2013 Edition

Background

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. One of his male descendants rules the country today, as required by the country's 1992 Basic Law. King ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz ascended to the throne in 2005. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia accepted the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees while allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil for the liberation of Kuwait the following year. The continuing presence of foreign troops on Saudi soil after the liberation of Kuwait became a source of tension between the royal family and the public until all operational US troops left the country in 2003. Major terrorist attacks in May and November 2003 spurred a strong on-going campaign against domestic terrorism and extremism. King ABDALLAH has continued the cautious reform program begun when he was crown prince. The king instituted an interfaith dialogue initiative in 2008 to encourage religious tolerance on a global level; in 2009, he reshuffled the cabinet, which led to more moderates holding ministerial and judicial positions, and appointed the first female to the cabinet. The 2010-12 uprisings across Middle Eastern and North African countries sparked modest incidents in Saudi cities, predominantly by Shia demonstrators calling for the release of detainees and the withdrawal from Bahrain of the Gulf Cooperation Council's Peninsula Shield Force. Protests in general were met by a strong police presence, with some arrests, but not the level of bloodshed seen in protests elsewhere in the region. In response to the unrest, King ABDALLAH in February and March 2011 announced a series of benefits to Saudi citizens including funds to build affordable housing, salary increases for government workers, and unemployment entitlements. To promote increased political participation, the government held elections nationwide in September 2011 for half the members of 285 municipal councils. Also in September, the king announced that women will be allowed to run for and vote in future municipal elections - first held in 2005 - and serve as full members of the advisory Consultative Council. During 2012, Shia protests increased in violence, while peaceful Sunni protests expanded. The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and holds about 17% of the world's proven oil reserves. The government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification, particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in December 2005, and promotes foreign investment in the kingdom. A burgeoning population, aquifer depletion, and an economy largely dependent on petroleum output and prices are ongoing governmental concerns.

Area

2,149,690 sq km 2,149,690 sq km 0 sq km

total

2,149,690 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US

Climate

harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes

Coastline

2,640 km

Elevation extremes

Persian Gulf 0 m Jabal Sawda' 3,133 m

highest point

Jabal Sawda' 3,133 m

lowest point

Persian Gulf 0 m

Environment - current issues

desertification; depletion of underground water resources; the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination facilities; coastal pollution from oil spills

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution none of the selected agreements

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

23.67 cu km/yr (9%/3%/88%) 928.1 cu m/yr (2006)

per capita

928.1 cu m/yr (2006)

total

23.67 cu km/yr (9%/3%/88%)

Geographic coordinates

25 00 N, 45 00 E

Geography - note

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the world without a river; extensive coastlines on the Persian Gulf and Red Sea provide great leverage on shipping (especially crude oil) through the Persian Gulf and Suez Canal

Irrigated land

16,200 sq km (2004)

Land boundaries

4,431 km Iraq 814 km, Jordan 744 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman 676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km

border countries

Iraq 814 km, Jordan 744 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman 676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km

total

4,431 km

Land use

1.45% 0.11% 98.44% (2011)

arable land

1.45%

other

98.44% (2011)

permanent crops

0.11%

Location

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of Yemen

Map references

Middle East

Maritime claims

12 nm 18 nm not specified

contiguous zone

18 nm

continental shelf

not specified

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

frequent sand and dust storms despite many volcanic formations, there has been little activity in the past few centuries; volcanoes include Harrat Rahat, Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Lunayyir, and Jabal Yar

volcanism

despite many volcanic formations, there has been little activity in the past few centuries; volcanoes include Harrat Rahat, Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Lunayyir, and Jabal Yar

Natural resources

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper

Terrain

mostly uninhabited, sandy desert

Total renewable water resources

2.4 cu km (2011)

Age structure

28.2% (male 3,890,771/female 3,703,725) 19.6% (male 2,823,458/female 2,450,629) 44.8% (male 6,927,445/female 5,148,565) 4.3% (male 639,051/female 524,058) 3.1% (male 429,951/female 401,930) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

28.2% (male 3,890,771/female 3,703,725)

15-24 years

19.6% (male 2,823,458/female 2,450,629)

25-54 years

44.8% (male 6,927,445/female 5,148,565)

55-64 years

4.3% (male 639,051/female 524,058)

65 years and over

3.1% (male 429,951/female 401,930) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

19.01 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

5.3% (2005)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

23.8% (2007)

Death rate

3.32 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Dependency ratios

46.9 % 42.6 % 4.2 % 23.6 (2013)

elderly dependency ratio

4.2 %

potential support ratio

23.6 (2013)

total dependency ratio

46.9 %

youth dependency ratio

42.6 %

Drinking water source

urban: 97% of population urban: 3% of population (2010 est.)

urban

3% of population (2010 est.)

