Travel Health Planner
General Information
Population: 19 million. Language: Arabic (official) some secondary schools teach English. Capital City: Riyadh (royal capital), Jeddah (administrative capital), Mecca (holy capital). All three cities have over half a million in population.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia occupies over 80% of the Arabian Peninsula in south-western Asia and covers an area over 2 million sq. kms. Backing the Red Sea coastal plain is a range of mountains which constitute the only area with reliable rainfall. The high central desert plateau merges with two of the world's largest desert regions in the north and south. Salt flats dominate in the east. Oil is abundant on the plain of the Arabian Gulf. Over 90% of the land is desert.
The climate is hot and dry rising to 51C in the interior. Night frosts are common in the north and the highlands. Along the Red Sea coast the climate is hot and humid. Annual temperatures vary between 21C in January and 33C in July.
Cholera Information
Saudi Arabia is not listed as infected with cholera at present.
Malaria Information
Risk (WHO):
Malaria risk - predominantly due to P. falciparum - exists throughout the year in most of the South-western Region (except in the high-altitude areas of Asir Province). No risk in Mecca or Medina cities. Chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum reported.
Yellow Fever Information
Yellow Fever does not occur in this country.
Country Requirements (WHO):
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
