View source for Saudi Arabia

{{redirect|KSA}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}

{{Infobox country
|conventional_long_name = Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
|native_name = {{lang|ar|{{big|المملكة العربية السعودية}}}}<br />''Al-Mamlakah Al-ʾĀrabīyah As-Saʿūdīyah''
|common_name = Saudi Arabia
|image_flag = Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg
|image_coat = Coat of arms of Saudi Arabia.svg
|symbol_type = Emblem
|image_map = Saudi Arabia (orthographic projection).svg
|national_motto = {{nowrap|{{big|لا إله إلا الله، محمد رسول الله}}}}<br />"{{transl|ar|Lā ʾilāha ʾillāl–lāh, Muhammadun rasūl allāh}}" <br />{{small|"There is no god but God; Muhammad is the messenger of God."<!--This phrasing is taken from the following saudiembassy.net reference. Also, community consensus on Wikipedia is that "Allah" is best translated into  English by "God", with a capital "G". Do not change it without first raising it on the talk page.--><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/about/country-information/facts_and_figures/ |title=About Saudi Arabia: Facts and figures |publisher=The royal embassy of Saudi Arabia, Washington, D.C., United States}}</ref>{{efn|The ''[[shahada]]'' (statement of faith) is sometimes translated into English as "There is no god but Allah", using the [[romanization]] of the [[Arabic language|Arabic]] word "''[[Allah]]''" instead of its translation.  The Arabic word "''Allah''" literally translates as ''the God'', as the prefix "Al-" is the definite article.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pbs.org/empires/islam/faithgod.html |title=God |work=Islam: Empire of Faith |publisher=PBS}}</ref><ref>"Islam and Christianity", ''Encyclopedia of Christianity'' (2001): Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews also refer to God as ''Allah''.</ref><ref>{{Cite encyclopedia | title=Allah | encyclopedia=Encyclopaedia of Islam Online | author=L. Gardet}}</ref>}} ([[Shahada]])}}
|national_anthem = {{lang|ar|السلام الملكي}} (as an instrumental)<br />"[[National Anthem of Saudi Arabia|as-Salām al-Malakiyy]]"<br />{{small|"The Royal Salute"}}<br /><center>[[File:Aash Al Maleek instrumental.ogg|Aash Al Maleek (instrumental)]]</center>
|official_languages = [[Arabic language|Arabic]]<ref name="CIA World Factbook"/>
|demonym = {{unbulleted list |[[Saudi Arabian people|Saudi Arabian]] |Saudi {{small|(informal)}}}}
|ethnic_groups = 90% [[Arab]]<br>10% [[Afro-Arab]]
|religion = [[Sunni Islam]] {{small|(official)}}<ref name=irf2010/>
|capital = [[Riyadh]]
|latd=24 |latm=39 |latNS=N |longd=46 |longm=46 |longEW=E
|largest_city = [[Riyadh]]
|government_type = [[Unitary state|Unitary]] [[Islamic state|Islamic]] [[absolute monarchy]] 
|leader_title1 = [[King of Saudi Arabia|King]] 
|leader_name1 = [[Salman of Saudi Arabia|Salman bin Abdulaziz]]
|leader_title2 = [[Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia|Crown Prince]]
|leader_name2 = [[Muhammad bin Nayef|Mohammad bin Nayef]]
|leader_title3 = [[Succession to the Saudi Arabian throne|Deputy Crown Prince]]
|leader_name3 = [[Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud|Mohammad bin Salman]]
|legislature = [[#Monarchy and royal family|None]] {{small|(Legislation passed by the Council of Ministers)}}{{efn|The [[Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia|Consultative Assembly]] is an advisory body to the monarch. ''De facto'' legislature is the council of ministers, which answers to and is chaired by the King of Saudi Arabia.}}
|sovereignty_type = [[History of Saudi Arabia|Establishment]]
|established_event1 = [[Unification of Saudi Arabia|Kingdom founded]]
|established_date1 = 23 September 1932
|area_rank = 12th
|area_magnitude = 1 E12
|area_km2 = 2,149,690<ref name="CIA World Factbook" />
|area_sq_mi = 830,000 <!-- Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]] -->
|percent_water = 0.7
|population_estimate = 30,770,375<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdsi.gov.sa/pdf/PopulationEstimates2010-2025-admareas.pdf|title=Official annual projection|year=2014|work=cdsi.gov.sa}}</ref>
|population_estimate_year = 2014
|population_estimate_rank = 41st
|population_census = |population_census_year =
|population_density_km2 = 14.3
|population_density_sq_mi = 37 <!-- Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]] -->
|population_density_rank = 216th
|GDP_PPP_year = 2015
|GDP_PPP = $1,683 trillion<ref name=imf2>{{cite web |url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2016/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2015&ey=2020&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=43&pr1.y=11&c=456&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a= |title=Saudi Arabia |publisher=International Monetary Fund }}</ref>
|GDP_PPP_rank = 14th
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $53,624<ref name=imf2/>
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 12th
|GDP_nominal = $653.219 billion<ref name=imf2/>
|GDP_nominal_rank = 19th
|GDP_nominal_year = 2015
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $20,812<ref name=imf2/>
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 38th
|Gini_year = |Gini_change = <!--increase/decrease/steady--> |Gini = <!--number only--> |Gini_ref = |Gini_rank =
|HDI_year = 2014<!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year-->
|HDI_change = increase<!--increase/decrease/steady-->
|HDI = 0.837 <!--number only-->
|HDI_ref = <ref name="HDI">{{cite web |url=http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/hdr_2015_statistical_annex.pdf |title=2015 Human Development Report  |year=2015 |publisher=United Nations Development Programme }}</ref>
|HDI_rank = 39th
|currency = [[Saudi riyal]] (SR)
|currency_code = SAR
|country_code = SAU
|utc_offset=+3
|time_zone=[[Arabia Standard Time|AST]]
|drives_on = Right
|date_format = dd/mm/yyyy ([[Hijri year|AH]])
|calling_code = [[Telephone numbers in Saudi Arabia|+966]]
|cctld = {{unbulleted list |[[.sa]] |[[السعودية.]]}}
|footnote_a = {{note|Consultative Assembly}} Legislation is [[Rule by decree|by king's decree]]. The [[Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia|Consultative Assembly]] exists to advise the king.
}}
'''Saudi Arabia'''{{efn|{{lang-ar|{{big|السعودية}}}} ''{{transl|ar|as-Su‘ūdiyyah}}'' or ''{{transl|ar|as-Sa‘ūdiyyah}}''}} ({{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-Saudi Arabia-2.ogg|ˌ|s|ɔː|d|iː|_|ə|ˈ|r|eɪ|b|i|ə}}, {{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-Saudi Arabia-3.ogg|ˌ|s|aʊ|-}}), officially known as the '''Kingdom of Saudi Arabia''' ('''KSA'''),{{efn|{{lang-ar|{{big|المملكة العربية السعودية}}}} ''{{transl|ar|al-Mamlakah al-‘Arabiyyah as-Su‘ūdiyyah}}'', {{smaller|{{audio|Ar-Kingdom Saudi Arabia.oga|Arabic pronunciation}}}}}} is an [[Arab people|Arab]] state in [[Western Asia]] constituting the bulk of the [[Arabian Peninsula]]. With a land area of approximately {{convert|2150000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, Saudi Arabia is geographically the fifth-largest state in [[Asia]] and second-largest state in the [[Arab world]] after [[Algeria]]. Saudi Arabia is bordered by [[Jordan]] and [[Iraq]] to the north, [[Kuwait]] to the northeast, [[Qatar]], [[Bahrain]], and the [[United Arab Emirates]] to the east, [[Oman]] to the southeast, and [[Yemen]] to the south. It is separated from [[Israel]] and [[Egypt]] by the [[Gulf of Aqaba]]. It is the only nation with both a [[Red Sea]] coast and a [[Persian Gulf]] coast, and most of its terrain consists of arid desert or barren landforms. The country has attracted criticism for its lack of democratic freedom, the [[women's rights in Saudi Arabia|status of women in its society]], and its usage of [[capital punishment in Saudi Arabia|capital punishment]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The death penalty in Saudi Arabia: Facts and Figure|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2015/08/the-death-penalty-in-saudi-arabia-facts-and-figures/|website=Amnesty International|accessdate=4 January 2016}}</ref>

The area of modern-day Saudi Arabia formerly consisted of four distinct regions: [[Hejaz]], [[Najd]], and parts of [[Eastern Arabia]] ([[Eastern Arabia|Al-Ahsa]]) and [[Southern Arabia]] ([['Asir Region|'Asir]]).<ref>{{cite book|author=[[Madawi Al-Rasheed]]|title=A Most Masculine State: Gender, Politics and Religion in Saudi Arabia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JmafWmVNJAAC&pg=PA65&dq|year=2013|page=65}}</ref> The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932 by [[Ibn Saud]].  He united the four regions into a single state through a series of conquests beginning in 1902 with the capture of [[Riyadh]], the ancestral home of his family, the [[House of Saud]]. Saudi Arabia has since been an [[absolute monarchy]], effectively a hereditary dictatorship governed along [[Islam]]ic lines.<ref name="HT2003: 14">[[#HT2003|Tripp, ''Culture Shock'', 2003]]: p.14</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">[[#Malbouisson|Malbouisson]], p. 23</ref> The ultra-conservative [[Wahhabism]] religious movement within [[Sunni Islam]] has been called "the predominant feature of Saudi culture", with its global spreading largely financed by the oil and gas trade.<ref name="HT2003: 14"/><ref name="ReferenceA"/> Saudi Arabia is sometimes called "the Land of the Two Holy Mosques" in reference to [[Masjid al-Haram|Al-Masjid al-Haram]] (in [[Mecca]]), and [[Al-Masjid an-Nabawi]] (in [[Medina]]), the two holiest places in Islam. The Kingdom has a total population of 28.7 million, of which 20 million are Saudi nationals and 8 million are foreigners.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14703476 "Saudi Arabia profile – Key facts"]. ''BBC News''. 23 May 2013</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfbusiness.com/2014/03/saudi-arabia-launches-new-housing-scheme-ease-shortage/|title=Saudi Arabia Launches New Housing Scheme To Ease Shortage}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulf2000.columbia.edu/images/maps/GulfReligionGeneral_lg.png|title=Demography of Religion in the Gulf|publisher=[[Mehrdad Izady]]|year=2013}}</ref>

[[Petroleum]] was discovered in 1938 and followed up by several other finds in the [[Shia]]-majority [[Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia|Eastern Province]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Learsy|first1=Raymond|title=Oil and Finance: The Epic Corruption|date=2011|page=89}}</ref> Saudi Arabia has since become the world's largest oil producer and [[List of countries by oil exports|exporter]], controlling the world's second largest [[List of countries by proven oil reserves|oil reserves]], and the sixth largest [[List of countries by natural gas proven reserves|gas reserves]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eia.gov/countries/index.cfm?view=production|title=International – U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)|work=eia.gov}}</ref> The kingdom is categorized as a [[World Bank high-income economy]] with a high [[Human Development Index]],<ref name=UNDR2014>{{cite book|title=Human Development Report 2014|date=2013|publisher=United Nations|page=159|url=http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/hdr14-report-en-1.pdf}}</ref> and is the only Arab country to be part of the [[G-20 major economies]].<ref>{{cite book|author=James Wynbrandt|title=A Brief History of Saudi Arabia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=99M0zoSqsF0C&pg=PA242|year=2004|publisher=Infobase Publishing|isbn=978-1-4381-0830-8|page=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Saudi Arabia to overtake Russia as top oil producer-IEA |author1=Soldatkin, Vladimir |author2=Astrasheuskaya, Nastassia |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/09/russia-energy-iea-idUSL6E7M93XT20111109 |agency=Reuters |date=9 November 2011 }}</ref> However, the [[economy of Saudi Arabia]] is the least diversified in the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]], lacking any significant service or production sector (apart from the extraction of resources).<ref>{{cite web|title=UAE has most diversified GCC economy|url=http://www.emirates247.com/business/economy-finance/uae-has-most-diversified-gcc-economy-2014-01-06-1.533612|work=emirates247.com|date=January 6, 2014}}</ref> A monarchical [[autocracy]],<ref>{{cite web|title=The Authoritarian Resurgence: Saudi Arabia's Anxious Autocrats|url=http://carnegieendowment.org/2015/04/15/authoritarian-resurgence-saudi-arabia-s-anxious-autocrats|website=Carnegie Endowment|accessdate=5 October 2015}}</ref><ref name=EIU>{{cite book|title=Democracy index 2012 Democracy at a standstill|date=2012|publisher=The Economist Intelligence Unit|url=http://pages.eiu.com/rs/eiu2/images/Democracy-Index-2012.pdf}}</ref> Saudi Arabia has the fourth highest [[List of countries by military expenditures|military expenditure]] in the world,<ref>[http://www.iiss.org/en/about%20us/press%20room/press%20releases/press%20releases/archive/2014-dd03/february-0abc/military-balance-2014-press-statement-52d7 The Military Balance 2014: Top 15 Defence Budgets 2013] (IISS)</ref><ref name="SIPRI">{{cite web |url = http://books.sipri.org/product_info?c_product_id=476 |title = The 15 countries with the highest military expenditure in 2013 (table) |publisher = [[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]] |format=PDF}}</ref> and in 2010–14, [[SIPRI]] found that Saudi Arabia was the world's second largest arms importer.<ref name="books.sipri.org">{{cite web|title=Trends in International Arms Transfer, 2014|url=http://books.sipri.org/product_info?c_product_id=495|website=www.sipri.org|publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute|accessdate=18 March 2015|ref=SIPRI Fact Sheet, March 2015}}</ref> Saudi Arabia is considered a [[Regional power|regional]] and [[middle power]].<ref name="The United States and the Great Powers">{{cite book | author =Barry Buzan | title=The United States and the Great Powers | publisher=Polity Press | year=2004 | location=Cambridge, United Kingdom | pages =71 | isbn =0-7456-3375-7}}</ref>  In addition to the [[Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf|GCC]], it is an active member of the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]] and [[OPEC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeastmonitor.com/articles/middle-east/8207-the-erosion-of-saudi-arabias-image-among-its-neighbours |title=The erosion of Saudi Arabia's image among its neighbours |publisher=Middleeastmonitor.com |date=7 November 2013 }}</ref>

==Etymology==<!-- linked -->
{{See also|Arab (etymology)}}
Following the unification of the [[Kingdom of Hejaz|Hejaz]] and [[Nejd]] kingdoms, the new state was named ''al-Mamlakah al-ʻArabīyah as-Suʻūdīyah'' (a transliteration of المملكة العربية السعودية in Arabic) by royal decree on 23 September 1932 by its founder, Abdulaziz Al Saud ([[Ibn Saud]]). Although this is normally translated as "the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" in English<ref name="US State Dept Saudi Arabia">{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3584.htm |title=Background Note: Saudi Arabia |publisher=U.S. State Department }}</ref> it literally means "the Saudi Arab kingdom",<ref>{{cite book |title=The Crisis of Islam |author=Bernard Lewis |year=2003 |isbn=0-679-64281-1 |pages= xx–xxi }}</ref> or "the Arab Saudi Kingdom".<ref name="Safran1988">{{cite book|author=Nadav Safran|title=Saudi Arabia: The Ceaseless Quest for Security|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zSkIi_1T1FsC&pg=PA55|date=1 January 1988|publisher=Cornell University Press|isbn=0-8014-9484-2|page=55}}</ref>

The word "Saudi" is derived from the element ''as-Suʻūdīyah'' in the [[arabic language|Arabic]] name of the country, which is a type of adjective known as a [[Nisba (onomastics)|nisba]], formed from the dynastic name of the Saudi royal family, the [[House of Saud|Al Saud]] (آل سعود). Its inclusion expresses the view that the country is the personal possession of the royal family.<ref>{{cite book |title=Saudi Arabia: the coming storm |author=Peter W. Wilson |author2=Douglas Graham |year=1994 |isbn=1-56324-394-6 |page=46 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K_c9FOeeuewC&pg=PA46}}</ref><ref name= Kamrava>{{cite book |title=The Modern Middle East: A Political History Since the First World War |author=Mehran Kamrava |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-520-26774-9 |page=67 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CkLHZCzMEJkC&pg=PA67}}</ref> ''Al Saud'' is an [[Arabic name]] formed by adding the word ''Al'', meaning "family of" or "House of",<ref>{{cite book |title=A Brief History of Saudi Arabia |author=James Wynbrandt |author2=Fawaz A. Gerges |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-8160-7876-9 |page=xvii}}</ref> to the personal name of an ancestor. In the case of the [[Al Saud]], this is the father of the dynasty's 18th century founder, [[Muhammad bin Saud]].<ref>{{cite book |title=The heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |author=Wahbi Hariri-Rifai |author2=Mokhless Hariri-Rifai|year=1990 |isbn=978-0-9624483-0-0 |page=26}}</ref>

==History==
{{Main article|History of Saudi Arabia}}

There is evidence that human habitation in the [[Arabian Peninsula]] dates back to about 125,000 years ago.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110127/full/news.2011.55.html |title=Early human migration written in stone tools : Nature News |format= |work=Nature|date=27 January 2011}}</ref>.

===Before the foundation of Saudi Arabia===

In ancient times the Arabian peninsula served as a corridor for trade and exhibited several civilizations. The History Before the foundation of Saudi Arabia divided into two phases: pre-Islam and after Islam. 

====Pre-Islamic Arabia====
{{Main article|Pre-Islamic_Arabia}}

Religions of people of Arabian Peninsula before Islam consisted of [[Religion in pre-Islamic Arabia|indigenous polytheistic beliefs]], Arabian Christianity, [[Church of the East|Nestorian Christianity]], [[Judaism]] and [[Zoroastrianism]]. <ref>Christian Julien Robin,'Arabia and Ethiopia,'in Scott Johnson (ed.) [https://books.google.com/books?id=GKRybwb17WMC&pg=PA289 ''The Oxford Handbook of Late Antiquity,''] Oxford University Press 2012 pp.247-333.p.282</ref>


===== Al-Magar Civilization=====
{{Main article|Al-Magar}}
Al-Magar is prehistoric civilisation that was founded in the the central of the [[Arabian Peninsula]], particularly in [[Najd]]. Al-Magar is the birthplace that witnessed the first domestication of animals, particularly the horse during the [[Neolithic]] period.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sylvia|first1=Smith|title=Desert finds challenge horse taming ideas|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-21538969|accessdate=13 November 2016|agency=BCC|publisher=BCC|date=26 February 2013}}</ref> <ref>{{cite news|last1=John|first1=Henzell|title=Carved in stone: were the Arabs the first to tame the horse?|url=http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/art/carved-in-stone-were-the-arabs-the-first-to-tame-the-horse|accessdate=12 November 2016|agency=thenational|publisher=thenational|date=March 11, 2013}}</ref>

=====Dilmun Civilization=====
{{Main article|Dilmun}}
Dilmun is one of the ancient civilizations in the [[Middle East]] and in the [[Arabian Peninsula]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-22596270|title=Bahrain digs unveil one of oldest civilisations|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=11 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="uns">{{cite web |url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1192 |title=Qal'at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun |publisher=[[UNESCO]] |accessdate=17 August 2011}}</ref>
It was a major trading centre at its height power controlled the [[Arabian Gulf]] trading routes.<ref name="hoj">{{cite journal|author=Jesper Eidema, Flemming Højlundb  |date=1993 |title=Trade or diplomacy? Assyria and Dilmun in the eighteenth century BC|journal=World Archaeology |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00438243.1993.9980218#.UyNb6vmSxfA|publisher= |volume=24 |issue=3 |pages=441–448 |doi=10.1080/00438243.1993.9980218}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url={{Google books |plainurl=yes |id=2BevKadehakC |page=8 }} |title=Dilmun and Its Gulf Neighbours|work=Harriet E. W. Crawford|year=1998|page=9}}</ref> The Dilmun encompassed in the east large side of the [[Arabian Peninsula]], particularly in [[Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia|Eastern Province]] of Saudi Arabia. One of the earliest inscriptions naming Dilmun is that of king [[Ur-Nanshe]] of [[Lagash]] (c. 2300 BC) discovered in a door-socket: "The ships of Dilmun brought him wood as tribute from foreign lands<ref>{{cite book |url={{Google books |plainurl=yes |id=iY9xp4pLp88C |page=308 }} |title=The Sumerians: their history, culture, and character |page=308 |author=Samuel Noah Kramer |year=1963 }}</ref>

=====Thamud Civilization =====
{{Main article|Thamud}}
Thamud  is the name of an ancient civilization in the [[Hejaz]] known from the 1st millennium BC to near the time of Muhammad. More than 9000 [[Thamudic]] inscriptions were recorded in south-west Saudi Arabia. <ref>Brian Doe, Southern Arabia, Thames and Hudson, 1971, pp. 21-22.</ref> 

=====Kingdom of Lihyan=====

{{Main article|Lihyan}}
[[File:Pergamon-Museum - Statuenkopf.jpg|thumb|150px|Head statue for one of the Lihyanites kings found in [[Al-`Ula]], north of Saudi Arabia.]]
The kingdom of Lihyan (Arabic: لحيان) or Dedan is an Ancient North Arabian kingdom. It was located in northwestern of the now-day Saudi Arabia, and is known for its Ancient North Arabian inscriptions dating to ca. the 6th to 4th centuries BC.

===== Kindah Kingdom =====
{{Main article|Kindah}}
[[File:Pergamon-Museum - Wandmalerei 3.jpg|thumb|300px|Fragment of a wall painting showing a Kindite king, 1st century CE.]]
It is a tribal kingdom that was established in the [[Najd]] in central Arabia. Its kings exercised an influence over a number of associated tribes more by personal prestige than by coercive settled authority. Their first capital was Qaryat Dhāt Kāhil, today known as [[Qaryat al-Fāw]].<ref name=":0">[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/31568/history-of-Arabia/45976/Kindah#ref484269 History of Arabia – Kindah]. ''Encyclopedia Britannica''. Retrieved 11 February 2012.</ref>

====After Islam====

In pre-Islamic times, apart from a small number of urban trading settlements (such as [[Mecca]] and [[Medina]]), most of what was to become Saudi Arabia was populated by nomadic tribal societies in the inhospitable desert.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Rise of Islam |author=Matthew Gordon |year=2005 |isbn=0-313-32522-7 |page=4}}</ref> The [[Prophets in Islam|Islamic prophet]], However, the Courtney has 

[[File:Siyer-i Nebi - Imam Ali und Hamza bei dem vorgezogenen Einzelkampf in Badr gegen die Götzendiener.jpg|thumb|The [[Battle of Badr]], 13 March 624 CE.]]