Education expenditures

5.6% of GDP (2008)

Ethnic groups

Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%

Health expenditures

3.7% of GDP (2011)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.01% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Hospital bed density

2.2 beds/1,000 population (2009)

Infant mortality rate

15.08 deaths/1,000 live births 17.31 deaths/1,000 live births 12.75 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

12.75 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

15.08 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Arabic (official)

Life expectancy at birth

74.58 years 72.58 years 76.68 years (2013 est.)

female

76.68 years (2013 est.)

total population

74.58 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 87.2% 90.8% 82.2% (2011 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

82.2% (2011 est.)

male

90.8%

total population

87.2%

Major urban areas - population

RIYADH (capital) 4.725 million; Jeddah 3.234 million; Mecca 1.484 million; Medina 1.104 million; Ad Dammam 902,000 (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

24 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

26 years 27 years 24.8 years (2013 est.)

female

24.8 years (2013 est.)

male

27 years

total

26 years

Nationality

Saudi(s) Saudi or Saudi Arabian

adjective

Saudi or Saudi Arabian

noun

Saudi(s)

Net migration rate

-0.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

33% (2008)

Physicians density

0.94 physicians/1,000 population (2008)

Population

26,939,583 (July 2013 est.) includes 5,576,076 non-nationals

Population growth rate

1.51% (2013 est.)

Religions

Muslim (official) 100%

Sanitation facility access

urban: 100% of population (2010 est.)

urban

100% of population (2010 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

15 years 15 years 15 years (2011)

female

15 years (2011)

male

15 years

total

15 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.15 male(s)/female 1.36 male(s)/female 1.22 male(s)/female 1.08 male(s)/female 1.21 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.15 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.36 male(s)/female

55-64 years

1.22 male(s)/female

65 years and over

1.08 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1.21 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.21 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

28.2% 23.6% 45.8% (2008)

female

45.8% (2008)

total

28.2%

Urbanization

82.3% of total population (2011) 2.38% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

2.38% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

82.3% of total population (2011)

Administrative divisions

13 provinces (mintaqat, singular - mintaqah); Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah (Northern Border), Al Jawf, Al Madinah (Medina), Al Qasim, Ar Riyad (Riyadh), Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern), 'Asir, Ha'il, Jizan, Makkah (Mecca), Najran, Tabuk

Capital

Riyadh 24 39 N, 46 42 E UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

24 39 N, 46 42 E

name

Riyadh

time difference

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

1 March 1992 - Basic Law of Government, issued by royal decree, serves as the constitutional framework and is based on the Qur'an and the life and tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (2013)

Country name

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Saudiyah Al Arabiyah as Saudiyah

conventional long form

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

conventional short form

Saudi Arabia

local long form

Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Saudiyah

local short form

Al Arabiyah as Saudiyah

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador James B. SMITH (since 16 September 2009) Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh American Embassy, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693 [966] (1) 488-3800 [966] (1) 488-7360 Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)

chief of mission

Ambassador James B. SMITH (since 16 September 2009)

consulate(s) general

Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)

embassy

Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh

FAX

[966] (1) 488-7360

mailing address

American Embassy, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693

telephone

[966] (1) 488-3800

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Adil al-Ahmad al-JUBAYR (since 21 February 2007) 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 [1] (202) 342-3800 [1] (202) 944-3113 Houston, Los Angeles, New York

chancery

601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

chief of mission

Ambassador Adil al-Ahmad al-JUBAYR (since 21 February 2007)

consulate(s) general

Houston, Los Angeles, New York

FAX

[1] (202) 944-3113

telephone

[1] (202) 342-3800

Executive branch

King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, born 31 December 1935) ; note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Deputy Prime Minister SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 19 June 2012); Second Deputy Prime Minister MUQRIN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since February 2013) Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch every four years and includes many royal family members none; the monarchy is hereditary; note - an Allegiance Commission created by royal decree in October 2006 established a committee of Saudi princes that will play a role in selecting future Saudi kings, but the system will not take effect until after King ABDALLAH's successor inherits the throne

cabinet

Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch every four years and includes many royal family members

chief of state

King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, born 31 December 1935) ; note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government

elections

none; the monarchy is hereditary; note - an Allegiance Commission created by royal decree in October 2006 established a committee of Saudi princes that will play a role in selecting future Saudi kings, but the system will not take effect until after King ABDALLAH's successor inherits the throne

head of government

King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Deputy Prime Minister SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 19 June 2012); Second Deputy Prime Minister MUQRIN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since February 2013)

