Saudi Arabia By Sarita Ballakur, Nadja Arifovic, Ronan Maye, Tracy Sun

Estimated population of million in 2011 Ethnic group Afro-Arabs Descendants of Africans, primarily from East Africa and of Sunni faith Baharna Indigenous people of the Eastern Province — of Shia faith Huwala Arabized Sunni Persians Tribal Najdis Sunni Arabs from Najd in central Arabia. These are people whose ancestors were traders, etc. Most of the Sunni population is Najdi Religious group: Islam 90-95% Christianity significant populations of Roman Catholics, primarily non-citizens from a variety of countries Hinduism Hindus are not permitted to worship in Saudi Arabia. Population

80 percent of the Arabian peninsula Dominated by the Arabian Desert and associated semi-desert and shrubland Rub' al Khali (“Empty Quarter”) in the southern part of the country, the world’s largest contiguous sand desert The southwest province of Asir is mountainous, and contains the 3,133 m (10,279 ft) Mount Sawda, which is the highest point in the country. 2,250,000 km2 world's 13th largest state Geography

Border countries: North: Jordan, Iraq East: Qatar, UAE, Oman, Kuwait, and the Persian Gulf South: Yemen and Oman The western border is formed by the Red Sea Geography (cont)

Important cities: Ar-Riyadh 5,328,228 Jeddah 3,456,259 Makkah 1,675,368 Al-Madinah 1,180,770

History Ancient Trade Center Ancient Trade Center In 19 th century, Al-Saud family had political control over central Arabia. Towards the end of the century, the Ottoman Empire teamed with the Al- Rashid family overthrew them. Al-Saud moved to Kuwait In 19 th century, Al-Saud family had political control over central Arabia. Towards the end of the century, the Ottoman Empire teamed with the Al- Rashid family overthrew them. Al-Saud moved to Kuwait 1902 Abdulaziz Al-Saud retook the country Abdulaziz Al-Saud retook the country. King Abdulaziz Al-Saud established the modern kingdom of Saudi Arabia on September 23, King Abdulaziz Al-Saud established the modern kingdom of Saudi Arabia on September 23, At the center of dealing with many different conflicts. At the center of dealing with many different conflicts.

The Government of Saudi Arabia The modern kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established by the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdelrahman Al-Saud on September 23, 1932 The modern kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established by the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdelrahman Al-Saud on September 23, 1932 Monarchy based on Islam Monarchy based on Islam Ruled by King who is also commander in chief of the military Ruled by King who is also commander in chief of the military

The Government of Saudi Arabia (continued) The king is advised by a legislative body called the Consultative Council which proposes laws and amends existing ones The king is advised by a legislative body called the Consultative Council which proposes laws and amends existing ones Council members are appointed for four year, renewable terms by the King Council members are appointed for four year, renewable terms by the King Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state and its laws are based on Islamic Law: Shari’ah Law Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state and its laws are based on Islamic Law: Shari’ah Law

Economy Has an oil-based economy Has an oil-based economy Largest exporter of petroleum Largest exporter of petroleum Petroleum sector accounts for roughly 80% of budget revenues, 45% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings Petroleum sector accounts for roughly 80% of budget revenues, 45% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings About 80% of the labor force is non-national About 80% of the labor force is non-national Labor Force: Labor Force: - agriculture: 6.7% - industry: 21.4% - services: 71.9%

U.S.-Saudi Relations The two nations established full diplomatic relations in 1940 The two nations established full diplomatic relations in 1940 Saudi Arabia owns the world’s largest reserves of oil and is important to the U.S. Saudi Arabia owns the world’s largest reserves of oil and is important to the U.S. The U.S. has sold weapons to and helped train the Saudi military The U.S. has sold weapons to and helped train the Saudi military Both nations belong to the UN, the IMF, the WTO, and the World Bank. Both nations belong to the UN, the IMF, the WTO, and the World Bank.

Bibliography "Central Intelligence Agency." CIA. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov "Central Intelligence Agency." CIA. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov "Government." Government. Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, n.d. Web. 20 Nov "Government." Government. Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, n.d. Web. 20 Nov "U.S. Relations With Saudi Arabia." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, 29 June Web. 20 Nov "U.S. Relations With Saudi Arabia." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, 29 June Web. 20 Nov factbook/geos/sa.html factbook/geos/sa.html factbook/geos/sa.html factbook/geos/sa.html