[[Muhammad]], was born in Mecca in about 571 A.D. In the early 7th century, Muhammad united the [[Tribes of Arabia|various tribes of the peninsula]] and created a single Islamic religious polity.<ref name="James E. Lindsay 2005 33">{{cite book |title=Daily Life in the Medieval Islamic World |author=James E. Lindsay |year=2005 |isbn=0-313-32270-8 |page=33}}</ref>

Following his death in 632, his followers rapidly expanded the territory under Muslim rule beyond Arabia, [[Muslim conquests|conquering huge swathes of territory]] (from the [[Iberian Peninsula]] in west to modern day [[Pakistan]] in east) in a matter of decades. In so doing, [[Arabia]] soon became a politically peripheral region of the [[Muslim world]] as the focus shifted to the [[Caliphate|more developed conquered lands]].<ref name="James E. Lindsay 2005 33"/> From the 10th century to the early 20th century Mecca and Medina were under the control of a local Arab ruler known as the [[Sharif of Mecca]], but at most times the Sharif owed allegiance to the ruler of one of the major Islamic empires based in [[Baghdad]], [[Cairo]] or [[Istanbul]]. Most of the remainder of what became Saudi Arabia reverted to traditional tribal rule.<ref name="Britannica history">{{cite web |url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/31568/history-of-Arabia |title=History of Arabia |work=Encyclopædia Britannica }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The changing map of Asia |author=William Gordon East |year=1971 |isbn=978-0-416-16850-1 |pages=75–76}}</ref>

For much of the 10th century the [[Isma'ilism|Isma'ili]]-Shi'ite [[Qarmatians]] were the most powerful force in the Persian Gulf. In 930, the Qarmatians pillaged Mecca, outraging the Muslim world, particularly with their theft of the [[Black Stone]].<ref>Glassé, Cyril. 2008. ''The New Encyclopedia of Islam''. Walnut Creek CA: AltaMira Press p. 369</ref>


=====Ottoman Hejaz=====
{{Main article|Ottoman era in the history of Saudi Arabia}}

In the 16th century, the [[Ottomans]] added the [[Red Sea]] and [[Persian Gulf]] coast (the Hejaz, [['Asir Province|Asir]] and [[Eastern Arabia|Al-Ahsa]]) to the Empire and claimed [[suzerainty]] over the interior. One reason was to [[Ottoman naval expeditions in the Indian Ocean|thwart Portuguese attempts]] to attack the Red Sea (hence the [[Hejaz]]) and the [[Indian Ocean]].<ref name="Bernstein">William J. Bernstein (2008) ''A Splendid Exchange: How Trade Shaped the World''. Grove Press. [https://books.google.com/books?id=ePiReZWp0NwC&pg=PA191 pp. 191 ff]</ref> Ottoman degree of control over these lands varied over the next four centuries with the fluctuating strength or weakness of the Empire's central authority.<ref>[[#Bowen|Bowen]], p. 68</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Muddle of the Middle East, Volume 2 |author=Nikshoy C. Chatterji |year=1973 |isbn=0-391-00304-6 |page=168}}</ref>

====Foundation of the Saud dynasty====
{{See also|Unification of Saudi Arabia}}

[[File:Arabia 1914.png|thumb|350px|The Arabian Peninsula in 1914.]]
The emergence of what was to become the Saudi royal family, known as the Al Saud, began in [[Nejd]] in central Arabia in 1744, when [[Muhammad bin Saud]], founder of the dynasty, joined forces with the religious leader [[Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab]],<ref>[[#Bowen|Bowen]], pp. 69–70</ref> founder of the Wahhabi movement, a strict puritanical form of Sunni Islam.<ref>{{cite book |title=Contemporary Religions: A World Guide |author=Ian Harris |author2=Stuart Mews|author3=Paul Morris|author4= John Shepherd |year=1992 |isbn=978-0-582-08695-1 |page=369}}</ref> This alliance formed in the 18th century provided the ideological impetus to Saudi expansion and remains the basis of Saudi Arabian dynastic rule today.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Future of Islam in the Middle East |author=Mahmud A. Faksh |year=1997 |isbn=978-0-275-95128-3 |pages=89–90}}</ref>

The [[Emirate of Diriyah|first "Saudi state"]] established in 1744 in the area around [[Riyadh]], rapidly expanded and briefly controlled most of the present-day territory of Saudi Arabia,<ref>D. Gold (6 April 2003) [http://www.jcpa.org/art/nypost-dg6apr03.htm "Reining in Riyadh"]. NYpost (JCPA)</ref> but was destroyed by 1818 by the Ottoman viceroy of [[Egypt]], [[Muhammad Ali of Egypt|Mohammed Ali Pasha]].<ref>"[http://countrystudies.us/saudi-arabia/7.htm The Saud Family and Wahhabi Islam]". Library of Congress Country Studies.</ref> A much smaller second "Saudi state", located mainly in Nejd, was established in 1824. Throughout the rest of the 19th century, the Al Saud contested control of the interior of what was to become Saudi Arabia with another Arabian ruling family, the [[Rashidi dynasty|Al Rashid]]. By 1891, the Al Rashid were victorious and the Al Saud were driven into exile in [[Kuwait]].<ref name="Britannica history"/>

[[File:Ibn Saud 1945.jpg|thumb|Abdul Aziz [[Ibn Saud]], the first king of Saudi Arabia.]]
At the beginning of the 20th century, the [[Ottoman Empire]] continued to control or have a suzerainty over most of the peninsula. Subject to this suzerainty, Arabia was ruled by a patchwork of tribal rulers,<ref name= Murphy>{{cite book |title=The Arab Revolt 1916–18: Lawrence Sets Arabia Ablaze |author=David Murphy |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-84603-339-1 |pages=5–8}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Politics in an Arabian Oasis: The Rashidis of Saudi Arabia |author=Madawi Al Rasheed |year=1997 |isbn=1-86064-193-8 |page=81}}</ref> with the [[Sharif of Mecca]] having pre-eminence and ruling the Hejaz.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Middle East: Geography and Geopolitics |author=Ewan W. Anderson |author2=William Bayne Fisher |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-415-07667-8 |page=106}}</ref> In 1902, Abdul Rahman's son, Abdul Aziz—later to be known as [[Ibn Saud]]—recaptured control of Riyadh bringing the Al Saud back to Nejd.<ref name="Britannica history"/> Ibn Saud gained the support of the [[Ikhwan]], a tribal army inspired by Wahhabism and led by [[Faisal Al-Dawish]], and which had grown quickly after its foundation in 1912.<ref>{{cite book |title=Islam in Revolution: Fundamentalism in the Arab World |author=R. Hrair Dekmejian |year=1994 |isbn=978-0-8156-2635-0 |page=131}}</ref> With the aid of the Ikhwan, Ibn Saud captured [[Eastern Arabia|Al-Ahsa]] from the Ottomans in 1913.

In 1916, with the encouragement and support of Britain (which was fighting the Ottomans in [[World War I]]), the Sharif of Mecca, [[Hussein bin Ali, Sharif of Mecca|Hussein bin Ali]], led a [[Arab Revolt|pan-Arab revolt]] against the Ottoman Empire to create a united Arab state.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Encyclopedia of World War I |author=Spencer Tucker |author2=Priscilla Mary Roberts |year=205 |isbn=978-1-85109-420-2 |page=565}}</ref> Although the Arab Revolt of 1916 to 1918 failed in its objective, [[Allies of World War I|the Allied]] victory in World War I resulted in the end of Ottoman suzerainty and control in Arabia.<ref>{{cite book |title=A History of the Arab Peoples |author=Albert Hourani |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-571-22664-1 |pages=315–319}}</ref>

Ibn Saud avoided involvement in the Arab Revolt, and instead continued his struggle with the Al Rashid. Following the latter's final defeat, he took the title Sultan of Nejd in 1921. With the help of the Ikhwan, the Hejaz was conquered in 1924–25 and on 10 January 1926, Ibn Saud declared himself King of the [[Hejaz]].<ref>{{cite book |title=A Brief History of Saudi Arabia |author=James Wynbrandt |author2=Fawaz A. Gerges |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-8160-7876-9 |page=182}}</ref> A year later, he added the title of King of Nejd. For the next five years, he administered the two parts of his dual kingdom as separate units.<ref name="Britannica history"/>

After the conquest of the Hejaz, the Ikhwan leadership's objective switched to expansion of the Wahhabist realm into the British protectorates of [[Emirate of Transjordan|Transjordan]], Iraq and Kuwait, and began raiding those territories. This met with Ibn Saud's opposition, as he recognized the danger of a direct conflict with the British. At the same time, the Ikhwan became disenchanted with Ibn Saud's domestic policies which appeared to favor modernization and the increase in the number of non-Muslim foreigners in the country. As a result, they turned against Ibn Saud and, after a two-year struggle, were defeated in 1929 at the [[Battle of Sabilla]], where their leaders were massacred.<ref>{{cite book |title=Inside the Kingdom |author=Robert Lacey |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-09-953905-6 |pages=15–16}}</ref> In 1932 the two kingdoms of the Hejaz and Nejd were united as the ''Kingdom of Saudi Arabia''.<ref name="Britannica history"/>

===Post-unification===
{{main article|Modern history of Saudi Arabia}}
[[File:Arabia Saudi political.jpg|thumb|Saudi Arabia political map]]
[[File:Saudi Arabia map.png|thumb|The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after unification in 1932.]]
The new kingdom was one of the poorest countries in the world, reliant on limited agriculture and pilgrimage revenues.<ref>{{cite book |title=Affluence and Poverty in the Middle East |author=Mohamad Riad El Ghonemy |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-415-10033-5 |page=56}}</ref> In 1938, vast reserves of [[Petroleum|oil]] were discovered in the [[Eastern Arabia|Al-Ahsa]] region along the coast of the Persian Gulf, and full-scale development of the oil fields began in 1941 under the US-controlled [[Saudi Aramco|Aramco (Arabian American Oil Company)]]. Oil provided Saudi Arabia with economic prosperity and substantial political leverage internationally.<ref name="Britannica history"/>

Cultural life rapidly developed, primarily in the Hejaz, which was the center for newspapers and radio. However, the large influx of [[foreign workers in Saudi Arabia]] in the oil industry increased the pre-existing propensity for [[xenophobia]]. At the same time, the government became increasingly wasteful and extravagant. By the 1950s this had led to large governmental deficits and excessive foreign borrowing.<ref name="Britannica history"/>

In 1953, [[Saud of Saudi Arabia]] succeeded as the king of Saudi Arabia, on his father's death, until 1964 when he was deposed in favor of his half brother [[Faisal of Saudi Arabia]], after an intense rivalry, fueled by doubts in the royal family over Saud's competence. In 1972, Saudi Arabia gained a 20% control in Aramco, thereby decreasing US control over Saudi oil.

In 1973, Saudi Arabia led an oil boycott against the Western countries that supported Israel in the [[Yom Kippur War]] against Egypt and Syria. Oil prices quadrupled.<ref name="Britannica history"/> In 1975, Faisal was assassinated by his nephew, Prince [[Faisal bin Musaid]] and was succeeded by his half-brother [[Khalid of Saudi Arabia|King Khalid]].<ref name="Al-Rasheed 136-137">[[#Al-Rasheed|Al-Rasheed]], pp. 136–137</ref>

[[File:Saudi Arabia 2003 CIA map.jpg|thumb|Saudi Arabian administrative regions and roadways map.]]
By 1976, Saudi Arabia had become the largest oil producer in the world.<ref>{{cite book |title=Human Resources Development in Saudi Arabia: Multinationals and Saudization |author=Joy Winkie Viola |year=1986 |isbn=978-0-88746-070-8 |page=37}}</ref> Khalid's reign saw economic and social development progress at an extremely rapid rate, transforming the infrastructure and educational system of the country;<ref name="Britannica history"/> in foreign policy, close ties with the US were developed.<ref name="Al-Rasheed 136-137"/> In 1979, two events occurred which greatly concerned the government,<ref>{{cite book |title=The Muslim world after 9/11 |author=Angel Rabasa |author2=Cheryl Benard|author3=Peter Chalk|year=2005 |isbn=978-0-8330-3712-1 |page=42}}</ref> and had a long-term influence on Saudi foreign and domestic policy. The first was the [[Iranian Revolution|Iranian Islamic Revolution]]. It was feared that the country's [[Shi'a Islam in Saudi Arabia|Shi'ite minority]] in the [[Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia|Eastern Province]] (which is also the location of the oil fields) might rebel under the influence of their Iranian co-religionists. There were several anti-government uprisings in the region such as the [[1979 Qatif Uprising]].<ref name="Toby Craig Jones 2010 218–219">{{cite book |title=Desert Kingdom: How Oil and Water Forged Modern Saudi Arabia |author=Toby Craig Jones |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-674-04985-7 |pages=218–219}}</ref>

The second event was the [[Grand Mosque Seizure]] in Mecca by Islamist extremists. The militants involved were in part angered by what they considered to be the corruption and un-Islamic nature of the Saudi government.<ref name="Toby Craig Jones 2010 218–219"/> The government regained control of the mosque after 10 days and those captured were executed. Part of the response of the royal family was to enforce a much stricter observance of traditional religious and social norms in the country (for example, the closure of cinemas) and to give the [[Ulema]] a greater role in government.<ref name= Hegghammer24>[[#Hegghammer|Hegghammer]], p. 24</ref> Neither entirely succeeded as [[Islamism]] continued to grow in strength.<ref>{{cite book|title=Saudi Arabia Enters the 21st Century |author=Anthony H. Cordesman |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-275-98091-7 |page=174 }}</ref>

[[File:Dammam No. 7 on March 4, 1938.jpg|thumb|Dammam No. 7, the first commercial oil well in Saudi Arabia, struck oil on 4 March 1938]]
In 1980, Saudi Arabia bought out the American interests in Aramco.<ref>{{cite book|title=Oil, Dollars, Debt, and Crises: The Global Curse of Black Gold|author1=Mahmoud A. El-Gamal  |author2=Amy Myers Jaffe |lastauthoramp=yes |publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2010|isbn=0521720702|page=41}}</ref>

King Khalid died of a heart attack in June 1982. He was succeeded by his brother, [[Fahd of Saudi Arabia|King Fahd]], who added the title "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques" to his name in 1986 in response to considerable fundamentalist pressure to avoid use of "majesty" in association with anything except God. Fahd continued to develop close relations with the United States and increased the purchase of American and British military equipment.<ref name="Britannica history"/>

The vast wealth generated by oil revenues was beginning to have an even greater impact on Saudi society. It led to rapid technological (but not cultural) modernisation, urbanization, mass public education and the creation of new media. This and the presence of increasingly large numbers of foreign workers greatly affected traditional Saudi norms and values. Although there was dramatic change in the social and economic life of the country, political power continued to be monopolized by the royal family<ref name="Britannica history"/> leading to discontent among many Saudis who began to look for wider participation in government.<ref>[[#Abir1993|Abir (1993)]], p. 114</ref>

In the 1980s, Saudi Arabia spent $25 billion in support of [[Saddam Hussein]] in the [[Iran–Iraq War]].<ref>Robert Fisk (2005) ''[[The Great War For Civilisation]]''. Fourth Estate. p. 23. ISBN 1-4000-7517-3</ref> However, Saudi Arabia condemned the [[Invasion of Kuwait|Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990]] and asked the US to intervene.<ref name="Britannica history"/> King Fahd allowed American and coalition troops to be stationed in Saudi Arabia. He invited the Kuwaiti government and many of its citizens to stay in Saudi Arabia, but expelled citizens of Yemen and Jordan because of their governments' support of Iraq. In 1991, Saudi Arabian forces were involved both in bombing raids on Iraq and in the land invasion that helped to liberate Kuwait.

Saudi Arabia's relations with the West began to cause growing concern among some of the ulema and students of sharia law and was one of the issues that led to [[List of militant incidents in Saudi Arabia|an increase in Islamist terrorism]] in Saudi Arabia, as well as [[Islamic terrorism|Islamist terrorist attacks]] in Western countries by Saudi nationals. [[Osama bin Laden]] was a Saudi national (until stripped of his nationality in 1994) and was responsible for the [[1998 U.S. embassy bombings]] in East Africa and the 2000 [[USS Cole bombing]] near the port of Aden, Yemen. 15 of the 19 terrorists involved in [[September 11 attacks]] in New York City, Washington, D.C., and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania were Saudi nationals.<ref>{{cite book |title=Saudi Arabia: Background and U.S. Relations |author=Christopher Blanchard |publisher=United States Congressional Research Service|year=2009 |pages=5–6}}</ref> Many Saudis who did not support the [[Islamist]] terrorists were nevertheless deeply unhappy with the government's policies.<ref>[[#Hegghammer|Hegghammer]], p. 31</ref>

[[File:Oil and Gas Infrastructure Persian Gulf (large).gif|thumb|[[Petroleum|Oil]] and [[Natural gas|gas]] pipelines in the Middle-East]]
Islamism was not the only source of hostility to the government. Although now extremely wealthy, Saudi Arabia's economy was near stagnant. High taxes and a growth in unemployment have contributed to discontent, and has been reflected in a rise in civil unrest, and discontent with the royal family. In response, a number of limited "reforms" were initiated by King Fahd. In March 1992, he introduced the "[[Basic Law of Saudi Arabia|Basic Law]]", which emphasised the duties and responsibilities of a ruler. In December 1993, the Consultative Council was inaugurated. It is composed of a chairman and 60 members—all chosen by the King. The King's intent was to respond to dissent while making as few actual changes in the status quo as possible.{{citation needed|date=October 2013}} Fahd made it clear that he did not have democracy in mind: "A system based on elections is not consistent with our Islamic creed, which [approves of] government by consultation [shūrā]."<ref name="Britannica history"/>

In 1995, Fahd suffered a debilitating stroke, and the Crown Prince, [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|Abdullah]], assumed the role of ''de facto'' [[regent]], taking on the day-to-day running of the country. However, his authority was hindered by conflict with Fahd's full brothers (known, with Fahd, as the "[[Sudairi Seven]]").<ref>[[#Al-Rasheed|Al-Rasheed]], p. 212</ref> From the 1990s, signs of discontent continued and included, in 2003 and 2004, a series of bombings and armed violence in Riyadh, Jeddah, Yanbu and Khobar.<ref name="Cordesman 2009">{{cite book |title=Saudi Arabia: National Security in a Troubled Region |author=Anthony H. Cordesman |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-313-38076-1 |pages=50–52}}</ref> In February–April 2005, the first-ever nationwide municipal elections were held in Saudi Arabia. Women were not allowed to take part in the poll.<ref name="Britannica history"/>

In 2005, King Fahd died and was succeeded by Abdullah, who continued the policy of minimum reform and clamping down on protests. The king introduced a number of economic reforms aimed at reducing the country's reliance on oil revenue: limited deregulation, encouragement of foreign investment, and privatization. In February 2009, [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|Abdullah]] announced a series of governmental changes to the judiciary, armed forces, and various ministries to modernize these institutions including the replacement of senior appointees in the judiciary and the [[Islamic religious police|Mutaween]] (religious police) with more moderate individuals and the appointment of the country's first female deputy minister.<ref name="Britannica history"/>

On 29 January 2011, hundreds of protesters gathered in the city of [[Jeddah]] in a rare display of criticism against the city's poor infrastructure after deadly floods swept through the city, killing eleven people.<ref name="Montreal">{{cite news|url=http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Flood+sparks+rare+action/4189873/story.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201053307/http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Flood+sparks+rare+action/4189873/story.html|archivedate=1 February 2011|title=Flood sparks rare action|date=29 January 2011 |work=Reuters via [[The Gazette (Montreal)|Montreal Gazette]] }}</ref> Police stopped the demonstration after about 15 minutes and arrested 30 to 50 people.<ref name="Reuters_Dozens_detained">{{cite news|title=Dozens detained in Saudi over flood protests |date=29 January 2011 |work=[[The Peninsula (newspaper)|The Peninsula]] (Qatar)/[[Thomson-Reuters]] |url=http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/middle-east/140720-dozens-detained-in-saudi-over-flood-protests.html |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5w9qUZeyR?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thepeninsulaqatar.com%2Fmiddle-east%2F140720-dozens-detained-in-saudi-over-flood-protests.html |archivedate=31 January 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>

Since 2011, Saudi Arabia has been affected by its own [[2011–13 Saudi Arabian protests|''Arab Spring'' protests]].<ref name="Fisk_troops">{{cite news|author=Robert Fisk |title=Saudis mobilise thousands of troops to quell growing revolt |date=5 May 2011 |work=[[The Independent]] |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudis-mobilise-thousands-of-troops-to-quell-growing-revolt-2232928.html |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5wxaC4jgz?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.independent.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fmiddle-east%2Fsaudis-mobilise-thousands-of-troops-to-quell-growing-revolt-2232928.html |archivedate=5 March 2011 |deadurl=no |location=London |df=dmy }}</ref> In response, King Abdullah announced on 22 February 2011 a series of benefits for citizens amounting to $36 billion, of which $10.7 billion was earmarked for [[housing]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/oilprices/8344421/Saudi-ruler-offers-36bn-to-stave-off-uprising-amid-warning-oil-price-could-double.html |title=Saudi ruler offers $36bn to stave off uprising amid warning oil price could double |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=24 February 2011 |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/saudi-king-gives-billion-dollar-cash-boost-housing-jobs--382623.html |title=Saudi king gives billion-dollar cash boost to housing, jobs – Politics & Economics |publisher=Bloomberg via ArabianBusiness.com |date=23 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.us-sabc.org/custom/news/details.cfm?id=957#.UkGdfT_FMpE |title=King Abdullah Returns to Kingdom, Enacts Measures to Boost the Economy |publisher=U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council |date=23 February 2011 }}</ref> No political reforms were announced as part of the package, though some prisoners indicted for financial crimes were pardoned.<ref name="AlJazeeraEnglishBenefits">{{cite news |title=Saudi king announces new benefits |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/2011223105328424268.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=23 February 2011}}</ref> On 18 March the same year, King Abdullah announced a package of $93 billion, which included 500,000 new homes to a cost of $67 billion, in addition to creating 60,000 new security jobs.<ref name="theguardian1">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/18/saudi-arabia-job-housing-package |title=Saudi Arabia's king announces huge jobs and housing package|work=[[The Guardian]] |date=18 March 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Donna Abu |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-18/saudi-arabian-king-abdullah-boosts-spending-as-protests-sweep-arab-world.html |title=Saudi King to Spend $67 Billion on Housing, Jobs in Bid to Pacify Citizens |work=Bloomberg |date=18 March 2011}}</ref>

Although male-only [[Saudi Arabian municipal elections, 2011|municipal elections were held on 29 September 2011]],<ref name="alawsat_details">{{cite news |author=Abeed al-Suhaimy |title=Saudi Arabia announces municipal elections |date=23 March 2011 |publisher=[[Asharq al-Awsat]] |url=http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=24616|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5xePFpuTH |archivedate=2 April 2011 |deadurl=no }}</ref><ref name="bloom_women">{{cite news|author=Donna Abu-Nasr |title=Saudi Women Inspired by Fall of Mubarak Step Up Equality Demand |date=28 March 2011 |publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]] |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-28/saudi-women-inspired-by-revolt-against-mubarak-go-online-to-seek-equality.html |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5xeO2w5aG?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bloomberg.com%2Fnews%2F2011-03-28%2Fsaudi-women-inspired-by-revolt-against-mubarak-go-online-to-seek-equality.html |archivedate=2 April 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Abdullah allowed women to vote and be elected in the [[Saudi Arabian municipal elections, 2015|2015 municipal elections]], and also to be nominated to the [[Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia|Shura Council]].<ref name="oman_observer_electionday">{{cite news|title=Saudis vote in municipal elections, results on Sunday |date=30 September 2011 |work=[[Oman Observer]] |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |url=http://main.omanobserver.om/node/66706 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/63xUk7Xwe?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmain.omanobserver.om%2Fnode%2F66706 |archivedate=14 December 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>