Flag description

green, a traditional color in Islamic flags, with the Shahada or Muslim creed in large white Arabic script (translated as "There is no god but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God") above a white horizontal saber (the tip points to the hoist side); design dates to the early twentieth century and is closely associated with the Al Saud family which established the kingdom in 1932; the flag is manufactured with differing obverse and reverse sides so that the Shahada reads - and the sword points - correctly from right to left on both sides one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse and reverse sides - the others are Moldova and Paraguay

Government type

monarchy

Independence

23 September 1932 (unification of the kingdom)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

International organization participation

ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BIS, CAEU, CP, FAO, G-20, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

High Court (consists of the court chief and organized into circuits with 3-judge panels except the criminal circuit which has a 5-judge panel for cases involving major punishments) note - in 2005, King Abdullah issued decrees approving an overhaul of the judicial system and which were incorporated in the Judiciary Law of 2007; one change was the replacement of the Supreme Council of Justice with the High Court the High Court chief and chiefs of the High Court Circuits appointed by royal decree following the recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council, a 10-member body of high level judges and other judicial heads; new judges and assistant judges serve 1- and 2- year probations, respectively, before permanent assignment Court of Appeals; first-degree courts composed of general, criminal, personal status, and commercial courts, and the Labor Court; hierarchy of administrative courts

highest court(s)

High Court (consists of the court chief and organized into circuits with 3-judge panels except the criminal circuit which has a 5-judge panel for cases involving major punishments)

judge selection and term of office

the High Court chief and chiefs of the High Court Circuits appointed by royal decree following the recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council, a 10-member body of high level judges and other judicial heads; new judges and assistant judges serve 1- and 2- year probations, respectively, before permanent assignment

subordinate courts

Court of Appeals; first-degree courts composed of general, criminal, personal status, and commercial courts, and the Labor Court; hierarchy of administrative courts

Legal system

Islamic (sharia) legal system with some elements of Egyptian, French, and customary law; note - several secular codes have been introduced; commercial disputes handled by special committees

Legislative branch

Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (150 members and a chairman appointed by the monarch to serve four-year terms); note - though the Council of Ministers announced in October 2003 its intent to introduce elections for a third of the Majlis al-Shura incrementally over a period of four to five years, to date no such elections have been held or announced

National anthem

"Aash Al Maleek" (Long Live Our Beloved King) Ibrahim KHAFAJI/Abdul Rahman al-KHATEEB music adopted 1947, lyrics adopted 1984

lyrics/music

Ibrahim KHAFAJI/Abdul Rahman al-KHATEEB

name

"Aash Al Maleek" (Long Live Our Beloved King)

National holiday

Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932)

National symbol(s)

palm tree surmounting two crossed swords

Political parties and leaders

none

Political pressure groups and leaders

Ansar Al Marah (supports women's rights) gas companies; religious groups

other

gas companies; religious groups

Suffrage

21 years of age; male

Agriculture - products

wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus; mutton, chickens, eggs, milk

Budget

$326.5 billion $234.8 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$234.8 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$326.5 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

13.1% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

2.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

6.8% (31 December 2012 est.) 7.2% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$164.8 billion (2012 est.) $158.5 billion (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$136.3 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $113.7 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Economy - overview

Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with strong government controls over major economic activities. It possesses about 17% of the world's proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 80% of budget revenues, 45% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings. Saudi Arabia is encouraging the growth of the private sector in order to diversify its economy and to employ more Saudi nationals. Diversification efforts are focusing on power generation, telecommunications, natural gas exploration, and petrochemical sectors. Over 5 million foreign workers play an important role in the Saudi economy, particularly in the oil and service sectors, while Riyadh is struggling to reduce unemployment among its own nationals. Saudi officials are particularly focused on employing its large youth population, which generally lacks the education and technical skills the private sector needs. Riyadh has substantially boosted spending on job training and education, most recently with the opening of the King Abdallah University of Science and Technology - Saudi Arabia's first co-educational university. As part of its effort to attract foreign investment, Saudi Arabia acceded to the WTO in 2005. The government has begun establishing six "economic cities" in different regions of the country to promote foreign investment and plans to spend $373 billion between 2010 and 2014 on social development and infrastructure projects to advance Saudi Arabia''s economic development.

