Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula. With a land area of approximately 2,150,000 square kilometers, it is the largest country in the Middle East and the fifth-largest in Asia. Saudi Arabia is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south. It also has maritime borders with Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea across the Red Sea to the west. The country's landscape varies from the lush, green mountains of Asir in the southwest to the vast Empty Quarter desert in the southeast, the largest continuous sand desert in the world. The capital and largest city is Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is known for its significant oil reserves and is the world's largest oil exporter, which has shaped its economy and political influence. The Kingdom is a leading member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The country's economy is heavily dependent on oil, but it is diversifying under its Vision 2030 program, which aims to reduce the economy's dependence on oil and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. The country is an absolute monarchy, governed by the Al Saud royal family since its founding in 1932 by Abdulaziz Ibn Saud. It is a conservative Islamic country, and Islam is the state religion. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina. The legal system is based on Islamic law, or Sharia, with the Quran and the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad) as its constitution. Saudi society is also undergoing significant changes, with recent reforms aimed at improving human rights and social freedoms, including increased rights and opportunities for women. However, the country still faces criticism for its human rights record. Tourism in Saudi Arabia has historically been largely centered around religious pilgrimages, but the country is increasingly opening up to international tourists, showcasing its diverse heritage, including ancient archaeological sites, and its varied natural landscapes, from the Red Sea coast to the mountain ranges and deserts.