==Politics==
{{Main article|Politics of Saudi Arabia}}
Saudi Arabia is an [[absolute monarchy]].<ref name=Cavendish78>{{cite book |title=World and Its Peoples: the Arabian Peninsula |author=Marshall Cavendish |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-7614-7571-2 |page=78}}</ref> However, according to the [[Basic Law of Saudi Arabia]] adopted by royal decree in 1992, the king must comply with [[Sharia]] (Islamic law) and the [[Quran]], while the Quran and the [[Sunnah]] (the traditions of Muhammad) are declared to be the country's constitution.<ref name= Gerhard>{{cite book |title=Encyclopedia of world constitutions, Volume 1 |author=Gerhard Robbers |year=2007 |isbn=0-8160-6078-9 |page=791}}</ref> No political parties or national elections are permitted.<ref name=Cavendish78/> Critics regard it as a [[totalitarian dictatorship]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The world's enduring dictators: Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz, Saudi Arabia|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-worlds-enduring-dictators-abdullah-bin-abdul-aziz-saudi-arabia/|website=CBS News|accessdate=3 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=To really combat terror, end support for Saudi Arabia|url=http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/31/combat-terror-end-support-saudi-arabia-dictatorships-fundamentalism|website=The Guardian|accessdate=3 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Saudi Arabia recalls its ambassador to Sweden|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/03/saudi-arabia-recalls-ambassador-sweden-150311123334400.html|website=Aljazeera}}</ref>''[[The Economist]]'' rates the Saudi government as the fifth most authoritarian government out of 167 rated in its 2012 [[Democracy Index]],<ref name=EIU/> and [[Freedom House]] gives it its lowest "Not Free" rating, 7.0 ("1=best, 7=worst") for 2013.<ref name=FH2013>{{cite web|title=Freedom House. Saudi Arabia|url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2013/saudi-arabia#.VDv_IVfz70Q|website=freedomhouse.org}}</ref>

In the absence of national elections and political parties,<ref name=Cavendish78/> politics in Saudi Arabia takes place in two distinct arenas: within the royal family, the Al Saud, and between the royal family and the rest of Saudi society.<ref name= Noreng97>{{cite book |title=Crude power: politics and the oil market |author=Oystein Noreng |year=2005 |isbn=978-1-84511-023-9 |page=97}}</ref> Outside of the Al-Saud, participation in the political process is limited to a relatively small segment of the population and takes the form of the royal family consulting with the ulema, tribal sheikhs and members of important commercial families on major decisions.<ref name=Britannica/> This process is not reported by the Saudi media.<ref>[[#Long|Long]], p. 85</ref>

By custom, all males of full age have a right to petition the king directly through the traditional tribal meeting known as the ''[[majlis]]''.<ref name=Cavendish92>{{cite book |title=World and Its Peoples: the Arabian Peninsula |author=Marshall Cavendish |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-7614-7571-2 |pages=92–93}}</ref> In many ways the approach to government differs little from the traditional system of tribal rule. Tribal identity remains strong and, outside of the royal family, political influence is frequently determined by tribal affiliation, with tribal sheikhs maintaining a considerable degree of influence over local and national events.<ref name=Britannica/> As mentioned earlier, in recent years there have been limited steps to widen political participation such as the establishment of the Consultative Council in the early 1990s and the National Dialogue Forum in 2003.<ref name= Al-Rasheed242/>

The rule of the Al Saud faces political opposition from four sources: [[Sunni]] [[Islamist]] activism; liberal critics; the [[Shia Islam in Saudi Arabia|Shi'ite minority]]—particularly in the [[Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia|Eastern Province]]; and long-standing tribal and [[Regionalism (politics)|regionalist]] particularistic opponents (for example in the [[Hejaz]]).<ref>{{cite journal |author=Ondrej Barenek|year=2009 |title=Divided We Survive: A Landscape of Fragmentation in Saudi Arabia |journal=Middle East Brief |issue=33 |publisher=Brandeis University Crown Center for Middle East Studies |url=http://www.brandeis.edu/crown/publications/meb/MEB33.pdf}}</ref> Of these, the Islamic activists have been the most prominent threat to the government and have in recent years perpetrated a number of violent or [[List of militant incidents in Saudi Arabia|terrorist acts in the country]].<ref name="Cordesman 2009"/> However, open protest against the government, even if peaceful, is not tolerated.

Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that effectively bans women from driving; although there is no written law to that effect, in practice women are hindered from obtaining the locally issued licenses required to drive.<ref>Agarwal, Nitin; Lim, Merlyna; Wigand, Rolf T. (2012). "[https://books.google.com/books?id=ZS9X3mCaY_kC&pg=PA103 Online Collective Action and the Role of Social Media in Mobilizing Opinions: A Case Study on Women's Right-to-Drive Campaigns in Saudi Arabia]". In Christopher G. Reddick and Stephen K. Aikins (eds.). ''Web 2.0 Technologies and Democratic Governance: Political, Policy and Management Implications''. New&nbsp;York: Springer. ISBN 9781461414483. p.&nbsp;99&nbsp;ff.; here: p.&nbsp;103.</ref> On 25 September 2011, Saudi Arabia's [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|King Abdullah]] has announced that women will have the right to stand and vote in future local elections and join the advisory Shura council as full members.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/25/saudi-arabia-women-vote-elections |title=Saudi Arabia gives women right to vote |date=25 September 2011 | location=London |work=The Guardian }}</ref>

===Monarchy and royal family===
The king combines legislative, executive, and judicial functions<ref name=Britannica>{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/525348/Saudi-Arabia |title=Encyclopaedia Britannica Online: Saudi Arabia|work=Encyclopædia Britannica}}</ref> and royal decrees form the basis of the country's legislation.<ref name= Campbell>{{cite book|title=Legal Aspects of Doing Business in the Middle East|author=Christian Campbell |year=2007|isbn=978-1-4303-1914-6|page=265|url=https://books.google.com/?id=20jmw1C3H5UC&pg=PA265}}</ref> The king is also the prime minister, and presides over the [[Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia|Council of Ministers (Majlis al-Wuzarāʾ)]], which comprises the first and second deputy prime ministers and other ministers.

The royal family dominates the political system. The family's vast numbers allow it to control most of the kingdom's important posts and to have an involvement and presence at all levels of government.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://memory.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Saudi_Arabia.pdf|title=Country Profile: Saudi Arabia |author=Library of Congress, Federal Research Division|year=2006}}</ref> The number of princes is estimated to be at least 7,000, with most power and influence being wielded by the 200 or so male descendants of Ibn Saud.<ref name="FT Saud">{{cite news |title=The House of Saud: rulers of modern Saudi Arabia |url=http://peakoil.com/publicpolicy/the-house-of-saud-rulers-of-modern-saudi-arabia |newspaper=Financial Times |date=30 September 2010 }}</ref> The key ministries are generally reserved for the royal family,<ref name=Cavendish78/> as are the thirteen regional governorships.<ref>[[#Bowen|Bowen]], p. 15</ref>

Long term political and government appointments have resulted in the creation of "power fiefdoms" for senior princes,<ref>{{cite book|title=State, power and politics in the making of the modern Middle East|author=Roger Owen|year=2000|isbn=978-0-415-19674-1|page=56}}</ref> such as those of King Abdullah, who had been Commander of the [[Saudi Arabian National Guard|National Guard]] since 1963 (until 2010, when he appointed his son to replace him),<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11807255 |title=Saudi King Abdullah to go to US for medical treatment |date=21 November 2010 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> former Crown [[Sultan bin Abdulaziz|Prince Sultan]], Minister of Defence and Aviation from 1962 to his death in 2011, former crown prince [[Nayef bin Abdul Aziz|Prince Nayef]] who was the Minister of Interior from 1975 to his death in 2012, [[Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud|Prince Saud]] who had been Minister of Foreign Affairs since 1975<ref name="bio">{{cite web|url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/about/Biographies-of-Ministers.aspx |title=Biographies of Ministers|publisher=Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Washington, DC }}</ref> and current [[Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud|King Salman]], who was Minister of Defense and Aviation before he was crown prince and Governor of the [[Riyadh Province]] from 1962 to 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince Salman resumes duties at governorate |url=http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article199149.ece |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124194326/http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article199149.ece |archivedate=24 November 2010 |newspaper=Arab News |date=23 November 2010}}</ref> The current Minister of Defense is [[Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud|Prince Mohammad bin Salman]], the son of King Salman and Deputy Crown Prince.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mohammed bin Nayef kingpin in new Saudi Arabia: country experts|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/mohammed-bin-nayef-kingpin-new-saudi-arabia-country-experts-1500997678|accessdate=1 February 2015|work=Middle East Eye|date=1 February 2015}}</ref>

The royal family is politically divided by factions based on clan loyalties, personal ambitions and ideological differences.<ref name= Noreng97/> The most powerful clan faction is known as the '[[Sudairi|Sudairi Seven]]', comprising the late King Fahd and his full brothers and their descendants.<ref name="Economist Succession">{{Cite news|title=When kings and princes grow old |url=http://www.economist.com/node/16588422 |work=The Economist |date=15 July 2010 }}</ref> Ideological divisions include issues over the speed and direction of reform,<ref name= Kostiner236>{{cite book|title=Conflict and cooperation in the Persian Gulf region |author=Joseph Kostiner|year=2009|isbn=978-3-531-16205-8 |page=236}}</ref> and whether the role of the ulema should be increased or reduced. There were divisions within the family over who should succeed to the throne after the accession or earlier death of Prince Sultan.<ref name="Economist Succession"/><ref name=David33>{{cite book |title=Catastrophic consequences: civil wars and American interests |author=Steven R. David|year=2008 |isbn=978-0-8018-8989-9 |pages=33–34}}</ref> When prince Sultan died before ascending to the throne on 21 October 2011, King Abdullah appointed Prince Nayef as crown prince.<ref>{{cite news|author=Neil MacFarquhar|title=Prince Sultan bin Abdel Aziz of Saudi Arabia Dies|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/23/world/middleeast/prince-sultan-bin-abdel-aziz-of-saudi-arabia-dies.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all|newspaper=The New York Times|date=22 October 2011}}</ref> The following year Prince Nayef also died before ascending to the throne.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15500679 |title=Obituary: Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud |publisher=BBC |date=16 June 2012 }}</ref>

[[File:Salman bin Abdull aziz December 9, 2013.jpg|thumb|King [[Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud]] inherited power in 2015.]]
The Saudi government and the royal family have often, over many years, been accused of corruption.<ref>{{cite book |title= Saudi Royal Family |author =Jennifer Bond Reed|author2=Brenda Lange |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-7910-9218-7 |page=14}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Saudi Arabia Enters the 21st Century |author=Anthony H. Cordesman |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-275-98091-7 |pages=47, 142}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title= Middle Eastern leaders and Islam: a precarious equilibrium |author= Sonia Alianak |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-8204-6924-9 |page= 67}}</ref><ref>[[#Bowen|Bowen]], p. 108</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The corrupt, feudal world of the House of Saud |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/fisk/robert-fisk-the-corrupt-feudal-world-of-the-house-of-saud-538468.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=14 May 2003 |location=London |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111010181738/http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/fisk/robert-fisk-the-corrupt-feudal-world-of-the-house-of-saud-538468.html |archivedate=10 October 2011 }}</ref><ref>[[#Abir1993|Abir (1993)]], p. 73</ref><ref>{{cite book |title= Security issues in the post-cold war world |author= M. Jane Davis |year=1996 |isbn=978-1-85898-334-9 |page=81}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title= Saudi Arabia and its royal family |author=William Holden |year=1982 |isbn=0-8184-0326-8 |pages=154–156}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title= The Middle East reader |author=Michael Curtis |year=1986 |isbn=978-0-88738-101-0 |page=235}}</ref> In a country that is said to "belong" to the royal family and is [[Etymology of Saudi Arabia|named for them]],<ref name= Kamrava/> the lines between state assets and the personal wealth of senior princes are blurred.<ref name="FT Saud"/> The extent of corruption has been described as systemic<ref>{{cite book |title=September 11 and the U.S. war: beyond the curtain of smoke |author=Roger Burbach |author2=Ben Clarke|year=2002 |isbn=978-0-87286-404-7 |page=32}}</ref> and endemic,<ref>{{cite book |title= Freedom in the Middle East and North Africa: A Freedom in the World Special Edition |author= Freedom House |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-7425-3775-0 |page=63}}</ref> and its existence was acknowledged<ref>{{cite news |title=A Nation Challenged: The Plots; Saudi Arabia Also a Target Of Attacks, U.S. Officials Say |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/09/world/nation-challenged-plots-saudi-arabia-also-target-attacks-us-officials-say.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=9 October 2001 |author=Lowell Bergman}}</ref> and defended<ref>{{cite book |title=The King's Messenger. Prince Bandar Bin Sultan and America's Tangled Relationship with Saudi Arabia |author=David Ottaway |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-8027-1690-3 |page=162 }}</ref> by [[Bandar bin Sultan|Prince Bandar bin Sultan]] (a senior member of the royal family<ref>{{cite news |title=Saudi bribe claims delay £20bn fighter deal |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article1899614.ece |newspaper=The Times |date=7 June 2007 |location=London |author=David Robertson}}</ref>) in an interview in 2001.<ref name= PBS>{{cite web |url=http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/terrorism/interviews/bandar.html |title=Interview: Bandar Bin Sultan |year=2001 |publisher=PBS }}</ref>

Although corruption allegations have often been limited to broad undocumented accusations,<ref>{{cite book |title=National Security in Saudi Arabia: Threats, Responses, and Challenges |author=Anthony H. Cordesman |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-275-98811-1 |page=284 }}</ref> specific allegations were made in 2007, when it was claimed that the British defence contractor [[BAE Systems]] had paid Prince Bandar US$2 billion in bribes relating to the [[Al-Yamamah arms deal]].<ref>{{cite news |title=BAE accused of secretly paying £1bn to Saudi prince |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/jun/07/bae1 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=7 June 2007 |location=London |author=David Leigh |author2=Rob Evans}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=BAE Systems sued over alleged Saudi bribes |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article2498504.ece |newspaper=The Times |date=20 September 2007 |location=London |author=Michael Herman}}</ref> Prince Bandar denied the allegations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince Bandar denies BAE bribery claims |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/engineering/article1914426.ece |newspaper=The Times |date=11 June 2007 |location=London |author=Dearbail Jordan |author2=Christine Buckley}}</ref> Investigations by both US and UK authorities resulted, in 2010, in [[plea bargain]] agreements with the company, by which it paid $447 million in fines but did not admit to bribery.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8501916.stm|title=Lord Goldsmith defends BAE Systems plea deal|date=6 February 2010|publisher=BBC News}}</ref>

[[Transparency International]] in its annual [[Corruption Perceptions Index]] for 2010 gave Saudi Arabia a score of 4.7 (on a scale from 0 to 10 where 0 is "highly corrupt" and 10 is "highly clean").<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi/2010/results |title=Corruption Perceptions Index 2010|publisher=Transparency International|date=15 December 2010}}</ref> Saudi Arabia has undergone a process of political and social reform, such as to increase public transparency and good governance. However, nepotism and patronage are widespread when doing business in the country. The enforcement of the anti-corruption laws is selective and public officials engage in corruption with impunity.

There has been mounting pressure to reform and modernize the royal family's rule, an agenda championed by King Abdullah both before and after his accession in 2005. The creation of the Consultative Council in the early 1990s did not satisfy demands for political participation, and, in 2003, an annual ''National Dialogue Forum'' was announced that would allow selected professionals and intellectuals to publicly debate current national issues, within certain prescribed parameters. In 2005, the first municipal elections were held. In 2007, the [[Allegiance Council]] was created to regulate the succession.<ref name=Al-Rasheed242>[[#Al-Rasheed|Al-Rasheed]], pp. 180, 242–243, 248, 257–258</ref> In 2009, the king made significant personnel changes to the government by appointing reformers to key positions and the first woman to a ministerial post.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saudi king speeds reforms|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/31b61bc4-fb3a-11dd-bcad-000077b07658.html|newspaper=Financial Times|date=15 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Prince Naif appointed deputy Saudi PM|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2c0d7fcc-1b1b-11de-8aa3-0000779fd2ac.html|newspaper=Financial Times |date=27 March 2009 }}</ref> However, the changes have been criticized as being too slow or merely cosmetic.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reform in Saudi Arabia: At a snail's pace|url=http://www.economist.com/node/17149062?story_id=17149062&fsrc=rss|newspaper=The Economist |date=30 September 2010}}</ref>

===Al ash-Sheikh and role of the ulema===
[[File:Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al ash-Sheikh Senate of Poland 02.JPG|thumb|[[Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al ash-Sheikh]] with [[Bogdan Borusewicz]] in the [[Polish Senate]], 26 May 2014]]
Saudi Arabia is almost unique in giving the [[ulema]] (the body of Islamic religious leaders and jurists) a direct role in government,<ref name= Goldstein118>{{cite book |title=Religion and the State |author=Natalie Goldstein |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-8160-8090-8 |page=118}}</ref> the only other example being [[Iran]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Saudi Arabia A Country Study |author=Federal Research Division |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-4191-4621-3 |page=232}}</ref> The ulema have also been a key influence in major government decisions, for example the imposition of the [[1973 oil crisis|oil embargo in 1973]] and the [[Gulf War|invitation to foreign troops to Saudi Arabia in 1990]].<ref name="meforum.org">{{cite journal |author=Nawaf E. Obaid |date=September 1999 |title=The Power of Saudi Arabia's Islamic Leaders |journal=Middle East Quarterly |volume=VI |issue=3 |pages=51–58 |url=http://www.meforum.org/482/the-power-of-saudi-arabias-islamic-leaders }}</ref> In addition, they have had a major role in the judicial and education systems<ref>{{cite book |title=Modernity and tradition: the Saudi equation |author=Fouad Farsy |year=1992 |isbn=978-1-874132-03-5 |page=29}}</ref> and a monopoly of authority in the sphere of religious and social morals.<ref name= Hassner>{{cite book |title=War on sacred grounds |author=Ron Eduard Hassner|year=2009 |isbn=978-0-8014-4806-5 |page=143}}</ref>

By the 1970s, as a result of oil wealth and the modernization of the country initiated by King Faisal, important changes to Saudi society were under way and the power of the ulema was in decline.<ref>[[#Abir1987|Abir (1987)]], p. 30</ref> However, this changed following the [[Grand Mosque Seizure|seizure of the Grand Mosque]] in Mecca in 1979 by [[Islamist]] radicals.<ref name= Abir21>[[#Abir1993|Abir (1993)]], p. 21</ref> The government's response to the crisis included strengthening the ulema's powers and increasing their financial support:<ref name= Hegghammer24/> in particular, they were given greater control over the education system<ref name= Abir21/> and allowed to enforce stricter observance of Wahhabi rules of moral and social behaviour.<ref name= Hegghammer24/> After his accession to the throne in 2005, King Abdullah took steps to reduce the powers of the ulema, for instance transferring control over girls' education to the Ministry of Education.<ref name="NYT Abdullah">{{cite news |title=Abdullah, King of Saudi Arabia |url=http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/people/a/abdullah_bin_abdul_aziz_alsaud/index.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=29 November 2010 |author =Nada Bakri}}</ref>

The ulema have historically been led by the [[Al ash-Sheikh]],<ref>[[#Abir1987|Abir (1987)]], p. 4</ref> the country's leading religious family.<ref name= Hassner/> The Al ash-Sheikh are the descendants of [[Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab]], the 18th century founder of the Wahhabi form of [[Sunni Islam]] which is today dominant in Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite book |title=Saudi Arabia: the coming storm |author=Peter W. Wilson|author2=Douglas Graham|year=1994 |isbn=1-56324-394-6 |page=16}}</ref> The family is second in prestige only to the Al Saud (the royal family)<ref name= Long11>[[#Long|Long]], p. 11</ref> with whom they formed a "mutual support pact"<ref name= IBP>{{cite book |title=Saudi Arabia King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud Handbook |author=International Business Publications |year=2011 |isbn=0-7397-2740-0}}</ref> and power-sharing arrangement nearly 300 years ago.<ref name="meforum.org"/> The pact, which persists to this day,<ref name= IBP/> is based on the Al Saud maintaining the Al ash-Sheikh's authority in religious matters and upholding and propagating Wahhabi doctrine. In return, the Al ash-Sheikh support the Al Saud's political authority<ref>{{cite book |title=Area Handbook for the Persian Gulf States |author=Richard F. Nyrop|year=2008 |isbn=978-1-4344-6210-7 |page=50 }}</ref> thereby using its religious-[[moral authority]] to legitimize the royal family's rule.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Bligh, Alexander |year=1985 |title=The Saudi religious elite (Ulama) as participant in the political system of the kingdom |journal=International Journal of Middle East Studies |volume=17 |pages=37–50 |doi=10.1017/S0020743800028750 }}</ref> Although the Al ash-Sheikh's domination of the ulema has diminished in recent decades,<ref name= Mattar>{{cite book |title=Encyclopedia of the Modern Middle East & North Africa: Vol.1 A-C |author=Philip Mattar|year=2004 |isbn=978-0-02-865770-7 |page=101}}</ref> they still hold the most important religious posts and are closely linked to the Al Saud by a high degree of intermarriage.<ref name= Hassner/>

===Legal system===
{{Main article|Legal system of Saudi Arabia}}
{{See also|Capital punishment in Saudi Arabia|Public executions in Saudi Arabia}}
[[File:Iqra.jpg|thumb|Verses from the Quran. The [[Quran]] is the official constitution of the country and a primary source of law. Saudi Arabia is unique in enshrining a religious text as a political document.<ref>[[#Bowen|Bowen]], p. 13</ref>]]
The primary source of law is the Islamic [[Sharia]] derived from the teachings of the [[Qu'ran]] and the [[Sunnah]] (the traditions of the Prophet).<ref name= Campbell/> Saudi Arabia is unique among modern Muslim states in that Sharia is not [[Codification (law)|codified]] and there is no system of [[judicial precedent]], giving judges the power to use independent legal reasoning to make a decision. Saudi judges tend to follow the principles of the [[Hanbali]] school of jurisprudence (or ''[[fiqh]]'') found in pre-modern texts<ref name= Haffner58>{{cite book |title=Shari'a Politics: Islamic Law and Society in the Modern World |author=Robert W. Hefner|year=2011 |isbn=978-0-253-22310-4 |page=58}}</ref> and noted for its literalist interpretation of the Qu'ran and [[hadith]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Encyclopedia of Islam |author=Juan Eduardo Campo |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-8160-5454-1 |page=288}}</ref>

Because the judge is empowered to disregard previous judgments (either his own or of other judges) and may apply his personal interpretation of Sharia to any particular case, divergent judgements arise even in apparently identical cases,<ref name="Sharia Inc Courts"/> making predictability of legal interpretation difficult.<ref>{{cite book|author=Oxford Business Group|title=The Report: Saudi Arabia 2009 |year=2009 |page=202|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gMPjxHzG1xQC&pg=PA202|isbn=978-1-902339-00-9|quote=it is not always possible to reach a conclusion on how a Saudi court or judicial committee would view a particular case [because] decisions of a court or a judicial committee have no binding authority with respect to another case, [and] in general there is also no system of court reporting in the Kingdom.}}</ref> The Sharia court system constitutes the basic judiciary of Saudi Arabia and its judges ([[qadi]]) and lawyers form part of the [[ulema]], the country's Islamic scholars.

