Saudi Arabia

Official Language

Arabic

Destination Stats

Population
Surface Area
Temperature
Water
Energy
Air Quality
Flora
Fauna

Welcome to Saudi Arabia… the largest country in the Middle East and a country with diverse ecosystems ranging from the vast Rub’ al Khali desert to the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea.

This section provides additional distinctive details about Saudi Arabia that define its ecological uniqueness.  Just choose any tab for the area you would like to explore.

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  • Total Population: 37,473,929 (2024) | Projected by 2030 – 40,461,368
  • World Rank: #40
  • Projected: 45.35 million peak in 2060 (slowly decline after 2061)
  • Growth Rate: Current population growth rate is 1.59%. Likely to decrease to 1.09 by the year 2030, and further fall to 0.277 during the next 30 years, by the year 2060.
  • 56.8% Male; 43.2% Female (2024)
  • Median Age: 30.6 years
  • Birth Rate: 15.268 per 1,000 people (2024)
  • Death Rate: 3.784 per 1,000 people (2024)
  • Migration rate: 6.7 people per 1,000 population (est. 2024)
  • Ethnic populations: The ethnic composition of Saudi citizens is 90% Arabs and 10% Afro-Arabs. However, 38.3% of inhabitants are non-citizens, most of them are migrant workers.
  • Indigenous populations: 28 tribes. Some of the most important tribes in Saudi Arabia over the years include: ‘Anaza, Harb, Utaybah, AI Murrah, Shammar, Mutayr, and Qahtan.

NOTE: 80% of Saudis live in major urban centers like Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medin

  • 5.77 global hectares (gha) | 14.26 acres per person. 
  • This is 1.5 times the global average of 2.7 gha. Saudi Arabia ranks #29 worldwide based on the size of its global footprint.
  • Saudi Arabia’s biocapacity is 0.42 gha | 1.04 acres per person, lower than the global biocapacity of 1.6 gha | 2.96 acres.
  • Agriculture – 80.7%
    • Pastures & Grazing: 79.1%
    • Arable Land: 1.5%
    • Pastures & Grazing: 79.1%
  • Forests – 0.5%
  • Non-Agricultural/Artificial Space (Human Development): 2.5%
  • Open/Bare Spaces – 13.4%
  • Wetlands & Water Bodies: 0.2%
  • Semi-Natural Vegetation: 0.5%
  • Other: 2.2%
  • Primary Food Products: Dates, Watermelon, Barley, Wheat, Potato, Tomato, Sorghum, Cucumber
  • Top Non-crop Food Commodities: Dairy products, Eggs, Fish, Poultry
  • Top Non-Food Products: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, and copper
  • Average Annual Surface Temperature: 25.94 °C |78.69 °F.
  • Climate:  Saudi Arabia has a subtropical climate characterized by dry and warm conditions located 23.9 km (14.9 mi) north of the equator. It has a desert climate, characterized by extremely high temperatures in summer, often exceeding 40°C (104°F).
  • Seasons: Saudi Arabia’s weather is generally characterized by two main seasons:
    • Summer: May – September. 86°F – 109°F | 30°C – 43°C.
    • Winter: October – April. 59°F – 77°F | 15°C – 25°C.
    • While Saudi Arabia doesn’t have distinct spring and autumn seasons like temperate climates, there are transitional periods:
    • Spring-like conditions: March – April. 68°F – 86°F | 20°C – 30°C.
    • Autumn-like conditions: October – November. 68°F – 86°F | 20°C – 30°C.
  • Total Water volume: 2 billion cubic meters (bcm) | 0.53 trillion gallons. 
  • Potable Water Supply per Person: 53.56 m3 | 14,145.1 gallons
  • Average Precipitation: 63 mm | 2.48 inches

Important Facts:

