Further Interesting Information on Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is the world's leading oil producer and exporter, accounting for 20% of the world's proven petroleum reserves, according to the CIA World Factbook. Crude oil makes up 90% of the country's export revenues, and roughly 40% of its gross domestic product (GDP).

The Kingdom is a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) as well as the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Saudi Arabia is perceived as the 57th least corrupt country in the world, according to the 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, a global measure of corruption amongst public officials and politicians.

Of its total population of approximately 29 million, 38% are under the age of 14.

An estimated 5.6 million foreigners live in Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was created in 1932. Prior to this, it was a tribal desert land.

All government business in Saudi Arabia is conducted according to the Islamic calendar.

Saudi Arabia is also the only country in the world where women are banned from driving on public roads.

According to International Monetary Fund (IMF) 2010 estimates, Saudi Arabia has the 38th-highest per capita income in the world at US$23,826.

The Saudi legal system prescribes capital punishment or corporal punishment, including amputations of hands and feet for certain crimes such as murder, robbery, rape, drug smuggling, homosexual activity, and adultery.