Royal decrees are the other main source of law; but are referred to as ''regulations'' rather than ''laws'' because they are subordinate to the Sharia.<ref name= Campbell/> Royal decrees supplement Sharia in areas such as labor, commercial and corporate law. Additionally, traditional tribal law and [[Custom (law)|custom]] remain significant.<ref>[[#Otto|Otto]], p. 157</ref> Extra-Sharia government tribunals usually handle disputes relating to specific royal decrees.<ref>{{cite book |title=Islam and politics |author=John L. Esposito|year=1998 |isbn=978-0-8156-2774-6 |pages=110–112}}</ref> Final appeal from both Sharia courts and government tribunals is to the King and all courts and tribunals follow Sharia rules of evidence and procedure.<ref name= Campbell268>{{cite book |title=Legal Aspects of Doing Business in the Middle East |author=Christian Campbell|year=2007 |isbn=978-1-4303-1914-6 |pages=268–269}}</ref>

The Saudi system of justice has been criticized for its "ultra-puritanical judges", who are often harsh in their sentencing (with beheading for the crime of witchcraft), but also sometimes overly lenient (for cases of rape or wife-beating) and slow, for example leaving thousands of abandoned women unable to secure a divorce.<ref name=econ-2007>{{cite journal|title=International: Law of God versus law of man; Saudi Arabia|journal=The Economist|date=13 Oct 2007|url=http://www.economist.com/node/9954500}}</ref><ref name="Economist Cruel">{{Cite news|title=Saudi Arabian justice: Cruel, or just unusual? |url=http://www.economist.com/node/656147 |work=The Economist |date=14 June 2001}}</ref> The system has also been criticized for being arcane,<ref name="Economist Tentative">{{Cite news|title=Tentative steps in Saudi Arabia: The king of Saudi Arabia shows some reformist credentials |url=http://www.economist.com/node/13134598 |work=The Economist |date=17 February 2009 }}</ref> lacking in some of the safeguards of justice, and unable to deal with the modern world.<ref>{{cite news |title=Support for shake-up of Saudi justice system |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ec3ad182-72a2-11dc-b7ff-0000779fd2ac.html |newspaper=Financial Times |date=4 October 2007 }}</ref>  
In 2007, King Abdullah issued royal decrees reforming the judiciary and creating a new court system,<ref name="Sharia Inc Courts">[[#Otto|Otto]], pp. 161–162</ref> and, in 2009, the King made a number of significant changes to the judiciary's personnel at the most senior level by bringing in a younger generation.<ref name="Economist Tentative"/>

[[File:Dira Square.JPG|thumb|[[Deera Square]], central Riyadh. Known locally as "Chop-chop square", it is the location of public beheadings.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/05/06/60minutes/main615986.shtml |title=Saudi Justice? |date=5 December 2007 |publisher=CBS News}}</ref>]]

[[Capital punishment|Capital]] and [[corporal punishment|physical]] punishments imposed by Saudi courts, such as [[beheading]], [[stoning]] (to death), [[amputation]], [[crucifixion]] and [[Flagellation|lashing]], as well as the sheer number of executions have been strongly criticized.<ref name="Sharia Inc175">[[#Otto|Otto]], p. 175</ref> The death penalty can be imposed for a wide range of offences including murder, rape, [[armed robbery]], repeated drug use, [[apostasy]], [[adultery]], [[witchcraft]] and [[Magic (paranormal)|sorcery]] and can be carried out by beheading with a sword, stoning or firing squad, followed by crucifixion.<ref name= FRD306>{{cite book |title=Saudi Arabia A Country Study |author=Federal Research Division |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-4191-4621-3 |page=304}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/2966790.stm |title=Saudi executioner tells all |date=5 June 2003 |publisher=BBC News }}</ref><ref name=Lu>{{cite book |title=Punishment: a comparative historical perspective |author=Terance D. Miethe |author2=Hong Lu|year=2004 |isbn=978-0-521-60516-8 |page=63}}</ref> The 345 reported executions between 2007 and 2010 were all carried out by public beheading. The last reported execution for sorcery took place in September 2014.<ref>{{cite news|author=Janine di Giovanni |url=http://www.newsweek.com/2014/10/24/when-it-comes-beheadings-isis-has-nothing-over-saudi-arabia-277385.html |title=When It Comes to Beheadings, ISIS Has Nothing Over Saudi Arabia |work=Newsweek |date=14 October 2014 }}</ref>

Although repeated theft can be punishable by amputation of the right hand, only one instance of judicial amputation was reported between 2007 and 2010. Homosexual acts are punishable by flogging or death.<ref name= FRD306/><ref name=Lu/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2010/nea/154472.htm |title=2010 Human Rights Report: Saudi Arabia |date=8 April 2011 |publisher=U.S. State Department }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/nea/136079.htm |title=2009 Human Rights Report: Saudi Arabia |date=11 March 2010 |publisher=U.S. State Department }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/nea/119126.htm |title=2008 Human Rights Report: Saudi Arabia |date=25 February 2009 |publisher=U.S. State Department}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100605.htm |title=2007 Human Rights Report: Saudi Arabia |date=11 March 2008 |publisher=U.S. State Department }}</ref>
Atheism or "calling into question the fundamentals of the Islamic religion on which this country is based" is considered a terrorist crime.<ref name=i1>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-declares-all-atheists-are-terrorists-in-new-law-to-crack-down-on-political-dissidents-9228389.html "Saudi Arabia declares all atheists are terrorists in new law to crack down on political dissidents"] ''Independent'', April 2014</ref>
Lashings are a common form of punishment<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.cnn.com/2010-01-24/world/saudi.arabia.lashes_1_lashes-al-watan-saudi-city?_s=PM:WORLD |title=Report: Saudi girl accepts lashing for assaulting headmistress |date=24 January 2010 |publisher=CNN }}</ref> and are often imposed for offences against religion and public morality such as drinking alcohol and neglect of prayer and fasting obligations.<ref name= FRD306/>

Retaliatory punishments, or [[Qisas]], are practised: for instance, an eye can be surgically removed at the insistence of a victim who lost his own eye.<ref name="Economist Cruel"/> Families of someone unlawfully killed can choose between demanding the death penalty or granting clemency in return for a payment of [[diyya]] (blood money), by the perpetrator.<ref>{{cite news |title=Saudis Face Soaring Blood-Money Sums |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/26/AR2008072601785.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=27 July 2008 }}</ref>

===Human rights===
{{Main article|Human rights in Saudi Arabia}}
[[File:Raif Badawi cropped.jpg|thumb|upright|In 2014, Saudi Arabian writer [[Raif Badawi]] was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes for "insulting Islam".]]
Western-based organizations such as [[Amnesty International]] and [[Human Rights Watch]] condemn both the Saudi criminal justice system and its severe punishments. There are no jury trials in Saudi Arabia and courts observe few formalities.<ref>{{cite book |title=Doing business with Saudi Arabia |author=Anthony Shoult|year=2006 |isbn=978-1-905050-06-2 |page=95}}</ref> Human Rights Watch, in a 2008 report, noted that a criminal procedure code had been introduced for the first time in 2002, but it lacked some basic protections and, in any case, had been routinely ignored by judges. Those arrested are often not informed of the crime of which they are accused or given access to a lawyer and are subject to abusive treatment and torture if they do not confess. At trial, there is a presumption of guilt and the accused is often unable to examine witnesses and evidence or present a legal defense. Most trials are held in secret.<ref>{{cite book |title=Precarious Justice |author=Human Rights Watch |year=2008 |pages=3, 4, 101, 102, 108–115 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=xwGojEygbqAC&pg=PA3}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/693680.stm |title=Analysis: Saudi rough justice |date=28 March 2000 |publisher=BBC News }}</ref> An example of sentencing is that [[United Kingdom|UK]] pensioner and cancer victim Karl Andree, aged 74, faced 360 lashes for home brewing alcohol.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34513096|title=Karl Andree case: David Cameron to write to Saudi government|work=BBC News}}</ref> He was later released due to intervention by British government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-34786686|title=Briton Karl Andree jailed in Saudi Arabia back home - BBC News|website=BBC News|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-05-17}}</ref>

Saudi Arabia is widely accused of having one of the worst human rights records in the world. Human rights issues that have attracted strong criticism include the extremely disadvantaged position of women (see [[Saudi Arabia#Women|Women]] below), capital punishment for [[LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia|homosexuality]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/02/24/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death/ |title=Here are the 10 countries where homosexuality may be punished by death |date=24 February 2014 |work=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> religious discrimination, the lack of religious freedom and the activities of the [[Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (Saudi Arabia)|religious police]] (see [[Saudi Arabia#Religion|Religion]] below).<ref name="Sharia Inc175"/> Between 1996 and 2000, Saudi Arabia acceded to four UN human rights conventions and, in 2004, the government approved the establishment of the [[National Society for Human Rights]] (NSHR), staffed by government employees, to monitor their implementation. To date, the activities of the NSHR have been limited and doubts remain over its neutrality and independence.<ref>[[#Al-Rasheed|Al-Rasheed]], pp. 250–252</ref>

Saudi Arabia remains one of the very few countries in the world not to accept the UN's [[Universal Declaration of Human Rights]]. In response to the continuing criticism of its human rights record, the Saudi government points to the special Islamic character of the country, and asserts that this justifies a different social and political order.<ref>[[#Otto|Otto]], pp. 168, 172</ref> The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom had unsuccessfully<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hrw.org/news/2014/03/31/dispatches-obama-refuses-talk-human-rights-saudi-arabia |title=Dispatches: Obama Refuses to Talk Human Rights in Saudi Arabia |date=31 March 2014 |publisher=[[Human Rights Watch]]}}</ref> urged President [[Barack Obama]] to raise human rights concerns with King Abdullah on his March 2014 visit to the Kingdom especially the imprisonments of Sultan Hamid Marzooq al-Enezi, Saud Falih Awad al-Enezi, and [[Raif Badawi]].<ref>[http://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/press-releases/uscirf-urges-president-raise-religious-freedom-saudi-trip "USCIRF Urges President: Raise Religious Freedom on Saudi Trip"]. United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. 26 March 2014.</ref>

Saudi Arabia also conducts dozens of executions each year, mainly for murder and drug smuggling, although there are people who have been executed for deserting Islam and crimes against the [[royal family|Faisal bin Musaid]].<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,917224-2,00.html#ixzz1AyvreNfM "SAUDI ARABIA: THE DEATH OF A DESERT MONARCH"]. ''TIME''. 7 April 1975.</ref> The method of execution is normally [[beheading]] in public.<ref>[http://www.economist.com/node/656147 "Saudi Arabian justice: Cruel, or just unusual?"]. ''The Economist''. 14 June 2001</ref><ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/saudi-justice/ "Saudi Justice?"]. ''CBS news''. 6 May 2004.</ref> For example, [[Ali Mohammed Baqir al-Nimr]] was arrested in 2012 when he was 17 years old for taking part in an [[2011–12 Saudi Arabian protests|anti-government protests]] in Saudi Arabia during the [[Arab Spring]].<ref>"[http://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=16487&LangID=E Saudi Arabia must immediately halt execution of children – UN rights experts urge]". [[Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights]]. 22 September 2015.</ref> In May 2014, Ali al-Nimr was sentenced to be publicly beheaded and [[Crucifixion|crucified]].<ref>"[http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/09/saudi-arabia-beheading-crucifixion-nimr/407221/ When Beheading Won’t Do the Job, the Saudis Resort to Crucifixion ]". ''[[The Atlantic]]''. 24 September 2015.</ref>

In 2013, the government deported thousands of non-Saudis, many of them who were working illegally in the country or had overstayed their visas. Many reports abound, of foreigner workers being tortured either by employers or others.<ref>Bayan Perazzo (14 January 2013) [http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/01/14/nightmare-in-saudi-arabia-the-plight-of-foreign-migrant-workers.html "Nightmare in Saudi Arabia: The Plight of Foreign Migrant Workers"]. ''The Daily Beast''.</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2332691/Saudi-Arabian-official-filmed-beating-foreign-workers-belt-visit-passport-office-visas.html | location=London | work=Daily Mail | title=Saudi Arabian official filmed beating foreign workers with a belt as they visit passport office to get their visas}}</ref> This resulted in many basic services suffering from a lack of workers, as many Saudi Arabian citizens are not keen on working in blue collar jobs.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kumera-genet/beyond-outrage-how-the-af_b_4319840.html | work=The Huffington Post | author=Genet Kumera| title=Beyond Outrage: How the African Diaspora Can Support Migrant Worker Rights in the Middle East | date=24 November 2013}}</ref><ref>Beatrice Thomas (10 November 2013) [http://www.arabianbusiness.com/saudi-services-suffer-under-visa-clampdown-525713.html "Saudi services suffer under visa clampdown"]. ''Arabian Business''.</ref><ref>[http://www.arabianbusiness.com/saudi-beating-video-sparks-human-rights-probe-524675.html#.VNHpBxA4JnM "Saudi 'beating' video sparks human rights probe"]. ''Arabian Business''.</ref>

Saudi Arabia has a "Counter-Radicalization Program" the purpose of which is to "combat the spread and appeal of [[extremist]] ideologies among the general populous" and to "instill the true values of the [[Islamic faith]], such as [[Toleration|tolerance]] and [[moderation]]."<ref>{{cite web | title=Initiatives and Actions to Combat Terrorism|url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/files/PDF/Reports/Counterterrorism.pdf |page=6|publisher=Kingdom of Saudi Arabia}}</ref> This "tolerance and moderation" has been called into question by the [[Baltimore Sun]], based on the reports from [[Amnesty International]] regarding [[Raif Badawi]],<ref>{{cite web | title=Saudi Arabia's brutal punishment of a dissident|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-saudi-arabia-20150114-story.html|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> and in the case of a man from Hafr al-Batin sentenced to death for rejecting Islam.<ref name="batin">{{cite web | title= Saudi Arabia court gives death penalty to man who renounced his Muslim faith |url= http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/saudiarabia/11431509/Saudi-Arabia-court-gives-death-penalty-to-man-who-renounced-his-Muslim-faith.html |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]| date=24 February 2015 }}</ref> In September 2015, Faisal bin Hassan Trad, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, has been elected Chair of the [[United Nations Human Rights Council]] panel that appoints independent experts.<ref>"[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/uk-and-saudi-arabia-made-secret-deal-to-exchange-votes-for-human-rights-council-seats-leaked-a6673491.html UK helped Saudi Arabia get UN human rights role through 'secret deal' to exchange votes, leaked documents suggest]". ''[[The Independent]]''. 30 September 2015.</ref> In January 2016, Saudi Arabia executed the prominent Shia cleric [[Sheikh Nimr]] who had called for pro-democracy demonstrations and for free elections in Saudi Arabia.<ref name="nimr">{{cite web | title=Saudi execution of Shia cleric sparks outrage in Middle East |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/02/saudi-execution-of-shia-cleric-sparks-outrage-in-middle-east |work=[[The Guardian]]| date=2 January 2016}}</ref>

===Foreign relations===
{{Main article|Foreign relations of Saudi Arabia}}
[[File:Obama meets King Abdullah July 2014.jpg|thumb|[[U.S. President]] [[Barack Obama]] with King [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia]], July 2014]]
Saudi Arabia joined the UN in 1945<ref name="US State Dept Saudi Arabia"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.un.org/en/members/index.shtml#s |title=United Nations Member States |publisher=United Nations}}</ref> and is a founding member of the [[Arab League]], [[Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf|Gulf Cooperation Council]], [[Muslim World League]], and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (now the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]]).<ref name = "Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs">{{cite web |url=http://www.mofa.gov.sa/SITES/MOFAEN/ABOUTKINGDOM/KINGDOMFOREIGNPOLICY/Pages/KingdomPolicy34645.aspx |title=The foreign policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |date=5 July 2005 |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia}}</ref> It plays a prominent role in the [[International Monetary Fund]] and [[the World Bank]], and in 2005 joined the [[World Trade Organization]].<ref name="US State Dept Saudi Arabia"/> Saudi Arabia supports the intended formation of the [[Arab Customs Union]] in 2015 and an Arab [[Single market|common market]]<ref>{{cite news |title=No politics for Ben Ali in Kingdom |url=http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article238363.ece |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121172720/http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article238363.ece |archivedate=21 January 2011 |newspaper=Arab News |date=19 January 2011 }}</ref> by 2020, as announced at the 2009 Arab League summit.<ref>{{Cite news| title = Arab leaders issue resolutions, emphasize Gaza reconstruction efforts | agency =[[Kuwait News Agency]]| date = 20 January 2009 | url = http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=1969914&Language=en }}</ref>

Since 1960, as a founding member of [[OPEC]], its oil pricing policy has been generally to stabilize the world oil market and try to moderate sharp price movements so as to not jeopardise the Western economies.<ref name="US State Dept Saudi Arabia"/><ref>{{cite web|title=OPEC : Brief History|url=http://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/about_us/24.htm|website=OPEC.org|publisher=Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries|accessdate=20 May 2015}}</ref>

Between the mid-1970s and 2002 Saudi Arabia expended over $70 billion in "overseas development aid". However, there is evidence that the vast majority was, in fact, spent on propagating and extending the influence of Wahhabism at the expense of other forms of Islam.<ref>{{cite book |title=Islamic Economics and the Final Jihad |author=J Jonsson David |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-59781-980-0 |pages=249–250}}</ref> There has been an intense debate over whether Saudi aid and Wahhabism has fomented extremism in recipient countries.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7093423.stm |title=Jihad and the Saudi petrodollar |date=15 November 2007 |publisher=BBC News }}</ref> The two main allegations are that, by its nature, Wahhabism encourages intolerance and promotes terrorism.<ref>[[#Malbouisson|Malbouisson]], p. 26</ref> Counting only the non-Muslim-majority countries, Saudi Arabia has paid for the construction of 1359 mosques, 210 Islamic centres, 202 colleges and 2000 schools.<ref>"[http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/26/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-islam.html Saudis and Extremism: ‘Both the Arsonists and the Firefighters’]". ''The New York Times''. 25. August 2016.</ref> 
 
[[Saudi Arabia–United States relations|Saudi Arabia and the United States]] are strategic allies,<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news | title=How strained are US-Saudi relations? |url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36083990 |work=[[BBC News]]| date=20 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Old friends US and Saudi Arabia feel the rift growing, seek new partners  |url=http://atimes.com/2016/05/old-friends-us-and-saudi-arabia-feel-the-rift-growing-seek-new-partners/ |work=[[Asia Times Online|Asia Times]]| date=2 May 2016}}</ref> and since President [[Barack Obama]] took office in 2009, the U.S. has sold $110 billion in arms to Saudi Arabia.<ref>"[http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/17/opinion/stop-saudi-arms-sales-until-carnage-in-yemen-ends.html?_r=1 America Is Complicit in the Carnage in Yemen]". ''The New York Times''. 17. August 2016.</ref><ref name="Salon">"[http://www.salon.com/2016/08/30/rights-group-blasts-u-s-hypocrisy-in-vast-flood-of-weapons-to-saudi-arabia-despite-war-crimes/ Rights group blasts U.S. “hypocrisy” in “vast flood of weapons” to Saudi Arabia, despite war crimes]". ''Salon''. 30. August 2016.</ref> The relations with the U.S. became strained following [[9/11]].<ref>{{cite book |title=A History of Saudi Arabia |author=Madawi Al-Rasheed |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-521-74754-7 |page=233}}</ref> American politicians and media accused the Saudi government of supporting terrorism and tolerating a ''[[jihadist]]'' culture.<ref>{{cite book |title=Great powers and regional orders: the United States and the Persian Gulf |author=Markus Kaim |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-7546-7197-8 |page=68}}</ref> Indeed, [[Osama bin Laden]] and fifteen out of the nineteen 9/11 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia;<ref>[[#Al-Rasheed|Al-Rasheed]], pp. 178, 222</ref> in [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIL]]-occupied Raqqa, in mid-2014, all 12 judges were Saudi.<ref>{{Cite web | title = The other beheaders | url = http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21618918-possible-reasons-mysterious-surge-executions-other-beheaders | website = economist.com | date = 20 September 2014 | accessdate = 8 October 2015 }}</ref> According to former U.S. Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]], "Saudi Arabia remains a critical financial support base for al-Qaida, the [[Taliban]], [[LeT]] and other terrorist groups... Donors in Saudi Arabia constitute the most significant source of funding to Sunni terrorist groups worldwide."<ref name="Guardian_05122010">{{Cite news |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/05/wikileaks-cables-saudi-terrorist-funding |author=Declan Walsh |date=5 December 2010 |title=WikiLeaks cables portray Saudi Arabia as a cash machine for terrorists |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> Former [[CIA]] director [[James Woolsey]] described it as "the soil in which [[Al-Qaeda]] and its sister terrorist organizations are flourishing."<ref name="iags.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.iags.org/fuelingterror.html |title=Fueling Terror |publisher=Institute for the Analysis of Global Security }}</ref> The Saudi government denies these claims or that it exports religious or cultural extremism.<ref>[[#Malbouisson|Malbouisson]], p. 27</ref> In April 2016, Saudi Arabia has threatened to sell off $750 billion in [[United States Treasury security|Treasury securities]] and other U.S. assets if [[United States Congress|Congress]] passes a bill that would allow the Saudi government to be sued over 9/11.<ref name="BBC News"/>

[[File:FaisalMasjid.jpg|thumb|''[[Faisal Mosque]]'' in [[Islamabad]] is named after a Saudi King. The Kingdom is a strong ally of [[Pakistan]], ''[[WikiLeaks]]'' claimed that Saudis are "long accustomed to having a significant role in Pakistan's affairs"."<ref name="time.com">{{cite news|author=Ishaan Tharoor |title=WikiLeaks: The Saudis' Close but Strained Ties with Pakistan |date=6 December 2010 |url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2035347,00.html |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vT9Sxrsk?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.time.com%2Ftime%2Fworld%2Farticle%2F0%2C8599%2C2035347%2C00.html |archivedate=3 January 2011 |deadurl=no |work=Time |df=dmy }}</ref>]]

In the Arab and Muslim worlds, Saudi Arabia is considered to be pro-Western and pro-American,<ref>{{cite book |title=The Saudi enigma: a history |author=Pascal Ménoret|year=2005 |isbn=978-1-84277-605-6 |page=22}}</ref> and it is certainly a long-term ally of the United States.<ref>{{cite news |title=Iraq's foreign militants 'come from US allies' |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/nov/22/iraq.peterwalker1 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=22 November 2007 |location=London |author=Peter Walker}}</ref> However, this<ref>{{cite book |title=Politics in the developing world |author=Peter J. Burnell|author2=Vicky Randall|year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-929608-8 |page=449 }}</ref> and Saudi Arabia's role in the 1991 [[Persian Gulf War]], particularly the stationing of U.S. troops on Saudi soil from 1991, prompted the development of a hostile [[Islamist]] response internally.<ref>{{cite book |title=Islamic activism: a social movement theory approach |author=Quintan Wiktorowicz|year=2004 |isbn=978-0-253-34281-2 |page=255}}</ref> As a result, Saudi Arabia has, to some extent, distanced itself from the U.S. and, for example, refused to support or to participate in the U.S.-led [[Iraq war|invasion of Iraq]] in 2003.<ref name=Britannica/>

