All about Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula. It has 27 million inhabitants, including 8.4 million foreign residents. Moreover, the country has an area of around 2million square kilometres. Its capital city is Riyadh and their national day is celebrated on September 23. It was made in commemoration of the founding of the Kingdom. In this article, you will know all about Saudi Arabia.

A little bit of history

Saudi Arabia traces its roots back to the earliest civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula. Indeed, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932 by Ibn Saud. He united the four regions on the Arabian Peninsula into a single state through a series of conquests.

Over the centuries, the peninsula has played an important role in history as an ancient trade centre and as the birthplace of Islam. Saudi Arabia has turned itself from a desert nation to a modern, sophisticated state and a major player on the international stage.

A little bit of politic

Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy and an Islamic theocracy. There are no political parties or national elections. Thus, the royal family dominates the political system. Indeed, the King performs legislative, executive and judicial functions. He is chief of state and head of government. Islamic law is the main source of legislation.

A little bit of economy

Saudi Arabia is the Middle East’s largest economy. Arabia’s economy weathered global economic turmoil better than most countries, maintaining GDP growth throughout recent years.

As to ranking among the world, Saudi Arabia is the first in oil production and reserves, fifth in natural gas reserves, ninth in natural gas production. In fact, in 2005, Saudi Arabia became the 149th member of the World Trade Organization, beginning the process of opening up its economy to the outside world. It has played a significant role in the international trade due to its strategic location which has facilitated the trade between India, China and Europe.

In recent decades, the Saudi Arabia has increasingly diversified its economy. And today, it produces and exports a variety of industrial goods all over the globe. The country has many relatively high advantages in some strategic sectors, which make it attractive for international investments.

In addition to all of that, the Saudi Arabian Oil Company is the world’s largest oil producing company. Saudi Arabia exports more crude oil and natural gas liquids than any other country. Its oil revenues have been used to diversify the economy, reclaiming land from the desert and establishing the infrastructure.

A little bit of culture

Arabic is the first language in Saudi Arabia. Then, English is also an important language in Saudi Arabia, widely spoken as a second language by educated Saudis.

As in most of the Arabian Peninsula, people in Saudi Arabia practices Islam, although there might be different currents of Islam practised in the country. Saudi Arabia holds a prominent place among the nations of the world as a whole, being the birthplace of Islam, and the country that hosts the Two Holy Mosques.

And lastly, Saudi traditions are rooted in Islamic teachings and Arab customs. The highlights of the year are the holy month of Ramadan and the Hajj (pilgrimage) season, and the national holidays that follow them.

By Tendry Randriamparany

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