  • All existing natural water volume is ground water. Saudi Arabia has no permanent surface water.
  • Total Energy Used: 10.182 quadrillion BTU | 256.64 MTOE | 2.984 trillion kWh – kilowatt hours)
  • Global Rank in Energy Consumption: #11
  • Primary fuel sources used:  Oil 62.20% | Gas – 37.69% | Coal – 0.04% | Renewables – 0.07%. 
  • Almost all of Saudi Arabia’s electricity needs comes from Gas and Oil.
  • Renewable Energy Sources: Solar – 100% | Wind – <0.01%
  • Total Estimated Species: ~45,000 Flora and Fauna.
  • Total Identified Living Species: 11,506
    • Identified Fauna: 8,587
    • Identified Flora, Fungi, and Others: 2919
  • Total Number of Endangered/Threatened Plant and Animal Species: 146
    • Plant Species: 33.6% (49)
    • Animal Species: 66.4% (97)
  • The threatened and endangered species are primarily affected by habitat loss due to urban and industrial development, overgrazing by livestock, overhunting, and climate change. Additional factors include water resource management issues and pollution, which further degrade natural habitats and threaten biodiversity​.

5 of the of the fascinating and intriguing Natural Wonders of Saudi Arabia… among many:

  • Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn), an iconic cliff, part of the Tuwaiq Escarpment, offers a dramatic view of the surrounding desert plains that seem to stretch infinitely. The cliff gets its name because, when viewed from the top, it appears as though the world just drops off. It is a popular spot for hiking and provides a unique vantage point to witness the vast, arid landscape of Saudi Arabia​ (UNEP LEAP)​.
  • Al Wahbah Crater is located in the heart of the desert, Al Wahbah Crater is a massive volcanic crater about 2 kilometers in diameter and 250 meters deep. The crater’s base is covered with white sodium phosphate crystals, creating a stark contrast with the surrounding black lava fields. It is a popular destination for hikers and geologists interested in its volcanic origin​ (UNEP LEAP)​.
  • Farasan Islands is an archipelago in the Red Sea is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, including vibrant coral reefs and a variety of fish species. The islands are a haven for birdwatchers and divers alike, offering pristine beaches and clear waters. The Farasan Islands are also home to historical ruins and traditional Saudi architecture​ (UNEP LEAP)​.
  • Asir National Park is home to the highest peak in Saudi Arabia, Jebel Sawda, Asir National Park features lush juniper forests, cool mountain air, and a variety of wildlife. The park is known for its unique flora and fauna, contrasting sharply with the surrounding desert landscapes. It provides numerous hiking trails and opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Asir region​ (UNEP LEAP)​.
  • Al-Hasa Oasis is one of the world’s largest natural oases, Al-Hasa Oasis spans an area of around 30,000 acres with over 2.5 million date palms. The oasis is fed by natural springs and ancient canals, supporting a rich agricultural landscape. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and plays a crucial role in the region’s history and culture​ (UNEP LEAP)​.

Destinations – Saudi Arabia is a proprietary presentation of Ecology Prime™ in collaboration with the Ecology Prime Foundation and iConsult Collaborative in the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University.

Acknowledgements:

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Welcome from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!

Saudi Arabia, known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a land of rich cultural heritage and dramatic natural landscapes. Home to a diverse population of over 37 million people, it boasts a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern advancements. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East, covering the majority of the Arabian Peninsula, and it is the world’s 13th largest country in terms of land area.

Rub’ Al-Khali, also known as Empty Quarter, occupies the southern third of the Arabian Desert and lies mainly in the southeastern section of Saudi Arabia.  It is the largest area of continuous sand in the world. 
(Wikimedia CC 2.0 photo by Felix Neiss)

Geographically, Saudi Arabia is characterized by vast deserts, including the famous Rub’ al Khali or Empty Quarter, the largest contiguous sand desert in the world. The country’s interior is a mosaic of mountains, valleys, and plateaus, with its western edge marked by the Red Sea coastline, offering striking marine ecosystems and coral reefs. Unique to Saudi Arabia is the Al-Ahsa Oasis, the largest oasis in the world, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a critical habitat for various plant and animal species.

Water is a precious resource in Saudi Arabia, with no permanent rivers or lakes. The country relies heavily on desalination plants to meet its water needs, making it one of the world’s largest producers of desalinated water.