Exchange rates

Saudi riyals (SAR) per US dollar - 3.75 (2012 est.) 3.75 (2011 est.) 3.75 (2010 est.) 3.75 (2009) 3.75 (2008)

Exports

$388.4 billion (2012 est.) $364.7 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

petroleum and petroleum products 90%

Exports - partners

US 14.2%, China 13.6%, Japan 13.6%, South Korea 9.9%, India 8.2%, Singapore 4.3% (2012)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

28.1% 20.4% 22.2% 3.5% 56.2% -30.3% (2012 est.)

exports of goods and services

56.2%

government consumption

20.4%

household consumption

28.1%

imports of goods and services

-30.3%

investment in fixed capital

22.2%

investment in inventories

3.5%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

2% 65% 33% (2012 est.)

agriculture

2%

industry

65%

services

33% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$30,500 (2012 est.) $29,600 (2011 est.) $28,500 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

5.1% (2012 est.) 8.6% (2011 est.) 7.4% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$701.4 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$883.7 billion (2012 est.) $840.6 billion (2011 est.) $774.2 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Gross national saving

48.8% of GDP (2012 est.) 50.5% of GDP (2011 est.) 43.4% of GDP (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$141.8 billion (2012 est.) $120 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor vehicles, textiles

Imports - partners

China 13.5%, US 13.2%, South Korea 6.6%, Germany 6.5%, India 6.3%, Japan 6% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

5.3% (2012 est.)

Industries

crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, construction

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.9% (2012 est.) 3.9% (2011 est.)

Labor force

8.012 million about 80% of the labor force is non-national (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

6.7% 21.4% 71.9% (2005 est.)

agriculture

6.7%

industry

21.4%

services

71.9% (2005 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$338.9 billion (31 December 2011) $353.4 billion (31 December 2010) $318.8 billion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Public debt

11.8% of GDP (2012 est.) 11.2% of GDP (2011 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$656.9 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $541.1 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$360.3 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $326.3 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$22.12 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $17.72 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$223.2 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $210.8 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$-74.71 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $-27.54 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$236.6 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $202.9 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

46.5% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

10.6% (2012 est.) 10.8% (2011 est.) data are for Saudi males only (local bank estimates; some estimates range as high as 25%)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

513.5 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

6.88 million bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - production

11.73 million bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

267.9 billion bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

190.9 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

100% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

49.05 million kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

239.2 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

99.23 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

103.2 billion cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

8.15 trillion cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

2.817 million bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

1.471 million bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

196,700 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

1.935 million bbl/day (2010 est.)

Broadcast media

broadcast media are state-controlled; state-run TV operates 4 networks; Saudi Arabia is a major market for pan-Arab satellite TV broadcasters; state-run radio operates several networks; multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code

.sa

Internet hosts

145,941 (2012)

Internet users

9.774 million (2009)

Telephone system

modern system including a combination of extensive microwave radio relays, coaxial cables, and fiber-optic cables mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly country code - 966; landing point for the international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks providing connectivity to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and US; microwave radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Yemen, and Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (3 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region) (2011)

domestic

mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly

general assessment

modern system including a combination of extensive microwave radio relays, coaxial cables, and fiber-optic cables

international

country code - 966; landing point for the international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks providing connectivity to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and US; microwave radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Yemen, and Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (3 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region) (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

4.8 million (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

53 million (2012)

Airports

214 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

4 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

27

2,438 to 3,047 m

16

914 to 1,523 m

2

over 3,047 m

33

total

82

under 914 m

4 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

16 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

72

2,438 to 3,047 m

7

914 to 1,523 m

37

total

132

Heliports

10 (2013)

Merchant marine

cargo 1, chemical tanker 25, container 4, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 10, petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 7 15 (Egypt 1, Greece 4, Kuwait 4, UAE 6) 55 (Bahamas 16, Dominica 2, Liberia 20, Malta 2, Norway 3, Panama 11, Tanzania 1) (2010)

foreign-owned

15 (Egypt 1, Greece 4, Kuwait 4, UAE 6)

registered in other countries

55 (Bahamas 16, Dominica 2, Liberia 20, Malta 2, Norway 3, Panama 11, Tanzania 1) (2010)

total

72

Pipelines

condensate 209 km; gas 2,940 km; liquid petroleum gas 1,183 km; oil 5,117 km; refined products 1,151 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Ad Dammam, Al Jubayl, Jeddah, Yanbu al Bahr

Railways

1,378 km 1,378 km 1.435-m gauge (with branch lines and sidings) (2008)

total

1,378 km

Roadways

221,372 km 47,529 km (includes 3,891 km of expressways) 173,843 km (2006)

total

221,372 km

unpaved

173,843 km (2006)

Manpower available for military service

8,644,522 6,601,985 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

6,601,985 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

8,644,522

Manpower fit for military service

7,365,624 5,677,819 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

5,677,819 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

7,365,624

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

261,105 244,763 (2010 est.)

