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Middle East and North Africa

Saudi Arabia Flag of Saudi Arabia

Last reviewed: 30 October 2007

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Country Map: Saudi Arabia

Area: 2.25 million square kilometres
Population: 27,600 000 (2007 est.)
Capital City: Riyadh
People: Arabs, 7 million of the total population are foreign workers
Languages: Arabic is the official language (English is widely spoken in business circles)
Religion: Islam; the public practise of any other religion is forbidden. About 90% of the Muslim population is Sunni and 10% Shia.
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SR)
Major political parties: Political parties are not permitted
Government: Monarchy
Head of State: King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
First Deputy Prime Minister: His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud
Prime Minister/Premier: King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
Foreign Minister: His Royal Highness Prince Saud al Faisal bin Abdul Aziz
Membership of international groups/organisations: World Trade Organisation, Arab League, Gulf Co-operation Council, Organisation of Islamic Countries and United Nations and Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries
Flag: The flag of Saudi Arabia bears the Muslim creed: 'There is no God but God: Muhammad is the Messenger of God.' The official emblem is a date palm, representing vitality and growth, and two crossed swords, symbolising justice and strength rooted in faith.

HEALTH/TRAVEL

Some parts of Saudi Arabia, most notably the South Western region of Jizan, are potentially malarial. Precautions should be taken when visiting this area. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office recommends visitors have immunisations for polio, hepatitis and tetanus before visiting Saudi Arabia.

Hajj and Umrah

During the period of Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims are required by the Government of Saudi Arabia to have a valid certificate of vaccination against the ACWY strains of meningitis. This is a visa requirement. Visitors may be refused entry if they do not have a valid certificate showing that they have received this quadrivalent meningitis vaccination.

Saudi Culture

Islamic principles and social customs are strictly observed in Saudi Arabia and influence all aspects of life and society. Saudi Arabia adheres to the Islamic sharia legal system.

The Saudi working week is from Saturday to Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are the 'weekend'.

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