Medina, officially known as al-Madinah al-Munawwarah (also referred to as al-Madinah an-Nabawiyyah or Taybah), is the capital and administrative center of Medina Province in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia. Historically known as Yathrib during pre-Islamic times, it stands as one of the oldest and most significant locations in Islamic history. It is recognized as the second holiest city in Islam.
The city is located at the core of the Medina Province and covers a total area of 589 km2 (227 sq mi), with an urban area of 293 km2 (113 sq mi). The surrounding landscape includes the Hejaz Mountains, empty valleys, agricultural spaces, and older dormant volcanoes. As of 2022, Medina is the fourth-most populous city in Saudi Arabia, with a population of 1,477,023 consisting of approximately 58.5% Saudi citizens and 41.5% foreigners.