields and after. When black gold was found in the country, the Saudi king spared no expense in rebuilding the main city itself. He invited the best engineers, designers, who created an oasis called Riyadh (translated from Arabic, it means "garden".)
How Riyadh looked like in the past, you can find out by walking through the central part of the city - al-Bataa. There is still a quarter with narrow streets and low adobe houses.
At first glance, it would seem that no one lives in them anymore. But satellite "dishes" on the roofs will tell you that this is not so.
Riyadh is famous for its camel market, which attracts sellers and buyers from all over the Middle East. The price of a "ship of the desert" here reaches tens of thousands of dollars!
Riyadh is a city of mosques. There are more than 150 of them, and each one is different from the others!
The capital of Saudi Arabia is considered one of the hottest cities in the world. In summer, the air temperature rises to +45 °C! It almost never rains here. Despite this, the city is recognized as the greenest capital in the Middle East. This unusual fact is explained by the fact that Riyadh lies in a small but fertile lowland.
Modern Riyadh is a city with wide streets and glass skyscrapers, among which there are very interesting buildings. For example, the Kingdom Center is the tallest building in Saudi Arabia. The height of the skyscraper is 311 m, it has 99 floors! Because of his appearance, the locals nicknamed him "opener".
In the future, an unusual metro station should appear in Riyadh. It will be built in the form of a huge bowl with a large hole on top. Through it, the sun's rays will fall deep into the station and illuminate it. Thus, the Saudis plan to use a natural source of light.
Dirayah, the old capital of Saudi Arabia, is located 20 km from Riyadh. Once this city was very rich, trade routes passed through it, but then it was destroyed. Only a few palaces and mosques remain from it. Archaeological excavations are actively carried out in the city now.
Football is very popular in Saudi Arabia. The national team of this country has become the champion of Asia more than once. The King Fahd Stadium is one of the most remarkable buildings in the capital: it was built in the form of an Arab tent.
In an ocean of sand
On the physical map of the world, Saudi Arabia is shaded in yellow. This means that the territory of the country is occupied by deserts. 
The largest of the Saudi Arabian deserts is Rub al-Khali. Translated from Arabic, it means "empty quarter." Only the desert, contrary to its name, occupies not a quarter of the country, but its entire third! Rub al-Khali is a boundless sea of hot sand, which is constantly moving due to the wind. The height of sand waves (dunes) can reach 250 m, and this is the height of a nine-story building! There are legends about the sands of this desert. They say that they buried more than one caravan under them.
And once a whole city - Ubar - drowned in a sandy stream. It was a large shopping center where many rich people lived. But wealth made them greedy and evil. There was a city, there was, and it floated away ... As if it had disappeared forever in the desert ...
In the north of Saudi Arabia lies the "sister" of Rub al-Khali - the Great Nefud Desert. She is called the most beautiful in the world. In the morning, the surface of this desert is bright red, and in the evening it is white. It is transformed due to the fact that its grains of sand contain a lot of iron and change color depending on the lighting. This is the hottest and stuffiest place on earth. During the day, the temperature in the desert rises to 60 degrees, and the sand warms up to 70! Life here is only in oases, where the "bread of the desert" grows - dates.
In the desert, you can observe fantastic phenomena, such as stone roses. Bizarre flowers are created underground for years. They consist of gypsum and sand, and are obtained due to the strong evaporation of water. Over time, due to the wind, they are on the surface. These stone flowers are considered a trophy. They are hunted by fossil collectors. One such desert flower costs thousands of euros!
The King of Saudi Arabia regularly holds prayers for rain. This ritual is one of the traditions of Saudi Arabia. It was initiated by the Prophet Muhammad himself.
East and West of Saudi Arabia are different. The climate on the Red Sea coast is more favorable for life. The Hijaz and Asir mountains stretch here, where the highest point of the country is located - the city of An-Nabi-Shuaib (3353 m). They do not allow the heated air from the center of Arabia to penetrate and serve as a barrier against sand. It is very hot on the east coast, and the air humidity is so high that a wet handkerchief hung out in the sun does not dry out for a long time.
Baboon monkeys literally attack the people of Saudi Arabia. In the mountains, because of the heat, they have nothing to eat, so they move closer to people. Baboons run freely through the streets of Saudi cities and rob local residents: they climb into houses or cars and steal vegetables and fruits.
In summer, the inhabitants of Saudi Arabia, like the Belarusians, go to the south of the Arabian Peninsula. Only we at the same time strive for warmth, and the Saudis - for coolness, because on the southern coast it is not as hot as in the center or in the north of Arabia.
In winter, the wind rises over the Arabian Peninsula, which causes severe sandstorms. Clouds of sand and dust cover most of the settlements in Saudi Arabia. In cities, traffic is closed, children do not go to school, life stops. Everyone tries to sit out this period at home.
