CultureLife in an Islamic country contrasts dramatically to that in western countries and it is important for expatriate workers to fully appreciate the impact religion exerts on daily activities. At prayer time, shops close and TV broadcasts are interrupted. Alcohol, pork, cinemas and theatres are illegal. Women are not allowed to drive and segregation of the sexes is common. The matawwa or religious police are entrusted with enforcing the strict moral and social code and can be particularly vigilant during Ramadan. For further information, see the British Embassy - Saudi Arabia website. back to top Economic factorsThe currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal (SR). One riyal is divided into 100 halalas. back to top Social mattersThe population of Saudi Arabia is 27.6million; this figure includes approximately 5.5million expatriate workers. Only 2.4% of the population are aged 65 or over. Foreign migrants currently account for approximately 35% of the workforce (The World Factbook, 2007). Many of these are workers from the Asian subcontinent, employed in unskilled jobs traditionally shunned by Saudi nationals. The majority of the Saudi population is ethnically Arab. Most Saudis are Sunni Muslims following the Wahhabi sect of Islam. There is also a Shiite minority (5-10% of the population), most of whom live in the Eastern Province. For more information, see the BBC Country Profile - Saudi Arabia. back to top Political situationAlthough relations between Saudi Arabia and the western world are strong and the Saudi government takes a firm stance against terrorism, there is some tension between the country’s rulers and extremist groups. There have been terrorist attacks in the country, some targeted at foreigners and, according to security departments, more are planned. At the time of writing (July 2007), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice is to be aware of the possibility of terrorist activities, be vigilant about personal security and regularly assess the political situation. More detailed, regularly updated information can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website. back to top GeographySaudi Arabia, the largest of the six Gulf States, covers an area of 865,000 square miles, approximately four-fifths of the Arabian Peninsula. It is divided into six regions: the Nafud; the Rub Al-Khali or Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert in the world; Eastern Province; Hijaz; Asir; and Najran. Saudi Arabia’s capital city is Riyadh. Major cities include Jeddah, the major port, the religious centres of Makah Al-Mukarama (Mecca) and Medina, Dammam, Al-Khubar and Dhahran (the focus of the oil industry). The climate of Saudi Arabia is harsh and arid. In the interior, daytime summer temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). In coastal areas, humidity can be 100% and sandstorms are a frequent occurrence in Arabian deserts. Although frost can occur in the deserts and mountains, winters are generally mild in most areas. Rainfall is limited except in the south-eastern region. For more information, see Wikipedia - Saudi Arabia and the BBC Country Profile - Saudi Arabia.
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Saudi Arabia: Country overview