The consequences of the 2003 invasion and the [[Arab Spring]] led to increasing alarm within the Saudi monarchy over the rise of [[Iran]]'s influence in the region.<ref>"[http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/17/world/middleeast/wikileaks-saudi-arabia-iran.html WikiLeaks Shows a Saudi Obsession With Iran]". ''The New York Times''. 16 July 2015.</ref> These fears were reflected in comments of King Abdullah,<ref name="NYT Abdullah"/> who privately urged the United States to attack Iran and "cut off the head of the snake".<ref>{{cite news |title=Saudi Arabia urges US attack on Iran to stop nuclear programme |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/28/us-embassy-cables-saudis-iran |newspaper=The Guardian |date=28 November 2010 |location=London |author1=Ian Black |author2=Simon Tisdall}}</ref> The tentative rapprochement between the US and Iran that began in secret in 2011<ref>{{Cite news|author1=Matthew Lee |author2=Bradley Klapper |author3=Julie Pace |date=25 November 2013 |title=Obama advised Netanyahu of Iran talks in September |url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_IRAN_SECRET_TALKS? |agency=[[Associated Press]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127071458/http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_IRAN_SECRET_TALKS? |archivedate=27 November 2013 }}</ref> was said to be feared by the Saudis,<ref>{{Cite news |author=Ian Black |date= 24 November 2013 |title= Iran nuclear deal: Saudi Arabia and Gulf react with caution |url= http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/24/iran-nuclear-deal-middle-east-reaction-saudi-arabia |work= The Guardian }}</ref> and, during the run up to the widely welcomed deal on Iran's nuclear programme that capped the first stage of US–Iranian détente, Robert Jordan, who was U.S. ambassador to Riyadh from 2001 to 2003, said "[t]he Saudis' worst nightmare would be the [Obama] administration striking a grand bargain with Iran."<ref>{{cite news |author= Angus McDowall |date= 9 October 2013 |title= Insight: Saudis brace for 'nightmare' of U.S.-Iran rapprochement |url= http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/09/us-saudi-usa-iran-insight-idUSBRE9980IT20131009 |agency= [[Reuters]] }}</ref> A trip to Saudi by US President Barack Obama in 2014 included discussions of US–Iran relations, though these failed to resolve Riyadh's concerns.<ref>Abdulmajeed al-Buluwi (14 April 2014). [http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/04/us-saudi-obama-visit-drifting-apart.html "US, Saudi drifting apart despite Obama visit"]. [[Al-Monitor]]. Retrieved 9 June 2015.</ref>

In order to protect the house of Khalifa, the monarchs of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia invaded Bahrain by sending military troops to quell the uprising of Bahraini people on 14 March 2011.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = Saudi Arabian troops enter Bahrain as regime asks for help to quell uprising|url = http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/14/saudi-arabian-troops-enter-bahrain|website = the Guardian|accessdate = 2015-09-14|first = Martin|last = Chulov}}</ref> The Saudi government considered the two-month uprising as a "security threat" posed by the [[Shia Islam|Shia]] who represent the majority of Bahrain population.<ref name=":0" />

According to the Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki in March 2014, Saudi Arabia along with Qatar provided political, financial and media support to terrorists against the Iraqi government.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Maliki: Saudi and Qatar at war against Iraq|url = http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/03/maliki-saudi-qatar-at-war-against-iraq-20143823436553921.html|website = www.aljazeera.com|accessdate = 2015-09-14}}</ref>

[[File:Destroyed house in the south of Sanaa 12-6-2015-3.jpg|thumb|Saudi Arabian-led airstrikes in [[Yemen]], June 2015. Saudi Arabia is operating [[War of aggression|without a UN mandate]].]]
On March 25, 2015, Saudi Arabia, spearheading a coalition of [[Sunni Islam|Sunni Muslim]] states,<ref>"[http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-26/yemeni-bombing-led-by-saudis-is-backed-by-u-s-logistics-spying U.S. Backs Saudi-Led Yemeni Bombing With Logistics, Spying]". [[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]]. 26 March 2015.</ref> started a [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen|military intervention in Yemen]] against the [[Shia Islam|Shia]] [[Houthis]] and forces loyal to former President [[Ali Abdullah Saleh]], who was deposed in the 2011 [[Arab Spring]] uprisings.<ref>"[http://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/26/middleeast/yemen-saudi-arabia-airstrikes/ Saudi-led coalition strikes rebels in Yemen, inflaming tensions in region]". [[CNN]]. 27 March 2015.</ref>

{{as of|2015}}, together with [[Qatar]] and [[Turkey]], Saudi Arabia is openly supporting the [[Army of Conquest]],<ref>"[http://news.yahoo.com/army-conquest-rebel-alliance-pressures-syria-regime-090529121.html 'Army of Conquest' rebel alliance pressures Syria regime]". Yahoo News. 28 April 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/12392/21/Gulf-allies-and-%E2%80%98Army-of-Conquest%E2%80%99.aspx |title=Gulf allies and ‘Army of Conquest’ |author=[[Gareth Porter]] |newspaper=[[Al-Ahram Weekly]] |date=28 May 2015| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20150919055514/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/12392/21/Gulf-allies-and-%E2%80%98Army-of-Conquest%E2%80%99.aspx | archivedate=19 September 2015}}</ref> an umbrella group of anti-government forces fighting in the [[Syrian Civil War]] that reportedly includes an [[al-Qaeda]] linked [[al-Nusra Front]] and another [[Salafi jihadism|Salafi]] coalition known as [[Ahrar al-Sham]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-crisis-turkey-and-saudi-arabia-shock-western-countries-by-supporting-antiassad-jihadists-10242747.html |title=Turkey and Saudi Arabia alarm the West by backing Islamist extremists the Americans had bombed in Syria  |author=Kim Sengupta |newspaper=The Independent |date=12 May 2015}}</ref>

Following a number of [[incidents during the Hajj]] season, the deadliest<ref>{{Cite web|title = Saudi Arabia Hajj disaster death toll rises|url = http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/10/19/hajj-disaster-death-toll-over-two-thousand.html|website = america.aljazeera.com|accessdate = 2015-11-27}}</ref> of which killed at least 2,070 pilgrim<ref>{{Cite news|title = Death toll in Saudi haj disaster at least 2,070: Reuters tally|url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/29/us-saudi-haj-idUSKCN0SN2F020151029|newspaper = Reuters|date = 2015-10-29|access-date = 2015-11-27}}</ref> in [[2015 Mina stampede]], Saudi Arabia has been accused of mismanagement and focusing on increasing money revenues while neglecting pilgrims’ welfare.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Hajj stampede: Saudis face growing criticism over deaths|url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-34357383|website = BBC News|accessdate = 2015-11-27}}</ref>

Saudi Arabia has been seen as a moderating influence in the [[Arab-Israeli conflict]], periodically putting forward a peace plan between Israel and the [[Palestinian people|Palestinians]] and condemning [[Hezbollah]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Prophets and princes: Saudi Arabia from Muhammad to the present |author=Mark Watson |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-470-18257-4 |page=2}}</ref> Following the [[Arab Spring]] Saudi Arabia offered asylum to deposed President [[Zine El Abidine Ben Ali]] of Tunisia and King Abdullah telephoned President [[Hosni Mubarak]] of Egypt (prior to his deposition) to offer his support.<ref name="guardian.co.uk">{{cite news |title=Egypt Protests could spread to other countries |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/31/egypt-protests-spread-other-countries |newspaper=The Guardian |date=31 January 2011 |location=London |author=Ian Black}}</ref> In early 2014 relations with [[Qatar]] became strained over its support for the [[Muslim Brotherhood]], and Saudi Arabia's belief that Qatar was interfering in its affairs. In August 2014 both countries appeared to be exploring ways of ending the rift.<ref name="QatarSaudi">{{cite news|title=Top Saudi Officials Head to Qatar in Effort to Heal Rift|url=http://www.saudiarabianews.net/index.php/sid/225153245|date=27 August 2014|publisher=Saudi Arabia News.Net}}</ref>

===Military===
{{Main article|Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia}}
{{Further information|Al-Yamamah arms deal|Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen}}
{{double image|right|Saudi Arabia - Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon.jpg|172|Defense.gov photo essay 110617-F-HS649-048.jpg|167|[[Royal Saudi Air Force]] [[Eurofighter Typhoon]] and [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk]].}}

Saudi Arabia has one of the highest percentages of military expenditure in the world, spending more than 10% of its GDP in its military. The Saudi military consists of the [[Royal Saudi Land Forces]], the [[Royal Saudi Air Force]], the [[Royal Saudi Navy]], the [[Royal Saudi Air Defense]], the [[Saudi Arabian National Guard]] (SANG, an independent military force), and paramilitary forces, totaling nearly 200,000 active-duty personnel. In 2005 the armed forces had the following personnel: the army, 75,000; the air force, 18,000; air defense, 16,000; the navy, 15,500 (including 3,000 marines); and the SANG had 75,000 active soldiers and 25,000 tribal levies.
<ref name="Library of Congress 2006">{{cite web|url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Saudi_Arabia.pdf |title=Country Profile: Saudi Arabia, Sept. 2006 Library of Congress|format=PDF }}</ref> In addition, there is an [[Al Mukhabarat Al A'amah]] military intelligence service.

The kingdom has a long-standing military relationship with [[Pakistan]], it has long been speculated that Saudi Arabia secretly funded Pakistan's [[Pakistan and weapons of mass destruction|atomic bomb programme]] and seeks to purchase [[atomic weapons]] from Pakistan, in near future.<ref name="QV">{{cite book |title=Allah's Bomb: The Islamic Quest for Nuclear Weapons|author=Al J. Venter|pages=150–53|year=2007|publisher=Globe Pequot|isbn=1-59921-205-6}}</ref><ref name="SPO">{{cite web|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EK07Ak01.html |title=Saudi Arabia's nuclear gambit |work=Asia Times |date=7 November 2003}}</ref> The SANG is not a reserve but a fully operational front-line force, and originated out of Ibn Saud's tribal military-religious force, the [[Ikhwan]]. Its modern existence, however, is attributable to it being effectively [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|Abdullah's]] private army since the 1960s and, unlike the rest of the armed forces, is independent of the Ministry of Defense and Aviation. The SANG has been a counterbalance to the [[Sudairi]] faction in the royal family: The late prince Sultan, former Minister of Defense and Aviation, was one of the so-called 'Sudairi Seven' and controlled the remainder of the armed forces until his death in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/gulf/sang.htm |title=Saudi Arabian National Guard |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |date=27 April 2005 }}</ref>

[[File:11th MEU 141213-M-CB493-105 (15657874453).jpg|thumb|[[United States Military Training Mission|Saudi and U.S. troops train]] in December 2014]]
Spending on defense and security has increased significantly since the mid-1990s and was about US$25.4 billion in 2005. Saudi Arabia ranks among the top 10 in the world in government spending for its military, representing about 7% of gross domestic product in 2005. Its modern high-technology arsenal makes Saudi Arabia among the world's most densely armed nations, with its military equipment being supplied primarily by the US, France and Britain.<ref name="Library of Congress 2006"/>

The United States sold more than $80 billion in military hardware between 1951 and 2006 to the Saudi military.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/asmp/profiles/saudi_arabia.htm |title=Saudi Arabia |accessdate=2010-11-11 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111112056/https://fas.org/asmp/profiles/saudi_arabia.htm |archivedate=11 November 2010 |df=dmy }}. fas.org</ref> On 20 October 2010, the U.S. [[State Department]] notified Congress of its intention to make the biggest arms sale in American history—an estimated $60.5 billion purchase by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The package represents a considerable improvement in the offensive capability of the Saudi armed forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jcpa.org/JCPA/Templates/ShowPage.asp?DRIT=1&DBID=1&LNGID=1&TMID=111&FID=376&PID=0&IID=5177&TTL=Arms_for_the_King_and_His_Family:_The_U.S._Arms_Sale_to_Saudi_Arabia|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205012554/http://www.jcpa.org/JCPA/Templates/ShowPage.asp?DRIT=1&DBID=1&LNGID=1&TMID=111&FID=376&PID=0&IID=5177&TTL=Arms_for_the_King_and_His_Family:_The_U.S._Arms_Sale_to_Saudi_Arabia|archivedate=5 December 2010 |title=Arms for the King and His Family |publisher=Jcpa.org |author=Teitelbaum, Joshua |date=4 November 2010}}</ref> 2013 saw Saudi military spending climb to $67bn, overtaking that of the UK, France and Japan to place fourth globally.<ref name = "AJE 2013 spending">[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/04/saudi-leads-middle-east-military-spending-201441411547583667.html "Saudis lead Middle East military spending"]. 14 April 2014. [[Al Jazeera]].</ref>

The United Kingdom has also been a major supplier of military equipment to Saudi Arabia since 1965.<ref>{{cite book |author=Charles Gardner |title=British Aircraft Corporation. A history by Charles Gardner|publisher=B.T. Batsford Ltd |isbn=0-7134-3815-0 |pages=224–249 |year=1981 }}</ref> Since 1985, the UK has supplied military aircraft—notably the [[Panavia Tornado|Tornado]] and [[Eurofighter Typhoon]] combat aircraft—and other equipment as part of the long-term [[Al-Yamamah arms deal]] estimated to have been worth £43 billion by 2006 and thought to be worth a further £40 billion.<ref>{{cite news | author=Dominic O'Connell| title =BAE cashes in on £40bn Arab jet deal |work=The Sunday Times | date = 20 August 2006 | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2095-2320097,00.html | location=London}}</ref> In May 2012, British defence giant BAE signed a £1.9bn ($3bn) deal to supply Hawk trainer jets to Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/05/23/uk-saudi-britain-defence-idUKBRE84M0JN20120523|title=Saudi Arabia | agency=Reuters|date=23 May 2012}}</ref>

According to the [[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]], SIPRI, in 2010–14 Saudi Arabia became the world's second largest arms importer, receiving four times more major arms than in 2005–2009. Major imports in 2010–14 included 45 combat aircraft from the UK, 38 combat helicopters from the USA, 4 tanker aircraft from [[Spain]] and over 600 armoured vehicles from [[Canada]]. Saudi Arabia has a long list of outstanding orders for arms, including 27 more combat aircraft from the UK, 154 combat aircraft from the USA and a large number of armoured vehicles from Canada.<ref name="books.sipri.org"/> Saudi Arabia received 41 per cent of UK arms exports in 2010–14.<ref>"[http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/policy-budget/budget/2015/03/22/saudi-uae-influence-grows-with-purchases/25013385/ Saudi, UAE Influence Grows With Purchases]". Defense News. 22 March 2015.</ref> [[France]] authorized $18 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia in 2015 alone.<ref name="Salon"/> The $15 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia is believed to be the largest arms sale in Canadian history.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/2038660-canadas-mistaken-arms-sale-to-saudi-arabia/|title=Canada’s Mistaken Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia |work=[[Epoch Times]]|date=April 25, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/saudi-arms-deal-breaks-canadas-export-controls-opponents-argue/article29769283/|title=Human rights groups ask Trudeau to end ‘immoral’ arms deal with Saudi Arabia |work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|date=April 27, 2016}}</ref>

==Geography==
{{Main article|Geography of Saudi Arabia|Wildlife of Saudi Arabia}}

[[File:Saudi Arabia Topography.png|thumb|left|Saudi Arabia topography (Altitude color coded)]]
[[File:Arabia Saudi physical.jpg|thumb|Saudi Arabia physical features]]

Saudi Arabia occupies about 80% of the [[Arabian Peninsula]] (the world's largest peninsula),<ref name= Stokes605>{{cite book |title=Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Africa and the Middle East, Volume 1 |author=Jamie Stokes |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-8160-7158-6 |page=605 }}</ref> lying between latitudes [[16th parallel north|16°]] and [[33rd parallel north|33° N]], and longitudes [[34th meridian east|34°]] and [[56th meridian east|56° E]]. Because the country's southern borders with the [[United Arab Emirates]] and [[Oman]] are not precisely marked, the exact size of the country is undefined.<ref name= Stokes605/> The [[CIA World Factbook]] estimates {{convert|2149690|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}} and lists Saudi Arabia as the world's 13th largest state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2147rank.html |title=CIA World Factbook – Rank Order: Area |work=[[The World Factbook]] |date=26 January 2012 }}</ref> It is geographically the largest country in the [[Arabian Plate]].<ref>{{cite book|author1=University Microfilms|title=Dissertation Abstracts International: The sciences and engineering|date=2004|page=23}}</ref>

Saudi Arabia's geography is dominated by the [[Arabian Desert]] and associated semi-desert and shrubland (see satellite image). It is, in fact, a number of linked deserts and includes the {{convert|647500|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}} [[Rub' al Khali]] ("Empty Quarter") in the southern part of the country, the world's largest contiguous sand desert.<ref name=Britannica/><ref>{{cite book|title=Saudi Arabia: an environmental overview|year=2008|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-415-41387-9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vacv2wy3yd8C&lpg=PA141|author=Peter Vincent|page=141}}</ref> There are virtually no rivers or lakes in the country, but [[wadis]] are numerous. The few fertile areas are to be found in the alluvial deposits in wadis, basins, and oases.<ref name=Britannica/> The main topographical feature is the central plateau which rises abruptly from the Red Sea and gradually descends into the [[Nejd]] and toward the Persian Gulf. On the Red Sea coast, there is a narrow coastal plain, known as the [[Tihamah]] parallel to which runs an imposing escarpment. The southwest province of [['Asir Province|Asir]] is mountainous, and contains the {{convert|3133|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} [[Jabal Sawda|Mount Sawda]], which is the highest point in the country.<ref name=Britannica/>

[[File:Arabian Desert.jpg|thumb|left|Saudi Arabia satellite image-Ecoregions as delineated by the [[World Wide Fund for Nature|WWF]]. The yellow line encloses the ecoregions – Arabian Desert, East Sahero-Arabian xeric shrublands and two other smaller desert areas.<ref>{{WWF ecoregion|id=pa1303 |name=Arabian Desert and East Sahero-Arabian xeric shrublands}}</ref>]]
[[File:West-Asia Koppen Map.png|thumb| Saudi Arabia's [[Köppen climate classification]] map<ref name="Peel">{{cite journal | author=Peel, M. C. and Finlayson, B. L. and McMahon, T. A. | year=2007 | title= Updated world map of the Köppen–Geiger climate classification | journal=Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. | volume=11 | pages=1633–1644 |doi=10.5194/hess-11-1633-2007 | url=http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.html | issn = 1027-5606}} ''(direct: [http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.pdf Final Revised Paper])''</ref> is based on native vegetation, temperature, precipitation and their seasonality.
{|
|- valign=top |
{{legend|#FE0000|[[hot desert climate|BWh Hot desert]]}}
{{legend|#FE9695|[[cold desert climate|BWk Cold desert]]}}
{{legend|#F5A301|[[hot semi-arid climate|BSh Hot semi-arid]]}}
{{legend|#FFDB63|[[cold semi-arid climate|BSk Cold semi-arid]]}}
| width=5 |
|
|}
]]
Except for the southwestern province of [['Asir Region|Asir]], Saudi Arabia has a [[desert climate]] with extremely high day-time temperatures and a sharp temperature drop at night. Average summer temperatures are around {{convert|113|°F|0|abbr=on}}, but can be as high as {{convert|129|°F|0|abbr=on}}. In the winter the temperature rarely drops below {{convert|32|°F|0|abbr=on}}. In the spring and autumn the heat is temperate, temperatures average around {{convert|84|°F|0|abbr=on}}. Annual rainfall is extremely low. The Asir region differs in that it is influenced by the Indian Ocean [[monsoons]], usually occurring between October and March. An average of {{convert|300|mm|0|abbr=on}} of rainfall occurs during this period, that is about 60% of the annual precipitation.<ref name= weather>{{cite web |url=http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Saudi-Arabia.htm |title=Saudi Arabia |publisher=Weather Online }}</ref>

Animal life includes [[Arabian wolf|Arabian wolves]], [[striped hyena]]s, [[mongooses]], [[baboon]]s, [[cape hare|hares]], [[sand rat]]s, and [[jerboas]]. Larger animals such as gazelles, [[oryx]], and leopards were relatively numerous until the 1950s, when hunting from motor vehicles reduced these animals almost to extinction. Birds include falcons (which are caught and trained for hunting), eagles, hawks, vultures, [[sandgrouse]] and [[bulbul]]s. There are several species of snakes, many of which are venomous, and numerous types of lizards. There is a wide variety of marine life in the Persian Gulf. Domesticated animals include [[Arabian camel]]s or dromedaries, sheep, goats, donkeys, and chickens. Reflecting the country's desert conditions, Saudi Arabia's plant life mostly consists of small herbs and shrubs requiring little water. There are a few small areas of grass and trees in southern Asir. The [[Date (fruit)|date]] palm (''Phoenix dactylifera'') is widespread.<ref name=Britannica/>

==Administrative divisions==
{{Main article|Regions of Saudi Arabia|Governorates of Saudi Arabia}}
Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 [[regions]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arab.net/saudi/sa_admindivisions.htm |title=Saudi Arabia: Administrative divisions |publisher=arab.net }}</ref> ({{lang-ar|مناطق إدارية}}; ''manatiq idāriyya'', sing. منطقة إدارية; ''[[mintaqah]] idariyya''). The regions are further divided into 118 [[Governorates of Saudi Arabia|governorates]] ({{lang-ar|محافظات}}; ''muhafazat'', sing. محافظة; ''[[muhafazah]]''). This number includes the 13 regional capitals, which have a different status as municipalities ({{lang-ar|أمانة}}; ''amanah'') headed by mayors ({{lang-ar|أمين}}; ''amin''). The governorates are further sudivided into sub-governorates ({{lang-ar|مراكز}}; ''[[Markaz (country subdivision)|marakiz]]'', sing. مركز; ''markaz'').

