Is Saudi Arabia a Western country?

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in Western Asia. It spans the vast majority of the Arabian Peninsula, with a land area of approximately 2,150,000 km2 (830,000 sq mi). Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East, and the second-largest country in the Arab world.

Is Saudi Arabia safe for Westerners?

Saudi Arabia is mainly safe but there are extremely unsafe areas, particularly near the border with Iraq and Yemen. Some of the biggest concerns for tourists in Saudi Arabia should be disrespecting their moral codes, as this is followed by severe punishments.

How many Westerners are there in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is the Middle East’s largest country. In 2018, there were 12.6 million expats living there, comprising 37.7\% of the total population (around 33 million).

Can you wear shorts in Saudi Arabia?

Sleeveless shirts, short dresses, loose tops, short bottoms, crop tops and miniskirts are strictly not allowed. Night clothes, under garments or anything that is inappropriate to be worn in public must be avoided. Bikinis, which are common among westerners, are taboo in Saudi Arabia, even on the beaches.

What is the death penalty in Saudi Arabia?

Method. Saudi Arabia has a criminal justice system based on a form of Shari’ah reflecting a particular state-sanctioned interpretation of Islam. Execution is usually carried out by beheading with a sword but may occasionally be performed by shooting. Saudi Arabia performs public executions.

What countries border Saudi Arabia to the south?

Saudi Arabia is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast and Yemen to the south; it is separated from Israel and Egypt by the Gulf of Aqaba.

How did the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia come into being?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz (known as Ibn Saud in the West). He united the four regions into a single state through a series of conquests beginning in 1902 with the capture of Riyadh, the ancestral home of his family, the House of Saud.

What are the four historical regions of Saudi Arabia?

The area of modern-day Saudi Arabia formerly consisted of mainly four distinct historical regions: Hejaz, Najd and parts of Eastern Arabia (Al-Ahsa) and Southern Arabia ( ‘Asir ). The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz (known as Ibn Saud in the West).

What is the most populated region in Saudi Arabia?

Demographics. Most Saudis live in Hejaz (35\%), Najd (28\%), and the Eastern Province (15\%). Hejaz is the most populated region in Saudi Arabia. As late as 1970, most Saudis lived a subsistence life in the rural provinces, but in the last half of the 20th century the kingdom has urbanized rapidly.