Energy consumption in Saudi Arabia is significant, as it is one of the world’s leading oil producers and exporters. The kingdom is also investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to diversify its energy mix and reduce its carbon footprint.

As a crossroads of ancient trade routes, Saudi Arabia’s cultural history is rich and diverse, with significant archaeological sites, including the Nabatean city of Al-Ula and the ancient port of Jeddah. The country continues to modernize while preserving its unique cultural and natural heritage, making it an intriguing destination for its ecological and historical wonders. Welcome to Saudi Arabia’s cultural hub on Ecology Prime™!  This is Saudi Arabia…

National Language: Arabic

  • Saudi Arabia designates Standard Arabic as its official language, reflecting its cultural heritage and national identity.
  • The country is home to 7 living indigenous languages, showcasing its linguistic diversity.
  • In addition, 4 living non-indigenous languages are established within the country. In formal education, 2 indigenous languages are used as languages of instruction.

Unique Saudi Arabia Facts: Did You Know…?

  • Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and the 13th largest in the world.
King Fahd’s Fountain in Jeddah at night.
(Wikimedia CC 3.0 by Bassam Salim)
  • Saudi Arabia has no permanent rivers or lakes, making it the largest country without a river. Most of its fresh water comes from desalination plants.
  • The country imports sand from Australia as the sand found in Saudi deserts is not suitable for construction and glass-making purposes. It also imports camels from Australia due to a shortage.
  • Saudi Arabia has the world’s tallest fountain, the King Fahd Fountain in Jeddah, which sprays water up to 312 meters (1,023.6) high at speeds over 350 km/h (217.5 mph).
  • Saudi Arabia exports more petrol than any other country in the world.
  • During the Hajj, the number of people in Mecca is more than double its usual population. Mecca is currently home to approximately 2 million people, which swells to 4.5 million people for the Hajj.
  • Around 95% of Saudi Arabia is desert. The Arabian desert is the largest desert in Asia and fifth largest on Earth.
  • UNESCO declared Arabic calligraphy an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
  • Saudi Arabia has the eighth highest carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the world. The vast majority of CO2 emissions in the energy sector come from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas for power generation or to fuel vehicles and machines.

The historic neighborhood of Ajyad, Mecca in Makkah Province, western Saudi Arabia. (Wikimedia CC 3.0 by Adeeb Atwan)

Saudi Arabia’s Home Statistics

(Note: Some statistics are approximate due to varying methods of recording by various established sources, i.e., population, living species and water volume totals.  Others are more precise, i.e., surface area, precipitation/rainfall, air quality and temperatures.)

Population

Total Population: 37,348,378 (2024) | Projected by 2030 – 40,461,368

  • World Rank: #40, 0.46% of the world’s total population.
  • Population Density: 17 people per km2 | 45 people per mi2
  • Most Populous City: Riyadh | 4,205,961
  • Least Populous City: Al Munayzilah | 16,296

Surface Area

Total Surface Area: 2,149,690 km2 | 830,000 mi2

  • World Rank: #13 
  • 100% is Land Surface Area:  2,149,690 km2 (830,000 mi2) – 1.52% of the world’s total land area.
  • Saudi Arabia’s total area is entirely land-based, with no natural bodies of water such as lakes or rivers within its borders.
  • Saudi Arabia’s landscape is predominantly covered by deserts, featuring vast, arid expanses that define much of the country’s geography.
  • 0.5% of Saudi Arabia’s land area is forest area.

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Temperature

Average Annual Temperature: 25.94 °C |78.69 °F (2023)

  • Average High – 32.93 °C |91.27 °F), Average Low – 18.91 °C | 66.04 °F
  • Hottest Month (average high): August | 41.73°C (107.11°F).  
  • Coldest Month (average low): January | 8.99°C (48.18°F).  
  • Coldest temperature on record: -6.0°C (21.2°F) Turaif, Northern Borders Province in January 2022. 
  • Hottest temperature on record: 51.1 °C (123.98°F) in Rafha, Northern Borders Province in July 2020.