{| border="0" cellpadding="3"
|-
! || No. || Region || Capital
|-
| rowspan="14" |[[File:Saudi Arabia, administrative divisions - Nmbrs - colored.svg|thumb|400px|Provinces of Saudi Arabia]]
|-
| 1 || [[Al Jawf Province|Al Jawf (or Jouf)]] || [[Al Jawf, Saudi Arabia|Sakaka]]
|-
| 2 || [[Northern Borders Region|Northern Borders]] || [[Arar, Saudi Arabia|Arar]]
|-
| 3 || [[Tabuk Province|Tabuk]] || [[Tabuk, Saudi Arabia|Tabuk]]
|-
| 4 || [[Ha'il Province|Ha'il]] || [[Ha'il]]
|-
| 5 || [[Al Madinah Province|Al Madinah]] || [[Medina]]
|-
| 6 || [[Al-Qassim Province|Al Qasim]] || [[Buraidah]]
|-
| 7 || [[Makkah Province|Makkah]] || [[Mecca]]
|-
| 8 || [[Riyadh Province|Al Riyadh]] || [[Riyadh]]
|-
| 9 || [[Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia|Eastern Province]] || [[Dammam]]
|-
| 10 || [[Al Bahah Province|Al Bahah (or Baha)]] || [[Al Bahah]]
|-
| 11 || [['Asir|Asir]] || [[Abha]]
|-
| 12 || [[Jizan Province|Jizan]] || [[Jizan]]
|-
| 13 || [[Najran Province|Najran]] || [[Najran]]
|}

==Economy==
{{Main article|Economy of Saudi Arabia}}
{{multiple image
 |align=right
 |image1=
 |width1=163
 |caption1=[[Abraj Al Bait]] is the third tallest building in the world.
 |alt1=
 |width2=145
 |caption2=[[Kingdom Centre]] in [[Riyadh]].
 |image2=
 |alt2=
}}
[[File:KING FAHD ROAD FEB1.JPG|thumb|King Fahd Road in [[Riyadh]]]]
Saudi Arabia's [[Planned economy|command economy]] is petroleum-based; roughly 75% of budget revenues and 90% of export earnings come from the oil industry. It is strongly dependent on foreign workers with about 80% of those employed in the private sector being non-Saudi.<ref name=coy-employ>{{cite journal|author=Peter Coy|title=Online Education Targets Saudi Arabia's Labor Problem, Starting With Women|journal=Bloomberg Businessweek|date=16 July 2014|url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-07-16/can-online-classes-fix-saudi-arabias-broken-labor-market|quote=Saudi citizens account for two-thirds of employment in the high-paying, comfortable public sector, but only one-fifth of employment in the more dynamic private sector, according to the International Monetary Fund (PDF).}}</ref><ref name=McDowall>Economists "estimate only 30–40 percent of working-age Saudis hold jobs or actively seek work," the official employment rate of around 12 percent notwithstanding: {{cite news|author=Angus McDowall|title=Saudi Arabia doubles private sector jobs in 30-month period|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/business/2014/01/20/Saudi-Arabiya-doubles-number-of-citizens-in-private-sector-jobs.html|agency=Reuters|date=19 January 2014}}</ref> 
Among the challenges to Saudi economy include halting or reversing the decline in per capita income, improving education to prepare youth for the workforce and providing them with employment, diversifying the economy, stimulating the private sector and housing construction, diminishing corruption and inequality.{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}}

The oil industry comprises about 45% of Saudi Arabia's nominal gross domestic product, compared with 40% from the private sector (see below). Saudi Arabia officially has about {{convert|260|Goilbbl|m3}} of [[oil reserves]], comprising about one-fifth of the world's proven total petroleum reserves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/international/reserves.html |title=World Proved Reserves of Oil and Natural Gas, Most Recent Estimates |publisher=Eia.doe.gov}}</ref>

In the 1990s, Saudi Arabia experienced a significant contraction of oil revenues combined with a high rate of population growth. Per capita income fell from a high of $11,700 at the height of the oil boom in 1981 to $6,300 in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jica.go.jp/english/global/pov/profiles/pdf/sau_eng.pdf |title=Country Profile Study on Poverty: Saudi Arabia |accessdate=2008-02-26 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226202420/http://www.jica.go.jp/english/global/pov/profiles/pdf/sau_eng.pdf |archivedate=26 February 2008 |df=dmy }}. jica.go.jp</ref> Taking into account the impact of the real oil price changes on the Kingdom's real gross domestic income, the real command-basis GDP was computed to be 330.381 billion 1999 USD in 2010.<ref name="KAPSARC">{{cite web |url=http://ssrn.com/abstract=2110172 |title=The impact of oil price volatility on welfare in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: implications for public investment decision-making |publisher=KAPSARC}}</ref>   [[World oil market chronology from 2003|Increases in oil prices in the aughts]]{{Peacock term|date=May 2015}}  helped boost per capita GDP to $17,000 in 2007 dollars (about $7,400 adjusted for inflation),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl |title=CPI Inflation Calculator |publisher=Data.bls.gov}}</ref> but have declined since oil price drop in mid-2014.<ref name=wti>{{cite web|title=Crude Oil WTI (NYMEX) Price|url=http://www.nasdaq.com/markets/crude-oil.aspx?timeframe=10y|website=nasdaq.com|accessdate=16 March 2015}}</ref>

[[File:AramcoCoreArea.jpg|thumb|left|Office of [[Saudi Aramco]], world's most valuable company and main source of revenue for the state.]]
[[OPEC]] (the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) limits its members' oil production based on their "proven reserves." Saudi Arabia's published reserves have shown little change since 1980, with the main exception being an increase of about {{convert|100|Goilbbl|m3}} between 1987 and 1988.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/international/iealf/crudeoilreserves.xls |title=Crude Oil Reserves |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122123445/http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/international/iealf/crudeoilreserves.xls |archivedate=22 November 2010 }}</ref> [[Matthew Simmons]] has suggested that Saudi Arabia is greatly exaggerating its reserves and may soon show production declines (see [[peak oil]]).<ref>{{Cite book|title= Twilight in the Desert: The Coming Saudi Oil Shock and the World Economy|author= Matthew Simmons|authorlink= Matthew_Simmons|publisher= Wiley|isbn=978-0-471-73876-3|year= 2005|origyear= 10 June 2005}}</ref>

 {{multiple image
 | direction = vertical
 | width = 150
 | footer = 
 | image1 = RajhiBankLogo.png
 | alt1 = 
 | caption1 = [[Al-Rajhi Bank]] is world's largest Islamic bank.
 | image2 = KHClogo.svg
 | alt2 = 
 | caption2 = [[Kingdom Holding Company]] has investments in [[Apple Inc.|Apple]], [[Euro Disney S.C.A.]], [[Twitter]] and [[Citigroup]]
 | image3 = Saudi Telecom Company Logo.svg
 | alt3 = 
 | caption3 = [[Saudi Telecom Company]] is world's 15th largest mobile network operator.
 }}

From 2003–2013 "several key services" were privatized—municipal water supply, electricity, telecommunications—and parts of education and health care, traffic control and car accident reporting were also privatized. According to Arab News columnist Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg, "in almost every one of these areas, consumers have raised serious concerns about the performance of these privatized entities."<ref name=Aluwaisheg>{{cite journal|author=Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg|title=When privatization goes wrong|journal=Arab News|date=29 September 2014|url=http://www.arabnews.com/news/464657}}</ref> The [[Tadawul]] All Share Index (TASI) of the Saudi stock exchange peaked at 16,712.64 in 2005, and closed at 8,535.60, at the end of 2013.<ref name=MV2013>{{cite web|title=Saudi Stock Exchange, Annual Statistical Report 2013|url=http://www.mondovisione.com/media-and-resources/news/saudi-stock-exchange-tadawul-annual-statistical-report-2013/|website=mondovisione.com}}</ref> In November 2005, Saudi Arabia was approved as a member of the [[World Trade Organization]]. Negotiations to join had focused on the degree to which Saudi Arabia is willing to increase market access to foreign goods and in 2000, the government established the [[Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority]] to encourage foreign direct investment in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia maintains a list of sectors in which foreign investment is prohibited, but the government plans to open some closed sectors such as telecommunications, insurance, and power transmission/distribution over time.

The government has also made an attempt at "[[Saudization|Saudizing]]" the economy, replacing foreign workers with Saudi nationals with limited success.<ref name=house-161>[[#House|House]], p. 161: "Over the past decade, the government has announced one plan after another to 'Saudize' the economy, but to no avail. The foreign workforce grows, and so does unemployment among Saudis. .... The previous plan called for slashing unemployment to 2.8% only to see it rise to 10.5% in 2009, the end of that plan period. Government plans in Saudi are like those in the old Soviet Union, grandiose but unmet. (Also, as in the old Soviet Union, nearly all Saudi official statistics are unreliable, so economists believe the real Saudi unemployment rate is closer to 40%)"</ref>

Saudi Arabia has had five-year "Development Plans" since 1970. Among its plans were to launch "economic cities" (e.g. [[King Abdullah Economic City]]) to be completed by 2020, in an effort to diversify the economy and provide jobs. {{As of|2013}} four cities were planned.<ref name=MCC>{{cite web|title=Saudi Arabia's Four New Economic Cities|url=http://www.metrocorpcounsel.com/articles/22205/saudi-arabia%E2%80%99s-four-new-economic-cities|website=The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel|accessdate=16 March 2015|date=February 6, 2013}}</ref>  The King has announced that the per capita income is forecast to rise from $15,000 in 2006 to $33,500 in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://professional.tdctrade.com/content.aspx?data=Professional_content_en&contentid=917452&w_sid=194&w_pid=836&w_nid=10993&w_cid=917452&w_idt=1900-01-01&w_oid=181&w_jid= |title=Construction boom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE |accessdate=2007-10-11 |deadurl=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011212725/http://professional.tdctrade.com/content.aspx?data=Professional_content_en&contentid=917452&w_sid=194&w_pid=836&w_nid=10993&w_cid=917452&w_idt=1900-01-01&w_oid=181&w_jid= |archivedate=11 October 2007 |df=dmy }}. tdctrade.com. 2 August 2007</ref> The cities will be spread around Saudi Arabia to promote diversification for each region and their economy, and the cities are projected to contribute $150 billion to the GDP.

In addition to petroleum and gas, Saudi also has a small gold mining sector in the [[Mahd adh Dhahab]] region and other mineral industries, an agricultural sector (especially in the southwest) based on dates and livestock, and large number of temporary jobs created by the roughly two million annual ''[[hajj]]'' pilgrims.<ref name="HT2009: 150">[[#HT2009|Tripp, ''Culture Shock'', 2009]]: p.150</ref>

Statistics on poverty in the kingdom are not available through the UN resources because the Saudi government does not issue any.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.npr.org/2011/05/19/136439885/poverty-hides-amid-saudi-arabias-oil-wealth |title=Poverty Hides Amid Saudi Arabia's Oil Wealth |publisher=NPR }}</ref> The Saudi state discourages calling attention to or complaining about poverty.  In December 2011, the Saudi interior ministry arrested three reporters and held them for almost two weeks for questioning after they uploaded a video on the topic to YouTube.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlSBqgW5xx0 |title=Mal3ob 3alena : Poverty in Saudi Arabia English Version |publisher=YouTube }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/12/04/132112/saudi-dissidents-turn-to-youtube.html |title=Saudi dissidents turn to YouTube to air their frustrations |author=Roy Gutman|newspaper=McClatchy Newspapers|date=4 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/23/feras-boqna-saudi-arabia-poverty | location=London |work=The Guardian | author=Amelia Hill | title=Saudi film-makers enter second week of detention | date=23 October 2011}}</ref>  Authors of the video claim that 22% of Saudis may be considered poor (2009).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lebanonspring.com/2011/10/19/plot-to-show-foreign-poverty-in-foreign-saudi-arabia-arab-spring-youtube-video/ |title=A foreign Saudi plot to expose foreign poverty in foreign Saudi |work= Lebanon Spring |date=2011-10-19 }}</ref> Observers researching the issue prefer to stay anonymous<ref>{{cite web|url=http://observers.france24.com/content/20081028-poverty-exists-saudi-arabia |title=Poverty exists in Saudi Arabia too &#124; The Observers |publisher=France 24 |date=28 October 2008 }}</ref> because of the risk of being arrested.

=== Agriculture ===

[[File:Tuwaiq Escarpment-14h38m25s-k.jpg|thumb|The [[Nejd]] landscape: desert and the [[Tuwaiq]] Escarpment near [[Riyadh]]]]

Saudi Arabia encouraged desert agriculture by providing substantial subsidies as well as consuming 300 billion cubic meter of mostly non-renewable water reserves free of charge to grow alfalfa, cereals, meat and milk in the Arabian Desert.<ref>{{Cite journal|url = http://www.soas.ac.uk/water/publications/papers/file38391.pdf|title = Camels Don't Fly, Deserts Don't Bloom: an Assessment of Saudi Arabia's Experiment in Desert Agriculture|last = Elhadj|first = Elie|date = May 2004|journal = SOAS Water Group Publications|doi = |pmid = |access-date = Sep 16, 2015}}</ref> Consuming non-renewable groundwater resulted in the loss of an estimated four fifths of the total groundwater reserves by 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Saudi Arabia Stakes a Claim on the Nile – Water Grabbers – National Geographic|url = http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/12/121217-saudi-arabia-water-grabs-ethiopia/|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref>

=== Water supply and sanitation ===
{{Main article|Water supply and sanitation in Saudi Arabia}}
Water supply and sanitation in Saudi Arabia is characterized by significant investments in [[Water desalination|seawater desalination]],
water distribution, sewerage and wastewater treatment leading to a 
substantial increase in access to drinking water and sanitation over the
past decades. About 50% of drinking water comes from desalination, 40% 
from the mining of non-renewable groundwater and 10% from surface water,
especially in the mountainous southwest of the country. The capital [[Riyadh]], located in the heart of the country, is supplied with desalinated water pumped from the [[Persian Gulf]] over a distance of 467&nbsp;km. Given the substantial [[Economy of Saudi Arabia|oil wealth]],
water is provided almost for free. Despite improvements service quality
remains poor. For example, in Riyadh water was available only once 
every 2.5 days in 2011, while in Jeddah it is available only every 9 
days.<ref name="GWI April 2011">Global Water Intelligence:Becoming a world-class water utility, April 2011</ref> Institutional capacity and [[governance]]
in the sector are weak, reflecting general characteristics of the 
public sector in Saudi Arabia. Since 2000, the government has 
increasingly relied on the private sector to operate  water and 
sanitation infrastructure, beginning with desalination and wastewater 
treatment plants. Since 2008, the operation of urban water distribution 
systems is being gradually delegated to private companies as well.

==Demographics==
{{Main article|Saudi Arabian people|Demographics of Saudi Arabia}}
[[File:Saudi Arabia population density 2010.png|thumb|Saudi Arabia population density (people per km<sup>2</sup>)]]
The population of Saudi Arabia as of July 2013 is estimated to be 26.9 million, including between 5.5 million<ref name="CIA World Factbook">{{CIA World Factbook link|sa|Saudi Arabia}}</ref> and 10 million non-nationalized [[immigrants]],<ref name=McDowall/><ref>[http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2010112487888&archiveissuedate=24/11/2010 "Census shows Kingdom's population at more than 27 million"]. Saudi Gazette. November 24, 2010</ref> though the Saudi population has long proved difficult to accurately estimate due to Saudi leaders' historical tendency to artificially inflate census results.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer, no by-line--> |date=20 April 2000 |title=Saudi Arabia on the Dole |url=http://www.economist.com/node/303840 |dead-url= |newspaper=The Economist |location= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=11 September 2015 }}</ref>
Saudi population has grown rapidly since 1950 when it was estimated to be 3 million,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/unpp/Panel_profiles.htm |title=World Population Prospects: The 2010 Revision |accessdate=2016-01-29 |deadurl=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507035406/http://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/unpp/Panel_profiles.htm |archivedate=7 May 2011 |df=dmy }}. United Nations</ref> and for many years had one of the highest birthrates in the world at around 3% a year.<ref name=long-27>[[#Long|Long]], p. 27</ref>

The ethnic composition of Saudi citizens is 90% [[Arab]] and 10% [[Afro-Asian]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sa.html|title=Saudi Arabia |work=The World Factbook |publisher=Cia.gov }}</ref> Most Saudis live in [[Hejaz]] (35%), [[Najd]] (28%), and the [[Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia|Eastern Province]] (15%).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.relooney.info/SI_Milken-Arabia/0-Important_14.pdf |title=Saudi Arabia Population Statistics 2011 (Arabic) |page=11 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115051640/http://www.relooney.info/SI_Milken-Arabia/0-Important_14.pdf |archivedate=15 November 2013 }}</ref> Hejaz is the most populated region in Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opendemocracy.net/faith-europe_islam/mecca_3882.jsp|title=Mecca: Islam's cosmopolitan heart|quote=The Hijaz is the largest, most populated, and most culturally and religiously diverse region of Saudi Arabia, in large part because it was the traditional host area of all the pilgrims to Mecca, many of whom settled and intermarried there.}}</ref>

As late as 1970, most Saudis lived a subsistence life in the rural provinces, but in the last half of the 20th century the kingdom has urbanized rapidly. {{As of|2012}} about 80% of Saudis live in urban metropolitan areas—specifically [[Riyadh]], [[Jeddah]], or [[Dammam]].
<ref>[[#House|House]], p. 69: "Most Saudis only two generations ago eked out a subsistence living in rural provinces, but ... urbanization over the past 40 years [so now] .... fully 80% of Saudis now live in one of the country's three major urban centers – Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam."</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Harvey Tripp |title=Culture Shock, Saudi Arabia |date=2003|publisher=Times Media Private Limited |location=Singapore: Portland, Oregon |pages=31 }}</ref>

Its population is also quite young with over half the population under 25 years old.<ref>One journalist states that 51% of the Saudi population is under the age of 25: {{cite web|author=Caryle Murphy|title=Saudi Arabia's Youth and the Kingdom's Future|url=http://www.newsecuritybeat.org/2012/02/saudi-arabias-youth-and-the-kingdoms-future/|date=February 7, 2012|publisher=Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars' Environmental Change and Security Program}} Two other sources state that 60% is under the age of 21: {{cite journal|title=Out of the comfort zone|journal=The Economist|date=3 March 2012|url=http://www.economist.com/node/21548973}}, [[#House|House]], p. 221</ref> A large fraction are foreign nationals. (The CIA Factbook estimated that {{as of|2013|lc=on}} foreign nationals living in Saudi Arabia made up about 21% of the population.<ref name="CIA World Factbook"/> Other estimates are 30%<ref>The Economist magazine lists an estimated 9 million: {{cite journal|title=Go home, but who will replace you?|journal=The Economist|date=16 November 2013|url=http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21589871-saudi-edict-limit-reliance-foreign-workers-fraught}} out of a population of 30 million: {{cite journal|title=Saudi Arabia No satisfaction|journal=The Economist|date=1 February 2014 |url=http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21595480-despite-their-immense-wealth-saudis-are-not-happy-no-satisfaction}}</ref> or 33%<ref name="alriyadh.com">{{cite web|author=جريدة الرياض |url=http://www.alriyadh.com/2010/08/05/article549461.html |title=جريدة الرياض : سكان المملكة 27 مليوناً بينهم 8 ملايين مقيم |publisher=Alriyadh.com }}</ref>)

As recently as the early 1960s, Saudi Arabia's slave population was estimated at 300,000.<ref>Willem Adriaan Veenhoven and Winifred Crum Ewing (1976) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=tIfYPppdbeYC&pg=PA452 Case studies on human rights and fundamental freedoms: a world survey]'', BRILL, p. 452. ISBN 90-247-1779-5</ref> [[Arab slave trade|Slavery]] was officially abolished in 1962.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/history/slavery_8.shtml |title=Religion & Ethics – Islam and slavery: Abolition |publisher=BBC }}</ref><ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/blackhistory/article-24160 |title=Slavery |work=Encyclopædia Britannica |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201010846/http://www.britannica.com/blackhistory/article-24160 |archivedate=1 February 2012 }}</ref>

===Languages===
The official language of Saudi Arabia is [[Arabic]].  The three main regional variants spoken by Saudis are [[Hejazi Arabic]] (about 6 million speakers<ref>[[:ethnologue:acw|Arabic, Hijazi Spoken]]. Ethnologue</ref>), [[Najdi Arabic]] (about 8 million speakers<ref>[[:ethnologue:ars|Arabic, Najdi Spoken]]. Ethnologue</ref>), and [[Gulf Arabic]] (about 0.2 million speakers<ref>[[:ethnologue:afb|Arabic, Gulf Spoken]]. Ethnologue</ref>).  [[Saudi Sign Language]] is the principal language of the deaf community.  The large expatriate communities also speak their own languages, the most numerous of which are [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]] (700,000), [[Rohingya language|Rohingya]] (400,000), [[Urdu]] (380,000), and [[Egyptian Arabic]] (300,000).<ref>[http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=SA Saudi Arabia]. Ethnologue</ref>

[[File:Eidgah jeddah.JPG|thumb|240px|An open-air mosque near [[Jeddah]]]]

===Religions===
{{main article|Religion in Saudi Arabia}}
Virtually all Saudi citizens are Muslim<ref>[http://pewforum.org/newassets/images/reports/Muslimpopulation/Muslimpopulation.pdf Mapping the World Muslim Population] {{wayback|url=http://pewforum.org/newassets/images/reports/Muslimpopulation/Muslimpopulation.pdf |date=20091108194815 |df=y }}</ref> (officially, all are), and almost all Saudi residents are Muslim.<ref name=PewForump.17>[http://www.pewforum.org/files/2009/10/Muslimpopulation.pdf Mapping the World Muslim Population](October 2009), Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. p. 16 (p. 17 of the PDF).</ref><ref>Data for Saudi Arabia comes primarily from general population surveys, which are less reliable than censuses or large-scale demographic and health surveys for estimating minority-majority ratios.</ref> Estimates of the [[Sunni]] population of Saudi Arabia range between 75% and 90%, with the remaining 10–25% being [[Shia]] Muslim.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gulf2000.columbia.edu/images/maps/GulfReligionGeneral_lg.png|title=Demography of Religion in the Gulf|publisher=[[Mehrdad Izady]]|year=2013|quote=Shia ... Saudi Arabia ... 24.8%}}</ref><ref name=PF2009>{{cite web|title=Mapping the Global Muslim Population. Countries with More Than 100,000 Shia Muslims |url=http://www.pewforum.org/2009/10/07/mapping-the-global-muslim-population/|website=Pew Forum|accessdate=12 March 2015|date=October 7, 2009|quote=Saudi Arabia ... Approximate Percentage of Muslim Population that is Shia .... 10–15}}</ref><ref name=bbc-shia>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7959531.stm |title=Saudi Arabia's Shia press for rights|publisher= bbc|first1=Anees|last1=al-Qudaihi |date=24 March 2009 |quote=Although they only represent 15% of the overall Saudi population of more than 25 million ...}}</ref><ref name=cfr-shiite>{{cite web |url=http://www.cfr.org/publication/10903/shiite_muslims_in_the_middle_east.html|title=Shia Muslims in the Mideast |publisher=Council on Foreign Relations|first1=Lionel|last1=Beehner|date= June 16, 2006|accessdate=12 March 2015|quote=Small but potentially powerful Shiite are found throughout the Gulf States ... Saudi Arabia (15 percent)}}</ref><ref name="Nasr2006 p. 236">Nasr, ''Shia Revival'', (2006) p.236</ref> The official and dominant form of Sunni Islam in Saudi Arabia is commonly known as [[Wahhabism]] (proponents prefer the name [[Salafism]], considering ''Wahhabi'' derogatory<ref name="The Daily Star">[http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&article_id=121904#axzz17dQMsZEu The Daily Star]| Lamine Chikhi| 27.11.2010.</ref>) and is often described as 'puritanical', 'intolerant', or 'ultra-conservative' by observers, and as "true" Islam by its adherents. It was founded in the [[Arabian Peninsula]] by [[Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab]] in the eighteenth century. Other denominations, such as the minority [[Shia Islam]], are systematically suppressed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2009/09/03/saudi-arabia-treat-shia-equally |title=Saudi Arabia: Treat Shia Equally |publisher=Human Rights Watch |date=3 September 2009 |accessdate=14 September 2016}}</ref>

According to estimates there are about 1,500,000 [[Christianity in Saudi Arabia|Christians]] in Saudi Arabia, almost all foreign workers.<ref>{{cite book|author=House, Karen Elliott|title=On Saudi Arabia : Its People, past, Religion, Fault Lines and Future| publisher=Knopf|year=2012|page=235}}</ref> Saudi Arabia allows Christians to enter the country as foreign workers for temporary work, but does not allow them to practice their faith openly. The percentage of Saudi Arabian citizens who are Christians is officially zero,<ref>{{cite web | author = Central Intelligence Agency | date = April 28, 2010 | title = Saudi Arabia | work = The World Factbook | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sa.html | accessdate = 2010-05-22}}</ref> as Saudi Arabia forbids [[religious conversion]] from Islam ([[apostasy]]) and [[Capital punishment in Saudi Arabia|punishes it by death]].<ref>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108492.htm International Religious Freedom Report 2008 – Saudi Arabia]</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of religious freedom|last=Cookson|first=Catharine|year=2003|publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=0-415-94181-4 |page=207 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R0PrjC1Ar7gC&pg=PA207#v=onepage&q=&f=false|accessdate=}}</ref> In spite of this, a 2015 study estimates 60,000 Muslims converted to Christianity in Saudi Arabia.<ref name="Believers in Christ from a Muslim Background">[https://www.academia.edu/16338087/Believers_in_Christ_from_a_Muslim_Background_A_Global_Census Believers in Christ from a Muslim Background: A Global Census]</ref> According to Pew Research Center there are 390,000 [[Hindu]] in Saudi Arabia, almost all foreign workers.<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2012/12/18/table-religious-composition-by-country-in-numbers/ Table: Religious Composition by Country, in Numbers] Pew Research Center, Washington D.C. (December 2012)</ref>

===Foreigners===
{{see also|Kafala system|Foreign worker}}
Saudi Arabia's Central Department of Statistics & Information estimated the foreign population at the end of 2014 at 33% (10.1 million).<ref name="CDSI">{{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/news/697371 |title=KSA population is 30.8m; 33% expats|publisher=ArabNews.com | access-date =2015-11-06 }}</ref> The CIA Factbook estimated that {{as of|2013|lc=on}} foreign nationals living in Saudi Arabia made up about 21% of the population.<ref name="CIA World Factbook"/> Other sources report differing estimates.<ref name="alriyadh.com"/> [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|Indian]]: 1.3 million, [[Pakistani people|Pakistani]]: 1.5 million,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/number-pakistani-expats-exceeds-15-m |title=Number of Pakistani expats exceeds 1.5 m |publisher=Arabnews.com |date=29 August 2012 }}</ref> [[Egyptians|Egyptian]]: 900,000, [[Yemen]]i: 800,000, [[Bangladesh]]i: 500,000, [[Filipinos in Saudi Arabia|Filipino]]: 500,000, [[Jordan]]ian/Palestinian: 260,000, [[Indonesians in Saudi Arabia|Indonesian]]: 250,000, [[Sri Lanka]]n: 350,000, [[Sudanese]]: 250,000, [[Demographics of Syria|Syrian]]: 100,000 and [[Turkish people|Turkish]]: 100,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.un.org/esa/population/meetings/EGM_Ittmig_Arab/P02_Kapiszewski.pdf |title=Arab versus Asian migrant workers in the GCC countries |format=PDF|page=10 }}</ref> There are around 100,000 [[Western world|Westerners]] in Saudi Arabia, most of whom live in [[compound (enclosure)|compounds]] or [[gated community|gated communities]].

