Area: 2,240,000 sq km (864,869 sq miles).

Population: 16,929,294 (1992).

Population density: 7.6 per sq km.

Capital: Riyadh. Population: 666,840 (1974).

Geography: Saudi Arabia occupies four-fifths of the Arabian peninsula. It is bordered to the northwest by Jordan, to the north by Iraq and Kuwait, to the east by the Gulf of Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, and to the south by Yemen. To the west lies the Red Sea.

Climate: Saudi Arabia has a desert climate. In Jeddah it is warm for most of the year. Riyadh, which is inland, is hotter in summer and colder in winter, when occasional heavy rainstorms occur. The Rub al Khali seldom receives rain, making Saudi Arabia one of the driest countries in the world.

Required clothing: Tropical or lightweight clothing.

Language: Arabic. English is spoken in business circles.

Religion: The majority of Saudi Arabians are Sunni Muslim, but Shi’ites predominate in the Eastern Province.

Food & Drink: Local food is often strongly flavoured and spicy. The staple diet is pitta bread (flat, unleavened bread) which accompanies every dish. Rice, lentils, chick peas (hummus) and cracked wheat (burghul) are also common. The most common meats are lamb and chicken. Beef is rare and pork is proscribed under Islamic law. The main meat meal of the day is lunch, either kultra (meat on skewers) or kebabs served with soup and vegetables.

There are no bars. Alcohol is forbidden by law, and there are severe penalties for infringement; it is important to note that this applies to all nationals regardless of religion. Arabic coffee and fruit drinks are popular alternatives. Alcohol-free beers and cocktails are served in hotel bars.

Time: GMT + 3