Water

Total Water Volume: 2 billion cubic meters (bcm) – or about 0.53 trillion gallons. 

  • All existing natural water volume is ground water. Saudi Arabia has no permanent surface water.
  • Saudia Arabia is largely dependent on the desalinization of sea water from Red Sea and Persian (Arabian) Gulf.
  • Total Desalinated water capacity per day: 13.3 million cubic meters (3.51 billion gallons).
    Source: (10th World Water Forum 2024)
  • Annual Precipitation (average): 63 mm | 2.48 inches. (Saudi Arabia: annual average precipitation | Statista
  • Rechargeable water usage per resident: 53.4978 cubic meters (0.0141 million gallons).
  • Saudi Arabia does not depend on water supplies outside of the country… 97% of Saudi Arabia’s population has access to safe drinking water.
Saudi Arabian woman on a desert oasis. (Photo by Layla Yehia)

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Energy

Annual Total Energy Usage (2024 estimate): 10.182 quadrillion BTU (256.64 MTOE – megatonnes of oil equivalent or 2.984 trillion kWh – kilowatt hours)

  • Global ranking in energy consumption: #11. 
  • Percentage of Total Global Energy Consumption: 1.9%. 
  • 299,268,738 Btu | 87,707 kWh per capita – ranks #12 worldwide. 
  • Energy Sources (% of total based on 2020 data):  Oil 62.20% | Gas – 37.69% | Coal – 0.04% | Renewables – 0.07%.  
  • Renewable Energy Sources: Solar – 100% | Wind – <0.01%
  • Electricity Sources: Gas – 67.08% | Oil – 32.71%| Renewables – 0.21%. Virtually every resident has access to electricity.

Air Quality

Air Quality Index – AQI: 66 – Moderate (Current)

Average Score 2023: 88 – Moderate

  • Global ranking – 2023: #30 most polluted nation of 134 monitored.
  • Most polluted city – 2023:  Dhahran, Al Mintaqah ash Sharqiyah | AQI = 128 – Unhealthy for sensitive groups.
  • Least polluted city – 2023: Thuwal, Makkah Province | AQI = 67 – Moderate.
  • Leading pollutants and sources: Particulate matter from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and natural phenomena like dust storms. The cheap availability of gasoline promotes heavy use of private vehicles, significantly contributing to CO2 emissions.
Bedouin with his camel – Hail Province, Saudi Arabia (Photo by Basheer Alshammari)

Featured: Biological Footprint




Estimated Total Number Living Species: ~45,000 Flora and Fauna

(Non-human species. This is the total number that is estimated to exist but have not been identified. Numbers are approximate due to various reporting methods by various qualified organizations.)

Flora

Identified Flora:  2,882 species

  • Flowering Plants: 2,250 
  • Algae: 446 
  • Ferns and Fern Allies: 27 
  • Conifers: 9 
  • Mosses : 122 
  • Liverworts: 28

Fungi: 37

  • Trees: 97 (4.25%)
  • Shrubs: 565 (24.73%) 
  • Herbs: 1620 (71.02%)

14 flowering plants as endangered, 11 vulnerable, 23 critically endangered, 1 rare and 14 extinct.

Fauna

Identified Fauna: 8,587 species

Invertebrates ~ 6613 species

  • 3033 insects 
  • 150 arachnids 
  • ~ 600 crustaceans 
  • >2000 mollusks 
  • 630 Cnidaria 
  • ~ 200 worms

Vertebrates: 1,974 species

  • 117 mammals 
  • 103 reptiles 
  • 7 amphibians 
  • 1,230 fishes
  • 517 birds 

Endangered: 97 species

(Note: Veterbrate numbers are derived from various field sources which are listed in the Resources section.)

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Red Sea Goldfish, called Jewel Fairy Basslets, off the coast of Almojermah, Saudi Arabia (Pexels photo by Ayden Zaki)


Research and Development Credits

Destinations – Saudi Arabia is a proprietary presentation of Ecology Prime™ in collaboration with the Ecology Prime Foundation and iConsult Collaborative in the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University.

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