Foreign Muslims<ref>Articles 12.4 and 14.1 of the Executive Regulation of Saudi Citizenship System: {{cite web|url=http://www.moi.gov.sa/wps/wcm/connect/121c03004d4bb7c98e2cdfbed7ca8368/EN_saudi_nationality_system.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=121c03004d4bb7c98e2cdfbed7ca8368 |title=1954 Saudi Arabian Citizenship System }}</ref> who have resided in the kingdom for ten years may apply for Saudi citizenship. (Priority is given to holders of degrees in various scientific fields,<ref>2004 law passed by Saudi Arabia's Council of Ministers. {{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=58980&d=14&m=2&y=2005 |title=Expatriates Can Apply for Saudi Citizenship in Two-to-Three Months |publisher=Arabnews.com |date=14 February 2005 }}</ref> and exception made for [[Palestinian people|Palestinians]] who are excluded unless married to a Saudi national, because of [[Arab League]] instructions barring the Arab states from granting them citizenship.)  Saudi Arabia is not a signatory to the [[Convention relating to the Status of Refugees|1951 UN Refugee Convention]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/12/saudi-arabia-says-reports-of-its-syrian-refugee-response-false-and-misleading |title=Saudi Arabia says criticism of Syria refugee response 'false and misleading' |publisher=''[[The Guardian]]''|date=12 September 2015}}</ref>

As Saudi population grows and oil export revenues stagnate, pressure for "[[Saudization]]" (the replacement of foreign workers with Saudis) has grown, and the Saudi government hopes to decrease the number of foreign nationals in the country.<ref>P.K. Abdul Ghafour (21 October 2011){{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/395511 |title=3 million expats to be sent out gradually |accessdate=2015-02-24 |deadurl=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108233041/http://www.arabnews.com/node/395511 |archivedate=8 November 2011 |df=dmy }} : "Nearly three million expatriate workers will have to leave the Kingdom in the next few years as the Labor Ministry has put a 20% ceiling on the country's guest workers"</ref> Saudi Arabia expelled 800,000 Yemenis in 1990 and 1991<ref>"[http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/apr/01/yemen-guantanamo-al-qaida Yemen's point of no return]". ''The Guardian''. 1 April 2009.</ref> and has built a [[Saudi–Yemen barrier]] against an influx of [[illegal immigrant]]s and against the smuggling of drugs and weapons.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hiiraan.com/news2/2008/jan/saudi_authorities_erect_barriers_on_yemeni_border.aspx |title=Saudi authorities erect barriers on Yemeni border |author=Mohammed al-Kibsi|date=12 January 2008 |newspaper=Yemen Observer}}</ref> In November 2013, Saudi Arabia expelled thousands of illegal Ethiopian residents from the Kingdom. Various Human Rights entities have criticised Saudi Arabia's handling of the issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.persecutionofahmadis.org/saudi-arabia-amnesty-international-calls-for-end-to-arrests-and-expulsions/ |title=Saudi Arabia: Amnesty International calls for end to arrests and expulsions « Persecution of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community |publisher=Persecutionofahmadis.org }}</ref> Over 500,000 [[Illegal immigration in Saudi Arabia|undocumented migrant workers]] — mostly from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Yemen — have been detained and deported since 2013.<ref>"[https://news.vice.com/article/dogs-are-better-than-you-saudi-arabia-accused-of-mass-abuses-during-migrant-worker-crackdown 'Dogs Are Better Than You': Saudi Arabia Accused of Mass Abuses During Migrant Worker Crackdown]". [[Vice News]]. 11 May 2015.</ref>

===Largest cities===
{{Largest cities of Saudi Arabia}}

==Monarchs (1932–present)==

* [[Ibn Saud|King Abdulaziz]] (1932–1953); Second Longest reigning Saudi Monarch
* [[Saud of Saudi Arabia|King Saud]] (1953–1964); Third Longest reigning Saudi Monarch
* [[Faisal of Saudi Arabia|King Faisal]] (1964–1975); Fourth Longest reigning Saudi Monarch
* [[Khalid of Saudi Arabia|King Khalid]] (1975–1982); Sixth Longest reigning Saudi Monarch
* [[Fahd of Saudi Arabia|King Fahd]] (1982–2005); Longest reigning Saudi Monarch
* [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|King Abdullah]] (2005–2015); Fifth Longest reigning Saudi Monarch
* [[Salman of Saudi Arabia|King Salman]] (2015–present); Current Monarch

===Crown Princes (1933–present)===
[[File:Secretary Kerry Walks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef Upon Arriving at the Saudi Ministry of Interior in Riyadh (17188246737).jpg|thumb|[[Muhammad bin Nayef|Crown Prince Mohammad bin Nayef]] with U.S. Secretary of State [[John Kerry]], 6 May 2015]]
[[File:USS Theodore Roosevelt operations 150707-N-GR120-011.jpg|thumb|Deputy Crown Prince [[Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud|Mohammad bin Salman]] aboard the aircraft carrier [[USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71)|USS ''Theodore Roosevelt'']], 7 July 2015]]
* [[Saud of Saudi Arabia|Crown Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz]] (1933–1953); Became King.Crown Prince of [[Ibn Saud|King Abdulaziz]].
* [[Faisal of Saudi Arabia|Crown Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz]] (1953–1964); Became King.Crown Prince of [[Saud of Saudi Arabia|King Saud]].
* [[Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud|Crown Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz]] (1964–1965); Resigned from post.Crown Prince of [[Faisal of Saudi Arabia|King Faisal]].
* [[Khalid of Saudi Arabia|Crown Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz]] (1965–1975); Became King.Crown Prince of [[Faisal of Saudi Arabia|King Faisal]].
* [[Fahd of Saudi Arabia|Crown Prince Fahd bin Abdulaziz]] (1975–1982); Became King.Crown Prince of [[Khalid of Saudi Arabia|King Khalid]].
* [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz]] (1982–2005); Became King.Crown Prince of [[Fahd of Saudi Arabia|King Fahd]].
* [[Sultan bin Abdulaziz|Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz]] (2005–2011); Died in office.Crown Prince of [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|King Abdullah]].
* [[Nayef bin Abdulaziz|Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz]] (2011–2012); Died in office.Crown Prince of [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|King Abdullah]].
* [[Salman of Saudi Arabia|Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz]] (2012–2015); Became King.Crown Prince of [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|King Abdullah]]
* [[Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud|Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz]] (2015); Removed from post.Crown Prince of [[Salman of Saudi Arabia|King Salman]]
* [[Muhammad bin Nayef|Crown Prince Mohammad bin Nayef]] (2015–present); Incumbent.Crown Prince of [[Salman of Saudi Arabia|King Salman]].

===Second Deputy Prime Minister/Second-in-line (1965–2011)===
* [[Fahd of Saudi Arabia|Prince Fahd]] (1965–1975); Became Crown Prince.
* [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|Prince Abdullah]] (1975–1982); Became Crown Prince.
* [[Sultan bin Abdulaziz|Prince Sultan]] (1982–2005); Became Crown Prince.
* [[Nayef bin Abdulaziz|Prince Nayef]] (2009–2011); Became Crown Prince.

===Deputy Crown Prince/Second-in-line (2014–present)===
* [[Muqrin bin Abdulaziz|Prince Muqrin]] (2014–2015); Became Crown Prince.
* [[Muhammad bin Nayef|Prince Mohammad]] (2015); Became Crown Prince.Son of [[Nayef bin Abdulaziz|Prince Nayef]].
* [[Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud|Prince Mohammad]] (2015–present); Incumbent.Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia.Son of [[Salman of Saudi Arabia|King Salman]].

==Culture==
{{Main article|Culture of Saudi Arabia}}
[[File:Supplicating Pilgrim at Masjid Al Haram. Mecca, Saudi Arabia.jpg|thumb|Supplicating Pilgrim at [[Masjid Al Haram]], Mecca]]

Saudi Arabia has centuries-old attitudes and traditions, often derived from Arab civilization. This culture has been heavily influenced by the austerely puritanical [[Wahhabi]] form of Islam, which arose in the eighteenth century and now predominates in the country. Wahhabi Islam has been called "the predominant feature of Saudi culture."<ref name="HT2003: 14"/>

===Religion in society===
{{Main article|Religion in Saudi Arabia}}
{{See also|Islam in Saudi Arabia|Freedom of religion in Saudi Arabia||Wahhabism|Salafism}}
[[File:While pilgrims are performing these rites, Muslims who are not at Hajj are celebrating the Eid al-Adha holiday. - Flickr - Al Jazeera English.jpg|thumb|[[Stoning of the Devil]] at [[Mina, Saudi Arabia|Mina]] during the [[Hajj]] pilgrimage, following in the tradition of [[Ibrahim]] and [[Ismail]]]]
 
Saudi Arabia differs from other modern Muslim countries in being the only state "to have been created by [[jihad]], the only one to claim the [[Quran]] as its constitution", and one of only four Muslim countries "to have escaped [[Colonial empire|European imperialism]]."{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} Its [[Hejaz]] region and its cities [[Mecca]] and [[Medina]] are the cradle of Islam, the destination of the [[hajj]] pilgrimage, the two holiest sites of Islam.<ref name="Arabia: the Cradle of Islam">[http://www.muhammadanism.org/Zwemer/arabia/arabia_cradle_islam.pdf Arabia: the Cradle of Islam], 1900, S.M.Zwemmer</ref>

[[Islam]] is the state religion of Saudi Arabia and its law [[Religion in Saudi Arabia#Policy of exclusion|requires]] that all citizens be Muslims.<ref name=depstate/>  Neither Saudi citizens nor guest workers have the right of [[freedom of religion]].<ref name=depstate>{{cite web|title=International Religious Freedom Report 2004|url=http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/2004/35507.htm|publisher=US Department of State|accessdate=22 September 2012}}</ref> The official and dominant form of Islam in the kingdom – [[Wahhabism]]—arose in the central region of [[Najd]], the eighteenth century. Proponents call the movement "[[Salafism]]",<ref name="The Daily Star"/> and believe that its teachings purify the practice of Islam of innovations or practices that deviate from the seventh-century teachings of [[Muhammad]] and his companions.<ref>[https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RS21695.pdf 'The Islamic Traditions of Wahhabism and Salafiyya'], US Congressional Research Service Report, 2008, by Christopher M. Blanchard available from the Federation of American Scientists website</ref> The Saudi government has often been viewed as an active oppressor of [[Shia Islam|Shia Muslims]] because of the funding of the Wahabbi ideology which denounces the Shia faith.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alastair-crooke/isis-wahhabism-saudi-arabia_b_5717157.html|title=You Can’t Understand ISIS If You Don’t Know the History of Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia}}</ref><ref name=syedjaffar>{{cite web|last=syedjaffar|title=The Persecution of Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia|url=http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1015700|work=August 4, 2013|publisher=CNN Report|accessdate=1 May 2014}}</ref> Prince [[Bandar bin Sultan]], Saudi ambassador to the United States, stated: "The time is not far off in the Middle East when it will be literally 'God help the Shia'. More than a billion Sunnis have simply had enough of them."<ref>"[http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/iraq-crisis-how-saudi-arabia-helped-isis-take-over-the-north-of-the-country-9602312.html Iraq crisis: How Saudi Arabia helped Isis take over the north of the country]," ''[[The Independent]],'' 13 July 2014.</ref>

Saudi Arabia is one of the few countries that have "[[Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (Saudi Arabia)|religious police]]" (known as ''Haia'' or ''Mutaween''), who patrol the streets "[[enjoining good and forbidding wrong]]" by enforcing  [[Clothing laws by country|dress code]]s, strict [[sex segregation|separation of men and women]], attendance at prayer (''[[salat]]'') five times each day, the ban on alcohol, and other aspects of ''[[Sharia]]'' (Islamic law).  (In the privacy of the home behavior can be far looser, and reports from the [[Daily Mail]] and [[WikiLeaks]] indicate that the ruling Saudi Royal family applies a different moral code to itself, indulging in parties, drugs and sex.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/07/wikileaks-cables-saudi-princes-parties WikiLeaks cables: Saudi princes throw parties boasting drink, drugs and sex | World news]. The Guardian (7 December 2010). Retrieved on 9 May 2012. quote: "Royals flout puritanical laws to throw parties for young elite while religious police are forced to turn a blind eye."</ref>)

The kingdom uses the lunar [[Islamic calendar]], not the international [[Gregorian calendar]].<ref>the start of each lunar month determined not ahead of time by astronomical calculation, but only after the crescent moon is sighted by the proper religious authorities. (source: [[#HT2009|Tripp, ''Culture Shock'', 2009]]: p.154-5)</ref>  Daily life is dominated by Islamic observance.  Businesses are closed three or four times a day<ref>the time varying according to sunrise and sunset times</ref> for 30 to 45 minutes during business hours  while employees and customers are sent off to [[salat|pray]].<ref name="HT2009: 214">[[#HT2009|Tripp, ''Culture Shock'', 2009]]: p.214</ref>  The weekend is Friday-Saturday, not Saturday-Sunday, because Friday is the holiest day for Muslims.<ref name=Britannica/><ref>Sulaiman, Tosin. [http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/economics/article697051.ece Bahrain changes the weekend in efficiency drive], ''The Times'', 2 August 2006. Retrieved 25 June 2008. Turkey has a weekend on Saturday and Sunday</ref><ref>Prior to 29 June 2013, the weekend was Thursday-Friday, but was shifted to better serve the Saudi economy and its international commitments. (source: "Weekend shift: A welcome change", SaudiGazette.com.sa, 24 June 2013 {{cite web|url=http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method%3Dhome.regcon%26contentid%3D20130624171030 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-10-28 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029175552/http://www.saudigazette.com.sa:80/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130624171030 |archivedate=29 October 2014 |df=dmy }} )</ref>  For many years only two religious holidays were publicly recognized – ''[[ʿĪd al-Fiṭr]]'' and ''[[ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā]]''. (''ʿĪd al-Fiṭr''  is "the biggest" holiday, a three-day period of "feasting, gift-giving and general letting go".<ref name="HT2009:35 ">[[#HT2009|Tripp, ''Culture Shock'', 2009]]: p.35</ref>)

{{As of|2004}} approximately half of the broadcast airtime of Saudi [[Television in Saudi Arabia#State-run channels|state television]] was devoted to religious issues.<ref name=nyrob-relig-educ/> 90% of books published in the kingdom were on religious subjects, and most of the doctorates awarded by its universities were in Islamic studies.<ref name=nyrob-relig-books>{{cite journal|title=Unloved in Arabia (Book Review)|last=Rodenbeck|first=Max|journal=The New York Review of Books|url=http://www.nybooks.com/articles/17477|volume=51 |number=16 |date=October 21, 2004|quote=Nine out of ten titles published in the kingdom are on religious subjects, and most of the doctorates its universities awards are in Islamic studies.}}</ref> In the state school system, about half of the material taught is religious. In contrast, assigned readings over twelve years of primary and secondary schooling devoted to covering the history, literature, and cultures of the non-Muslim world comes to a total of about 40 pages.<ref name=nyrob-relig-educ>{{cite journal|title=Unloved in Arabia (Book Review)|last=Rodenbeck|first=Max|journal=The New York Review of Books|url=http://www.nybooks.com/articles/17477|volume=51 |number=16|date=October 21, 2004|quote=Almost half of Saudi state television's airtime is devoted to religious issues, as is about half the material taught in state schools" (source: By the estimate of an elementary schoolteacher in Riyadh, Islamic studies make up 30 percent of the actual curriculum. But another 20 percent creeps into textbooks on history, science, Arabic, and so forth. In contrast, by one unofficial count the entire syllabus for twelve years of Saudi schooling contains a total of just thirty-eight pages covering the history, literature, and cultures of the non-Muslim world.)}}</ref>
[[File:Not for us (3975139168).jpg|thumb|Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering the holy city of Mecca.]]

"Fierce religious resistance" had to be overcome to permit such innovations as paper money (in 1951), female education (1964), and television (1965) and the abolition of slavery (1962).<ref>[http://www.nybooks.com/articles/17477 Review. "Unloved in Arabia"] By Max Rodenbeck. ''The New York Review of Books'', Volume 51, Number 16 · October 21, 2004</ref> Public support for the traditional political/religious structure of the kingdom is so strong that one researcher interviewing Saudis found virtually no support for reforms to secularize the state.<ref>from p.195 of a [http://www.jstor.org/stable/4284264?seq=4#page_scan_tab_contents review] by Joshua Teitelbum, ''Middle East Studies'', Vol. 38, No. 4, Oct., 2002, of ''Changed Identities: The Challenge of the New Generation in Saudi Arabia'' by anthropologist Mai Yamani, quoting p.116 |quote=Saudis of all stripes interviewed expressed a desire for the kingdom to remain a Muslim society ruled by an overtly Muslim state. Secularist are simply not to be found. [Both traditional and somewhat westernized Saudis she talked to mediate their concerns] though the certainties of religion.</ref>

Because of religious restrictions, Saudi culture lacks any diversity of religious expression, buildings, annual festivals and public events.<ref name = IRFR>{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108492.htm|title=Saudi Arabia|work=U.S. Department of State}}</ref><ref name=irf2013>{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/religiousfreedom/index.htm#wrapper |title=Saudi Arabia: International Religious Freedom Report 2013 |publisher=U.S. State Department |date=17 November 2013 |accessdate =14 October 2014}}</ref>
Celebration of other (non-Wahhabi) Islamic holidays, such as the [[Mawlid|Muhammad's birthday]] and the [[Day of Ashura]], (an important holiday for the 10–25% of the population <ref name=PF2009/><ref name=bbc-shia/><ref name=cfr-shiite/> that is [[Shia|Shīʿa]] Muslim), are tolerated only when celebrated locally and on a small scale.<ref name=statsKSA>{{cite web|title=Saudi Arabia – Culture|url=http://country-stats.com/en/countries/asia/saudi-arabia/10599-saudi-arabia-culture.html|website=Country Stats.|accessdate=23 February 2015}}</ref> Shia also face systematic discrimination in employment, education, the justice system according to [[Human Rights Watch]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Denied dignity: systematic discrimination and hostility toward Saudi Shia citizens |last=Human Rights Watch |year=2009 |isbn=1-56432-535-0 |page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Denied dignity: systematic discrimination and hostility toward Saudi [[Shia]] citizens |last=Human Rights Watch |year=2009 |isbn=1-56432-535-0 |pages=2, 8–10}}</ref><ref>Islamic Political Culture, Democracy, and Human Rights: A Comparative Study, p 93 Daniel E. Price – 1999</ref> Non-Muslim festivals like Christmas and Easter are not tolerated at all,<ref name= Times/> although there are nearly a million Christians as well as [[Hindu]]s and [[Buddhist]]s among the foreign workers.<ref name=irf2010>{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2010/148843.htm |title=Saudi Arabia: International Religious Freedom Report 2010 |publisher=U.S. State Department |date=17 November 2010 |accessdate =27 July 2011}}</ref><ref name= Times>{{cite news |title=Saudi Arabia extends hand of friendship to Pope |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3571835.ece |newspaper=The Times |date=17 March 2008 |accessdate=27 July 2011 |location=London |first=Richard |last=Owen}}</ref>  No churches, temples or other non-Muslim houses of worship are permitted in the country. [[Proselytizing]] by non-Muslims and [[Apostasy in Islam|conversion by Muslims to another religion]] is illegal,<ref name=irf2010/>  and {{As of|2014|lc=y}} the distribution of "publications that have prejudice to any other religious belief other than Islam" (such as [[Bible]]s), was reportedly punishable by death.<ref>Samuel Smith (18 December 2014) [http://www.christianpost.com/news/saudi-arabias-new-law-imposes-death-sentence-for-bible-smugglers-131352/#! "Saudi Arabia's New Law Imposes Death Sentence for Bible Smugglers?"]. ''Christian Post''.</ref><ref>[http://www.handsoffcain.info/news/index.php?iddocumento=18309927 "SAUDI ARABIA IMPOSES DEATH SENTENCE FOR BIBLE SMUGGLING"]. ''handsoffcain.info''. 28 November 2014</ref> In legal [[Diyya#Saudi Arabia|compensation]] court cases (''[[Diyya]]'') non-Muslim are awarded less than Muslims.<ref name= Times/> Atheists are legally designated as terrorists.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-declares-all-atheists-are-terrorists-in-new-law-to-crack-down-on-political-dissidents-9228389.html Saudi Arabia declares all atheists are terrorists in new law to crack down on political dissidents], ''The Independent'', 04 March 2014</ref> Saudis or foreign residents who call "into question the fundamentals of the Islamic religion on which this country is based" may be subject to as much as 20 years in prison.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2594139/Saudi-Arabia-declares-atheists-terrorists-new-laws.html Saudi Arabia declares atheists terrorists under new laws targeting citizens who 'call for secular thought in any form'], Main Online, 01 April 2014</ref>  And at least one religious minority, the [[Ahmadiyya]] Muslims, had its adherents deported,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hrw.org/news/2014/05/15/saudi-arabia-2-years-behind-bars-apostasy-accusation | title=Saudi Arabia: 2 Years Behind Bars on Apostasy Accusation | publisher=Human Rights Watch| date=May 15, 2014 | accessdate=June 4, 2014}}</ref> as they are legally banned from entering the country.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/?id=tuVhBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA80&dq#v=onepage&q&f=false | title=The State as an Actor in Religion Policy: Policy Cycle and Governance | author=Maria Grazia Martino | accessdate=March 19, 2015| isbn=9783658069452 | date=2014-08-28 }}</ref>

====Islamic heritage sites====
{{See also|Mecca|Medina|Destruction of early Islamic heritage sites in Saudi Arabia|Tourism in Saudi Arabia}}
[[File:(S.A.W) grave.jpg|thumb|The [[Mosque of the Prophet]] in [[Medina]] containing the tomb of [[Muhammad]].]]

