Mecca
City in Saudi Arabia
Mecca, in a desert valley in western Saudi Arabia, is Islam’s holiest city, as it’s the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the faith itself. Only Muslims are allowed in the city, with millions arriving for the annual Hajj (pilgrimage). Dating from the 7th century, the central Masjid al-Haram (Sacred Mosque) surrounds the Kaaba, the cloth-covered cubic structure that’s Islam’s most sacred shrine.
Area: 463 mi²
Weather: 79°F (26°C), Wind NE at 1 mph (2 km/h), 63% Humidity
Local time: Monday 3:11 AM
Province: Makkah Region
Hotels: 3-star averaging $40, 5-star averaging $180. View hotels
Population: 1.294 million (2004) UNdata
Area code: 12
University: Umm al-Qura University