Background: Saudi Arabia

Independence: September 23, 1932 (Unification of the Kingdom);

Adjacent Countries: Iraq (north), Jordan (northwest), Kuwait (north), Oman (southeast), Qatar (east), United Arab Emirates (east), Yemen (south);
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Government: Monarchy; Capital: Riyadh
Chief of State:
King and Prime Minister FAHD bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 13 June 1982)
Head of Gov't:
King and Prime Minister FAHD bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 13 June 1982)

Population (July 2001 est.):
22,757,092

Infant mortality rate (2001 est.):
51.25 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth (2001 est.):
Total Population: 68.09 years
Male: 66.4 years
Female: 69.85 years

Ethnic groups:
Arab - 90%
Afro-Asian - 10%

Religions:
Muslim - 100%

Languages:
Arabic

Literacy: (definition: age 15 and over can read and write)(1995 est.)
Total Population: 62.8%
Male: 71.5%
Female: 50.2%