Saudi Arabia » Maps and Geography

The kingdom occupies eighty percent of the Arabian Peninsula. Most of the country's boundaries with the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen are not precisely defined, so the exact size of the country remains unknown. The Saudi government's estimate is 2,217,949 km² (856,356 mi²). Other reputable estimates vary between 1,960,582 km² (756,934 mi²) and 2,240,000 km² (864,869 mi²). 

In any event, the kingdom is commonly listed as the 15th-largest nation (after Mexico), and is comparable in size to Indonesia. Its geography is surprisingly varied. From the western coastal region (At-Tihamah), the land rises from sea level to a peninsula-long mountain range (jabal al-Hijaz) beyond which is plateaus. The south-western 'Asir region has mountains as high as 3,000 metres (9,840 ft) and is known for having the greenest and freshest climate in all of the country, one that attracts many Saudis to resorts such as Ta'if and Abha in the summer months. The east is primarily rocky or sandy lowland continuing to the shores of the Persian Gulf.

Saudi Arabia has no permanent year-round rivers or lakes; however, its coastline extends for 2,640 kilometres (1,640 mi) and, on the Red Sea side, offers world-class coral reefs, including those in the Gulf of Aqaba. Native animals include the ibex, wildcats, baboons, wolves, and hyenas in the mountainous highlands. Small birds are found in the oases. The coastal area on the Red Sea with its coral reefs has a rich marine fauna.