The Saudi flag, made official in 1932 but altered in 1968, originated in the military campaigns of Muhammad. The color green is associated with Fatima, the Prophet's daughter, and the Arabic inscription is translated as "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah."

Saudi Arabia Official name: Al-Mamlakah al-'Arabiyah as-Sa'udiyah (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Form of government: monarchy. Head of state and government: King. Population (1998): 20,786,000. Population projection: (2000) 22,246,000; (2010) 31,198,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1990-95): 30.4 (world avg. 15.7). Land use (1994): forested 0.8%; meadows and pastures 55.8%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 1.8%; built-on, waste, and other 41.6%. Gross national product (1996): U.S.$136,640,000,0000 (U.S.$7,040 per capita).