2. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia1

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4. 3 Facts and Figures n The history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dates back to about 1747. n The foundation of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia took place on September 23, 1932, a day that is commemorated as National Day n The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with an area of about 865,000 square miles, occupies the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, located in the southwest of Asia. n In summer, midday temperature in the desert can soar to over 100 deg. F. Humidity in the coastal regions may approach 100 percent at times. Rainfall ranges from none at all for up to 10 years in the Rub Al-Khali, to 20 inches a year in the mountains of Asir Province. n Population of 16.9 million

5. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia4 Facts and Figures n Although it is still the world's greatest oil exporter and possesses the largest oil reserves, The non-oil economic sector's share increased from 46 percent in 1970 to 67 percent in 1992 n Education is free from kindergarten through university and available to all. n Government offices are open Saturday through Wednesday, The weekend in Saudi Arabia is Thursday and Friday n The Islamic calendar is based on the beginning of the Islamic era. n Saudi currency is Riyal. One U.S. dollar is equivalent to 3.75 Saudi Riyals. n The flag of Saudi Arabia bears the Muslim creed: "There is no god but God: Muhammad is the Messenger of God."

6. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia5 Development Sports Desert Life Saudi Child Saudi Heritage

7. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia6 Thank you For more information, please visit: www.saudiembassy.net or email me: alajmi@cmu.edu