The southwest has mountains as high as 3000 metres. This area also has the greenest and freshest climate in the entire country. Likewise, the climate is dry and hot. Riyadh , the capital, has an average temperature in July of 42 C and in January of 14 C, while Jedda on the coast has 31 C and 23 C. Annual precipitation both places is below 100 mm. There are no permanent rivers and lakes in Saudi Arabia.
Vegetation is scant, consisting mostly of xerophytic herbs and shrubs.
Animal life includes ibex, wildcats, baboons, wolves, and hyenas in the highlands. Small birds are found in the oases. Saudi Arabia is a fairly rich country, but one where a large part of the wealth is distributed between a small elite in the society. There is minimal political freedom, and the royal family that effectively owns the country, is facing opposition groups that work on overthrowing them.