TLDR;
This video explores the unique population distribution in Saudi Arabia, where 80% of the population lives within two narrow lines: one along the Red Sea coast and another across the country's center. It explains how harsh desert environments, lack of rivers, and extreme temperatures historically limited population size and distribution. The discovery of oil in 1938 led to rapid urbanization, economic growth, and a massive influx of foreign workers, transforming Saudi Arabia into one of the fastest-developing societies. However, this growth has created significant challenges, including water scarcity, energy consumption, and environmental concerns, pushing the kingdom to diversify its economy and energy sources for long-term sustainability.
- Saudi Arabia's population is concentrated in two narrow lines due to harsh desert conditions.
- Oil discovery led to rapid urbanization and economic growth.
- The kingdom faces challenges like water scarcity and high energy consumption.
- Diversification of the economy and energy sources is crucial for sustainability.
Introduction: Saudi Arabia's Bizarre Population Pattern [0:00]
Saudi Arabia, with a population of about 37 million as of 2023, exhibits an unusual population distribution. Approximately 80% of the residents live within two narrow, straight lines: one along the Red Sea coast and the other across the country's center between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Outside these lines, the country is sparsely populated, with vast, empty areas.
The Harsh Environment of Saudi Arabia [0:50]
Saudi Arabia is geographically massive, ranking as the 12th largest country in the world. Historically, its population was small due to its harsh environment, dominated by deserts like the Empty Quarter (Rub al-Khali), the largest continuous sand expanse on Earth. The Empty Quarter features extreme temperatures, ranging from 131°F (55°C) in summer to as low as 19°F (-7°C) in winter. This desert has acted as a significant geographic barrier, separating regions and making travel and trade difficult. The first road across the Empty Quarter was not completed until 2018, connecting Saudi Arabia and Oman by land for the first time in history. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is the largest country without a permanent river, and rainfall is scarce due to its topography.
The Southwest Corner and Historical Trade Routes [5:53]
The southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, encompassing parts of Yemen and Saudi Arabia, has historically been the most densely populated area due to its relatively wetter and milder climate. Mountains in this region capture moisture from the Arabian and Red Seas, providing higher rainfall and cooler temperatures. Despite this, Saudi Arabia's major cities like Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina developed further north due to their strategic locations along historical trade routes. These cities were equidistant from key areas like the Mediterranean, Gulf of Aden, and Persian Gulf, making them crucial hubs for trade between Egypt, East Africa, and India. Before steamships, ships would sail to El Qoseir in Egypt and caravans would carry goods to the Nile River, which flows into the Mediterranean.
The Persian Gulf and the Subtropical Ridge Effect [12:31]
The area around the Persian Gulf experiences extreme heat and humidity due to the subtropical ridge effect, which suppresses rainfall. The Persian Gulf's shallow waters and restricted circulation exacerbate these conditions, leading to some of the most oppressive and potentially lethal combinations of heat and humidity in the world. Historically, this made the region virtually uninhabitable, with only sparse nomadic populations and isolated oasis towns.
The Rise of Riyadh and the Oil Boom [16:21]
The second population line across Saudi Arabia's center emerged in the late 20th century. Riyadh, the ancestral seat of the House of Saud, became the kingdom's capital in 1932. The discovery of the world's largest oil fields east of Riyadh in 1938 transformed the region. The oil boom led to the rapid growth of cities like Dammam and a massive influx of foreign guest workers. Saudi Arabia became a major welfare state, offering subsidized healthcare, housing, and utilities.
The Guest Worker System and Urbanization [19:23]
To address labor shortages, Saudi Arabia imported millions of guest workers, primarily from Muslim countries. These workers were not offered citizenship, creating a two-tiered labor system with Saudi citizens dominating the public sector and foreigners filling lower-paid private sector jobs. This system has led to rapid urbanization, with the population exploding from 3.1 million in 1950 to 37 million today. Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah have transformed into major metropolises.
Water Scarcity and Desalination [23:36]
The rapid population growth has created significant challenges, particularly water scarcity. Underground aquifers, once substantial, have been largely depleted. To address this, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in desalination, constructing numerous plants along its coastlines. Approximately 50% of the country's water supply now comes from desalination, with the rest from non-renewable groundwater sources. This reliance on desalination is energy-intensive and environmentally problematic.
Energy Consumption and Diversification Efforts [28:30]
Saudi Arabia's energy needs are primarily met through oil and gas, with minimal renewable energy usage. The kingdom's high domestic energy consumption, driven by desalination and air conditioning, is eating into its export potential. To avoid economic instability, Saudi Arabia is attempting to diversify its economy and energy sources, investing in tourism, technology, and renewable energy projects.
Geopolitical Vulnerabilities and the Future of Saudi Arabia [33:41]
Saudi Arabia's over-reliance on desalination, geopolitical vulnerabilities, and dependence on oil exports pose significant risks. The kingdom's political core is sparsely populated, while its borderlands are more heavily populated and potentially unstable. As the world moves away from oil, Saudi Arabia must continue to transform itself to ensure its long-term survival.
Historical Significance of Yemen and Coffee [35:41]
The video concludes by highlighting the historical significance of the southwestern Arabian Peninsula, particularly Yemen, as the origin of coffee cultivation. Coffee spread from Yemen to the rest of the world, becoming one of the most popular beverages globally. The video then transitions to a sponsorship message for Trade Coffee, a coffee subscription service.