The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a large country in the Middle East. It borders Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Yemen, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and United Arab Emirates. The Kingdom is sometimes called "The Land of The Two Holy Mosques" in reference to Mecca and Medina, the two holiest places in Islam.

Various ancient civilisations have populated the region for more than 5,000 years. The First Saudi State was formed in 1744 by Muhammed Ibn Saud. However, the first state lasted for only 75 years, when the Ottoman Empire, nervous of the growing power of Saudi Arabia, invaded and re-conquered the land. The House of Saud re-established its powers in 1821 and formed the Second Saudi State.

In 1899, present day Saudi Arabia fell into the hands of the Al Rashid dynasty, but already 3 years later Riyadh was re-conquered by the House of Saud. In the following 30 years more and more lands were conquered by the House of Saud, before in 1932, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was finally formed by King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud. In 1938, oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia dramatically changing the political and economical power of the country.

Inhabitants: 24,700,000
Area: 2,100,000 km2
Capital: Riyadh (4,700,000 inhabitants)
Languages: Arabic
Religion: Islam
GDP (PPP) per capita: $21,200
Government: Absolute monarchy
Climate: Extremely hot and dry desert climate