Saudi Arabia Geography - Grade 9 Syllabus

Location

Saudi Arabia is located in Southwest Asia, occupying the central portion of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Jordan to the northwest, Iraq to the north and northeast, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south. It borders the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.

Climate

Saudi Arabia's climate is primarily desert, characterized by hot days, cold nights, and low annual rainfall. Average temperatures in the coolest months (December through February) are 74°F (23°C) in Jeddah, 58°F (14°C) in Riyadh, and 63°F (17°C) in Al-Dammām. The southwest region has a semi-arid climate. Temperatures in the desert can exceed 110°F in the summer.

Natural Resources

Saudi Arabia is rich in natural resources, most notably petroleum and natural gas. Other significant resources include copper, gold, iron ore, cement, low-grade bauxite, clay, propane, ethane, methane, and lead.

Population

As of 2024, Saudi Arabia's population is estimated to be around 34 million, making it the fourth most populous country in the Arab world. A significant portion of the population consists of immigrants.

Economic Activities

Saudi Arabia's economy is heavily reliant on petroleum and its associated industries. The government plays a dominant role in economic activities. The country is a major exporter and importer of goods, with exports spanning various sectors.

Regions

Saudi Arabia is divided into thirteen administrative regions. The central region, Najd, is a vast arid zone. The eastern region, along the Persian Gulf, contains the country's abundant oil fields.

Main Cities

Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. Other major cities include Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina, the two holiest cities in Islam.