female

244,763 (2010 est.)

male

261,105

Military branches

Ministry of Defense and Aviation Forces: Royal Saudi Land Forces, Royal Saudi Naval Forces (includes Marine Forces and Special Forces), Royal Saudi Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya as-Sa'udiya), Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal Saudi Strategic Rocket Forces, Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG)

Ministry of Defense and Aviation Forces

Royal Saudi Land Forces, Royal Saudi Naval Forces (includes Marine Forces and Special Forces), Royal Saudi Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya as-Sa'udiya), Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal Saudi Strategic Rocket Forces, Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG)

Military expenditures

9.1% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

17 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2012)

Disputes - international

Saudi Arabia has reinforced its concrete-filled security barrier along sections of the now fully demarcated border with Yemen to stem illegal cross-border activities; Kuwait and Saudi Arabia continue discussions on a maritime boundary with Iran; Saudi Arabia claims Egyptian-administered islands of Tiran and Sanafir

Illicit drugs

death penalty for traffickers; improving anti-money-laundering legislation and enforcement

Refugees and internally displaced persons

291,000 (Palestinian Territories) (2009) 70,000 (2012); note - thousands of biduns (stateless Arabs) are descendants of nomadic tribes who were not officially registered when national borders were established, while others migrated to Saudi Arabia in search of jobs; some have temporary identification cards that must be renewed every five years, but their rights remain restricted; most Palestinians have only legal resident status; some naturalized Yemenis were made stateless after being stripped of their passports when Yemen backed Iraq in its invasion of Kuwait in 1990; Saudi women cannot pass their citizenship on to their children, so if they marry a non-national, their children risk statelessness

refugees (country of origin)

291,000 (Palestinian Territories) (2009)

stateless persons

70,000 (2012); note - thousands of biduns (stateless Arabs) are descendants of nomadic tribes who were not officially registered when national borders were established, while others migrated to Saudi Arabia in search of jobs; some have temporary identification cards that must be renewed every five years, but their rights remain restricted; most Palestinians have only legal resident status; some naturalized Yemenis were made stateless after being stripped of their passports when Yemen backed Iraq in its invasion of Kuwait in 1990; Saudi women cannot pass their citizenship on to their children, so if they marry a non-national, their children risk statelessness

Trafficking in persons

Saudi Arabia is a destination country for men and women subjected to forced labor and, to a lesser extent, forced prostitution; men and women from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and many other countries voluntarily travel to Saudi Arabia as domestic servants or other low-skilled laborers, but some subsequently face conditions indicative of involuntary servitude (many are forced to work months or years beyond their contract term because employers withhold passports and required exit visas); women, primarily from Asian and African countries, are believed to be forced into prostitution in Saudi Arabia; others were reportedly kidnapped and forced into prostitution after running away from abusive employers; Yemeni, Nigerian, Pakistani, Afghan, Chadian, and Sudanese children were subjected to forced labor as beggars and street vendors in Saudi Arabia, facilitated by criminal gangs Tier 3 - Saudi Arabia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; fewer victims were identified and referred to protection services than in the previous reporting period; the sponsorship system, including the exit visa requirement, continues to restrict the freedom of movement of migrant workers and hamper the ability of victims to pursue legal cases against their employers; however, the government has implemented regulations mandating the formation of unified recruitment companies to replace the sponsorship model; no specialized shelter was available to victims of sex trafficking or male victims of trafficking (2013)

current situation

Saudi Arabia is a destination country for men and women subjected to forced labor and, to a lesser extent, forced prostitution; men and women from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and many other countries voluntarily travel to Saudi Arabia as domestic servants or other low-skilled laborers, but some subsequently face conditions indicative of involuntary servitude (many are forced to work months or years beyond their contract term because employers withhold passports and required exit visas); women, primarily from Asian and African countries, are believed to be forced into prostitution in Saudi Arabia; others were reportedly kidnapped and forced into prostitution after running away from abusive employers; Yemeni, Nigerian, Pakistani, Afghan, Chadian, and Sudanese children were subjected to forced labor as beggars and street vendors in Saudi Arabia, facilitated by criminal gangs

tier rating

Tier 3 - Saudi Arabia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; fewer victims were identified and referred to protection services than in the previous reporting period; the sponsorship system, including the exit visa requirement, continues to restrict the freedom of movement of migrant workers and hamper the ability of victims to pursue legal cases against their employers; however, the government has implemented regulations mandating the formation of unified recruitment companies to replace the sponsorship model; no specialized shelter was available to victims of sex trafficking or male victims of trafficking (2013)