Why in News? 

The Indian Prime Minister visited Saudi Arabia and co-chaired the 2nd meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries. 

Capital: Riyadh 

Currency: Saudi Riyal 

Location 

• The country shares borders with Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Yemen. It also has maritime boundaries with the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aqaba. 

Notable Features 

• Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy country. 
• It is the largest country in the world without a river, it is also the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, occupying nearly four-fifths of its total area. 
• The country has a harsh desert climate with temperature extremes. 
• Key natural resources include oil, natural gas, iron ore, and others. 
• It is home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. 

Map: Saudi Arabia