Saudi Arabia occupies about 80% of the Arabian plate (the world's largest peninsula), lying between latitudes 16 and 33N, and longitudes 34 and 56E. Because the country's southeastern and southern borders with the U.A.E and Oman are not precisely marked, the exact size of the country is undefined. The United nation division statistics estimates 2149690 km2 (830000 sq mi) and lists Saudi Arabia as the world's 12th largest state. It is geographically the largest country in the Middle East and on the Arabian. Saudi Arabia occupies about 80% of the Arabian Peninsula, the world's largest peninsula, and extends between latitudes 16° and 33° N and longitudes 34° and 56° E. Due to unmarked southeastern and southern borders with the United Arab Emirates and Oman, its exact size remains undefined. However, the United Nations Statistics Division estimates its area at approximately 2,149,690 square kilometers (830,000 square miles), making it the 12th largest country in the world and the largest in the Middle East and on the Arabian Plate.
The country's landscape is dominated by the vast Arabian Desert, along with semi-deserts, shrublands, steppes, mountain ranges, volcanic lava fields, and highlands. The Rub' al Khali, or "Empty Quarter," in the southeast, spans around 647,500 square kilometers (250,001 square miles), making it the world's largest continuous sand desert. Despite having some lakes, Saudi Arabia holds the distinction of being the largest country without permanent rivers. However, it features numerous wadis—seasonal riverbeds—and fertile regions are found in wadis, basins, and oases. The country is also home to about 1,300 islands in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.
Its terrain is marked by a central plateau that rises abruptly from the Red Sea and gradually descends into Nejd and toward the Persian Gulf. Along the Red Sea coast, a narrow plain called Tihamah runs parallel to an imposing escarpment. The southwestern province of Aseer is mountainous and includes Jabal Ferwa, the highest peak in the country at 3,002 meters (9,849 feet). Saudi Arabia has over 2,000 dormant volcanoes, and the lava fields in Hejaz—known as harrat—constitute one of Earth's largest alkali basalt regions, covering approximately 180,000 square kilometers (69,000 square miles).
The country largely experiences a desert climate, with extremely high daytime temperatures in summer that can reach 54°C (129°F), while winter temperatures rarely drop below 0°C (32°F), except in the northern regions, such as Tabuk Province, where snowfall occurs annually. The coldest recorded temperature was −12.0°C (10.4°F) in Turaif. Among Gulf nations, Saudi Arabia is the most likely to experience snowfall. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures averaging 29°C (84°F). Rainfall is generally scarce, though the southern regions receive seasonal monsoon rains from the Indian Ocean between October and March, accounting for about 60% of their annual precipitation, which averages 300 mm (12 inches). Saudi Arabia boasts one of the largest economies in the Middle East, ranking second after Türkiye. With a nominal GDP exceeding $1.1 trillion and over $2.3 trillion in purchasing power parity (PPP), it is the largest economy in the Arab world and the 18th largest globally. The country holds the world's second-largest proven petroleum reserves, making it the third-largest producer and the leading exporter of oil. Additionally, it has the sixth-largest confirmed reserves of natural gas. Saudi Arabia is recognized as an energy superpower, with its natural resources valued at approximately $34.4 trillion in 2016.
The nation's economy is heavily reliant on petroleum, which contributes around 63% of government revenue, 67% of export earnings, and 45% of nominal GDP, with the private sector accounting for 40%. The economy depends significantly on foreign labor, as nearly 80% of private sector workers are non-Saudi. Key economic challenges include diversifying revenue sources, improving education and employment opportunities, developing the private sector, and addressing corruption and inequality.
Saudi Arabia is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which regulates oil production based on proven reserves. While the country's reserves have remained largely unchanged since 1980, concerns about actual oil availability have been raised. Between 2003 and 2013, Saudi Arabia undertook privatization efforts across several industries, including municipal water supply, electricity, telecommunications, education, and health care. However, consumer complaints about the performance of these privatized services have surfaced. In 2005, Saudi Arabia joined the World Trade Organization, advancing efforts to attract foreign investment. The government is gradually opening restricted industries such as telecommunications, insurance, and energy distribution.
Beyond oil and gas, Saudi Arabia has a significant gold mining sector in the Mahd adh Dhahab region, along with a growing mineral industry. Agriculture, particularly in the southwest, contributes through the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and dates, while livestock farming is also prevalent. The annual Hajj pilgrimage generates a substantial number of temporary jobs, accommodating nearly two million visitors each year. Since 1970, Saudi Arabia has pursued five-year development plans, including initiatives like the establishment of economic cities such as King Abdullah Economic City, which aim to stimulate regional economic growth and create jobs.
Saudi Arabia is expanding its ports—including Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Economic City—to enhance trade between Europe and China alongside oil exports. As a historic and contemporary participant in the Maritime Silk Road, the country is investing in logistics to strengthen its position in global commerce.
Poverty statistics are largely undisclosed, as the government discourages discussions on the topic. A 2011 documentary suggested that 22% of Saudis may be living in poverty, though official data remains unavailable. Economic difficulties were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing Saudi Arabia to implement significant financial adjustments.
In July 2024, the Renewable Energy Localisation Company (RELC) partnered with Chinese firms to bolster Saudi Arabia’s clean energy infrastructure. Through joint ventures with Envision Energy, Jinko Solar, and Lumetech, Saudi Arabia aims to localize up to 75% of renewable energy components by 2030, strengthening its role as a global exporter of sustainable technology. Additionally, the country has committed over $180 billion toward green initiatives aligned with its Vision 2030 goals.