Saudi [[Wahhabism]] is hostile to any reverence given to historical or religious places of significance for fear that it may give rise to [[Shirk (Islam)|'shirk']] (idolatry), and the most significant historic Muslim sites (in Mecca and Medina) are located in the western Saudi region of  [[Hejaz]].<ref name="Arabia: the Cradle of Islam"/> As a consequence, under Saudi rule, an estimated 95% of Mecca's historic buildings, most over a thousand years old, [[Destruction of early Islamic heritage sites in Saudi Arabia|have been demolished]] for religious reasons.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/the-destruction-of-mecca-saudi-hardliners-are-wiping-out-their-own-heritage-501647.html 'The destruction of Mecca: Saudi hardliners are wiping out their own heritage'], The Independent, 6 August 2005. Retrieved 17 January 2011</ref>  Critics claim that over the last 50 years, 300 historic sites linked to Muhammad, his family or companions have been lost,<ref>[http://www.islamicpluralism.org/764/islamic-heritage-lost-as-makkah-modernises ‘Islamic heritage lost as Makkah modernises’] Center for Islamic Pluralism</ref> leaving fewer than 20 structures remaining in Mecca that date back to the time of Muhammad.<ref name="independent.co.uk">[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/shame-of-the-house-of-saud-shadows-over-mecca-474736.html ‘Shame of the House of Saud: Shadows over Mecca’], The Independent, 19 April 2006</ref>  Demolished structures include the mosque originally built by Muhammad's daughter [[Fatima bint Muhammad|Fatima]], and other mosques founded by [[Abu Bakr]] (Muhammad's father-in-law and the first [[Caliph]]), [[Umar ibn al-Khattab|Umar]] (the second Caliph), [[Ali ibn Abi Talib|Ali]] (Muhammad's son-in-law and the fourth Caliph), and [[Salman al-Farsi]] (another of Muhammad's companions).<ref>[http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/saudi_destruction_of_muslim_historical_sites/ Destruction of Islamic Architectural Heritage in Saudi Arabia: A Wake-up Call], The American Muslim. Retrieved 17 January 2011</ref><ref>Other historic buildings that have been destroyed include the house of [[Khadijah]], the wife of Muhammad, the house of [[Abu Bakr]], now the site of the local [[Hilton hotel]]; the house of Ali-Oraid, the grandson of Muhammad, and the Mosque of abu-Qubais, now the location of the King's palace in Mecca. (source: [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/shame-of-the-house-of-saud-shadows-over-mecca-474736.html ‘Shame of the House of Saud: Shadows over Mecca’], The Independent, 19 April 2006</ref>

===Dress===
Saudi Arabian dress strictly follows the principles of [[hijab]] (the Islamic principle of [[modesty]], especially in dress). The predominantly loose and flowing, but covering, garments are suited to Saudi Arabia's [[desert]] climate. Traditionally, men usually wear a white ankle length garment woven from wool or cotton (known as a [[thawb]]), with a [[keffiyeh]] (a large checkered square of cotton held in place by an [[agal]]) or a [[Keffiyeh|ghutra]] (a plain white square made of finer cotton, also held in place by an [[agal]]) worn on the head. For rare chilly days, Saudi men wear a [[camel]]-hair cloak ([[bisht (clothing)|bisht]]) over the top. In public women are required to wear a black [[abaya]] or other black clothing that covers everything under the neck with the exception of their hands and feet, although most women cover their head in respect for their religion. This requirement applies to non-Muslim women too and failure to abide can result in police action, particularly in more conservative areas of the country. Women's clothes are often decorated with tribal motifs, coins, sequins, metallic thread, and appliques. 
* [[Ghutrah]] ({{lang-ar|غتره}}) is a traditional [[headdress]] typically worn by [[Arab]] men. It is made of a square of cloth ("scarf"), usually cotton, folded and wrapped in various styles around the head. It is commonly worn in areas with an [[arid]] climate, to provide protection from direct [[sun exposure]], and also protection of the mouth and eyes from blown dust and [[sand]].
* [[Agal]] ({{lang-ar|عقال}}) is an item of [[Arab]] headgear constructed of cord which is fastened around the [[Ghutrah]] to hold it in place. The ''agal'' is usually black in colour.
* [[Thawb]] ({{lang-ar|ثوب}}) is the standard Arabic word for garment. It is ankle-length, usually with long sleeves, similar to a [[robe]].
* [[Bisht (clothing)|Bisht]] ({{lang-ar|بشت}}) is a traditional Arabic men's [[cloak]] usually only worn for prestige on special occasions such as weddings.
* [[Abaya]] ({{lang-ar|عبائة}}) is a women's garment. It is a black cloak which loosely covers the entire body except the head. Some women choose to cover their faces with a niqāb and some do not. Some abayas cover the top of the head as well.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.thelovelyplanet.net/traditional-dress-of-the-kingdom-of-saudi-arabia/| title=Traditional dress of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia| date=29 September 2015}}</ref>

===Arts and entertainment===
{{Main article|Cinema of Saudi Arabia|Music of Saudi Arabia}}
[[File:King Abdullah in his youth.jpg|thumb|175px|King Abdullah practising [[falconry]], a traditional pursuit in Saudi Arabia]]
During the 1970s, cinemas were numerous in the Kingdom although they were seen as contrary to Wahhabi norms.<ref name="Return of cinema in Saudi Arabia provokes critics">[http://worldfocus.org/blog/2009/01/05/return-of-cinema-in-saudi-arabia-provokes-critics/3473/ World Focus]. 5 January 2009</ref> During the [[Islamic revival]] movement in the 1980s, and as a political response to an increase in [[Islamist]] activism including the 1979 [[Grand Mosque Seizure|seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca]], the government closed all cinemas and theaters. However, with King Abdullah's reforms from 2005, some cinemas have re-opened,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2008/12/saudi-arabia--1.html | work=Los Angeles Times | title=Babylon & Beyond | date=23 December 2008}}</ref> including one in [[King Abdullah University of Science and Technology|KAUST]].

From the 18th century onward, [[Wahhabi]] fundamentalism discouraged artistic development inconsistent with its teaching. In addition, Sunni Islamic prohibition of creating representations of people have limited the visual arts, which tend to be dominated by [[Islamic geometric patterns|geometric]], [[Arabesque (Islamic art)|floral]], and abstract designs and by [[Islamic calligraphy|calligraphy]]. With the advent of oil-wealth in the 20th century came exposure to outside influences, such as Western housing styles, furnishings, and clothes. Music and dance have always been part of Saudi life. Traditional music is generally associated with poetry and is sung collectively. Instruments include the rabābah, an instrument not unlike a three-string fiddle, and various types of percussion instruments, such as the ṭabl (drum) and the ṭār (tambourine). Of the native dances, the most popular is a martial line dance known as the ʿarḍah, which includes lines of men, frequently armed with swords or rifles, dancing to the beat of drums and tambourines. Bedouin poetry, known as nabaṭī, is still very popular.<ref name=Britannica/>

Censorship has limited the development of Saudi literature, although several Saudi novelists and poets have achieved critical and popular acclaim in the Arab world—albeit generating official hostility in their home country. These include [[Ghazi Algosaibi]], [[Abdelrahman Munif]], [[Turki al-Hamad]] and [[Rajaa al-Sanea]].<ref name="Guardian2410">{{cite news |author=Trevor Mostyn |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/24/ghazi-algosaibi-obituary |title=Ghazi al-Gosaibi obituary |newspaper=The Guardian |date=24 August 2010 |location=London}}</ref><ref>[http://www.time.com/time/europe/magazine/article/0,13005,901050117-1015836,00.html "Triumphant Trilogy"], by Malu Halasa, ''Time'', 17 January 2005</ref><ref>[http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article2041373.ece "Sex and the Saudi Girl"]. ''[[The Times]]''. 8 July 2007</ref>

===Sport===
{{Main article|Sport in Saudi Arabia}}
[[Association football|Football]] (soccer) is the national sport in Saudi Arabia. [[Scuba diving]], [[windsurfing]], sailing and basketball are also popular, played by both men and women, with the [[Saudi Arabia national basketball team|Saudi Arabian national basketball team]] winning bronze at the [[1999 ABC Championship|1999 Asian Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/files/PDF/Publications/Magazine/1998-Winter/slamdunk.htm |title=Saudi Arabian Slam Dunk, Fall 1997, Winter 1998, Volume 14, Number 4, Saudi Arabia |publisher=Saudiembassy.net }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Joud Al |url=http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article463435.ece |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120102128/http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article463435.ece |archivedate=20 January 2012 |title=Saudi women show greater interest in sports and games |publisher=Arab News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Todor Krastev |url=http://todor66.com/basketball/Asia/Men_1999.html |title=Men Basketball Asia Championship 1999 Fukuoka (JPN)- 28.08–05.09 Winner China |publisher=Todor66.com |date=21 September 2011 }}</ref> More traditional sports such as [[camel racing]] became more popular in the 1970s. A stadium in Riyadh holds races in the winter. The annual King's Camel Race, begun in 1974, is one of the sport's most important contests and attracts animals and riders from throughout the region. [[Falconry]], another traditional pursuit, is still practiced.<ref name=Britannica/>

===Cuisine===
{{Main article|Saudi Arabian cuisine}}
[[Saudi Arabian cuisine]] is similar to that of the surrounding countries in the Arabian Peninsula, and has been influenced by Turkish, Indian, Persian, and African food. [[Islamic dietary laws]] are enforced: pork is not allowed and other animals are slaughtered in accordance with [[halal]]. A dish consisting of a stuffed lamb, known as ''khūzī'', is the traditional [[national dish]]. [[Kebabs]] are popular, as is ''shāwarmā'' ([[shawarma]]), a marinated grilled meat dish of [[lamb and mutton|lamb]], [[mutton]], or chicken. As in other Arab countries of the Arabian Peninsula, ''machbūs'' ([[kabsa]]), a rice dish with fish or [[shrimp]], is popular. Flat, unleavened bread is a staple of virtually every meal, as are [[Date (fruit)|dates]] and fresh fruit. Coffee, served in the [[Turkish coffee|Turkish style]], is the traditional beverage.<ref name=Britannica/>

===Social problems===
Saudi society's objective of being a religious Islamic country, coupled with economic difficulties, has created  a number of issues and tensions. A rare independent opinion poll published in 2010 indicated that Saudis' main social concerns were unemployment (at 10% in 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-26/saudi-unemployment-at-10-pct-in-2010.html |title=Saudi unemployment at 10% |accessdate=2011-02-09 |deadurl=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209211635/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-26/saudi-unemployment-at-10-pct-in-2010.html |archivedate=9 February 2011 |df=dmy }}. The Associated Press via Bloomberg, 26 January 2011</ref>), corruption and religious extremism.<ref>[http://pechterpolls.com/?p=69 ‘Saudi Public Opinion: A rare look’] 27 January 2010, Pechter Polls. Retrieved 6 February 2011</ref><ref>[http://pechterpolls.com/?p=85 ‘Saudi Arabia by numbers’] 12 February 2010, Pechter Polls. Retrieved 6 February 2011</ref>

Crime has not been a significant problem.<ref name="Library of Congress 2006"/> On the other hand, juvenile delinquency in practices such as [[Tafheet]] (illegal racing), drug-use and excessive use of alcohol are increasing. High unemployment and a generation of young males filled with contempt toward the Royal Family is a significant threat to Saudi social stability. Some Saudis feel they are entitled to well-paid government jobs, and the failure of the government to satisfy this sense of entitlement has led to considerable dissatisfaction.<ref name="Saudi Arabia 2010">{{wikicite|ref={{harvid|Hegghammer|2010}}|reference='Jihad in Saudi Arabia: Violence and Pan-Islamism since 1979' by Thomas Hegghammer, 2010, Cambridge Middle East Studies ISBN 978-0-521-73236-9}}</ref><ref name= Nation>[http://www.thenation.com/article/saudi-arabia-kingdom-divided?page=0,3 ‘Saudi Arabia, a kingdom divided’] The Nation, 22 May 2006. Retrieved 6 February 2011,</ref><ref>[http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ecd0fb74-3ddf-11e0-99ac-00144feabdc0,s01=1.html#axzz1Edawl81f "Saudis confront gap between expectation and reality"], Financial Times, 21 February 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2011</ref>

====Child abuse====
According to a study conducted by Dr. Nura Al-Suwaiyan, director of the family safety program at the [[National Guard Health Affairs|National Guard Hospital]], one in four [[child abuse|children are abused]] in Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article81402.ece|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715052845/http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article81402.ece|archivedate=2010-07-15|title=Child abuse: We and the Americans|author=Khalaf al-Harbi|publisher=Arab News|date=9 July 2010}}</ref> The [[National Society for Human Rights]] reports that almost 45% of the country's children are facing some sort of abuse and domestic violence.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/report-alleges-rise-in-child-abuse-in-saudi-arabia-1.150333 |title=Report alleges rise in child abuse in Saudi Arabia |author=Abdul Rahman Shaheen|date=24 December 2008|publisher=Gulf News |accessdate =20 August 2010}}</ref>  In 2013, the government passed a law criminalizing domestic violence against children.<ref name="BBC Usher">{{cite news|last=Usher|first=Sebastian|title=Saudi Arabia cabinet approves domestic abuse ban|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23872152|newspaper=BBC News|date=28 August 2013|accessdate= September 27, 2015}}</ref>

====Human trafficking====
It has been claimed that trafficking of women is a particular problem in Saudi Arabia as the country's large number of female foreign domestic workers, and loopholes in the system cause many to fall victim to abuse and torture.<ref>{{cite news|last=Zawawi|first=Suzan|title=Abuse of Female Domestic Workers Biggest Problem|url=http://www.mafhoum.com/press9/265S28.htm|accessdate =22 September 2010|newspaper=The Saudi Gazette |date=24 January 2006}}</ref>

====Youth alienation====
Like many Muslim countries of the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has a high population growth rate and a high percentage of its population under 30 years of age,<ref>Estimates of the young population of Saudi Arabia vary. 
*Carlye Murphy gives the figure of 51% of the population being under the age of 25 (as of Feb 2012, source: {{cite web|last=Murphy|first=Caryle|title=Saudi Arabia's Youth and the Kingdom's Future|url=http://www.newsecuritybeat.org/2012/02/saudi-arabias-youth-and-the-kingdoms-future/|work=February 7, 2012|publisher=Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars' Environmental Change and Security Program|accessdate=13 May 2014}});
*''[[The Economist]]'' magazine estimates 60% of the Saudi population to be under the age of 21, (dated March 3, 2012, source: {{cite journal|title=Out of the comfort zone|journal=The Economist|date=March 3, 2012|url=http://www.economist.com/node/21548973}})
*The "United Nations, World Population Prospects: The 2012 Revision" estimates only 28% of the population is under 14 years of age (source: {{cite web|url=http://www.escwa.un.org/popin/members/SaudiArabia.pdf|title=The demographic profile of Saudi Arabia|page=6}})</ref> and significant change to Saudi culture is foreseen as this generation becomes older.  A number of factors suggest that the lives and level of satisfaction of youth will be different from the generation before them: 
*While for several decades Saudis have been able to expect undemanding, well-paid government jobs,<ref name="Saudi Arabia 2010"/> the failure of oil revenue to keep up with population growth has raised unemployment, and poor education limits employment opportunity in the private sector. The young lack their parents' appreciation of how much living standards have improved since the mid 20th century.<ref name=House-222/> The average age of the king and crown prince is 74,<ref>{{Birth date and age|1935|8|1|df=y}} and {{Birth date and age|1945|12|31|df=y}}</ref> making them a half century older than most of the population.<ref>{{cite web|last=Murphy|first=Caryle|title=Saudi Arabia's Youth and the Kingdom's Future|url=http://www.newsecuritybeat.org/2012/02/saudi-arabias-youth-and-the-kingdoms-future/|work=February 7, 2012|publisher=Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars' Environmental Change and Security Program|accessdate=13 May 2014}}</ref><ref name=econ>{{cite journal|title=Out of the comfort zone|journal=The Economist|date=March 3, 2012|url=http://www.economist.com/node/21548973}}</ref><ref name=House-221>{{cite book|author=House, Karen Elliott|title=On Saudi Arabia : Its People, Past, Religion, Fault Lines and Future|publisher=Knopf|year=2012|page=221}}</ref>
*Exposure to youth lifestyles of the outside world which clash with the native Saudi culture of strict religious obedience and conformity.<ref name=House-103>{{cite book|author=House, Karen Elliott|title=On Saudi Arabia : Its People, Past, Religion, Fault Lines and Future|publisher=Knopf|year=2012|page=103}}</ref>  
*Tendency for parents to leave child rearing to foreign servants<ref>[http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/596878/posts What is happening to Saudi society?] Arab News | 12/26/01 | Raid Qusti |quote=There was once a time when we Saudis feared God and understood that we would be held accountable by God on the Day of Judgment for our children's upbringing — after all, they are our responsibility. Now it seems, maids are bringing up our children. How much respect do they receive? Fathers used to set an example to their children and mothers used to be a source of inspiration.</ref> who are unable to "pass down by example the core Islamic values and traditions that have always formed the bedrock of Saudi society."<ref name=bradley-expo-92>{{cite book |last=Bradley|first=John R.|title=Saudi Arabia Exposed : Inside a Kingdom in Crisis|date=2005|publisher=Palgrave |page=92
|quote=Their numbers mushroomed during the oil-boom years, and their influence has led to a distancing of parents and children, since the servants were expected to act as surrogate parents. Most of the domestic servants were non-Muslims and non-Arabs, meaning the results have been doubly negative: They lack the authority – and presumably ... the inclination – to discipline those in their care, while being unable to pass down by example the core Islamic values and traditions that have always formed the bedrock of Saudi society. (p.92)}}</ref>

In a 2011 survey, 31% of [[Youth in Saudi Arabia|Saudi youth]] agreed with the statement `traditional values are outdated and ... I am keen to embrace modern values and beliefs`—the highest percentage in the ten Arab countries surveyed.<ref name=House-266>{{cite book|author=House, Karen Elliott|title=On Saudi Arabia : Its People, Past, Religion, Fault Lines and Future|publisher=Knopf|year=2012|page=266}}</ref><ref>ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller, Arab Youth Survey, March 2011, p.24 http://www.Arabyouthsurvey.com</ref><ref>By 2014 the percentage was no longer the highest of Arab countries surveyed, but had grown to 45% [http://arabyouthsurvey.com/wp-content/themes/arabyouth-english/downloads/AYS-Whitepaper-en.pdf ASDA'A Burston-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey 2014], p.9</ref> The number who had confidence about the direction of their country dropped from 98% (in 2010) to 62%.<ref name=House-222>{{cite book|author=House, Karen Elliott|title=On Saudi Arabia : Its People, Past, Religion, Fault Lines and Future| publisher=Knopf|year=2012|page=222}}</ref><ref>ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller, Arab Youth Survey, March 2011, p.18 http://www.Arabyouthsurvey.com</ref> While in most societies these numbers might seem unremarkable, in Saudi Arabia any rebellion stands out against "the unquestioning acceptance ... of previous generations".<ref name=house-105>{{cite book|author=House, Karen Elliott|title=On Saudi Arabia : Its People, Past, Religion, Fault Lines and Future| publisher=Knopf|year=2012|page=105}}</ref>

====Marriages====
{{main article|Cousin marriage in the Middle East}}

Marriage between first or second cousins in Saudi Arabia is among the highest rate in the world. Traditionally considered a means of "securing relationships between tribes and preserving family wealth",<ref name=cousin>{{cite news|title=Cousin marriages: tradition versus taboo|url=http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/201306180036-0022835|accessdate=18 March 2015|agency=Al Jazeera|date=June 18, 2013}}</ref>
the practice has been cited as a factor in higher rates of severe genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis or [[thalassemia]], a blood disorder, Type 2 diabetes, (which affects about 32% of adult Saudis), hypertension, (which affects 33%),<ref name=WSJ>{{cite news|last1=McKay|first1=Betsy|title=Saudis Push Gene-Sequencing Research|url=http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304887104579306831456121354|accessdate=29 September 2014|agency=Wall Street Journal|date=February 4, 2014}}</ref> [[sickle cell anemia]], [[spinal muscular atrophy]], deafness and muteness.<ref>Schneider, Howard (16 January 2000){{cite web|url=http://www.unl.edu/rhames/courses/212/arab_inbreed/arab_inbreed.htm |title=Evidence of Inbreeding Depression: Saudi Arabia |accessdate=2011-03-20 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20031211085637/http://www.unl.edu/rhames/courses/212/arab_inbreed/arab_inbreed.htm |archivedate=11 December 2003 |df=dmy }} . Washington Post. Page A01</ref><ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/01/world/saudi-arabia-awakes-to-the-perils-of-inbreeding.html Saudi Arabia Awakes to the Perils of Inbreeding]. The New York Times. 1 May 2003</ref>

====Poverty====
Estimates of the number of Saudis below the poverty line range from between 12.7%<ref name=lowWR>{{cite news|title=Saudi Arabia has tenth lowest poverty rate worldwide, says World Bank|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/business/economy/2013/11/03/Kingdom-has-tenth-lowest-poverty-rate-worldwide-says-World-Bank.html|accessdate=2 October 2014|agency=Saudi Gazette|publisher=al-Arabiyya|date=3 November 2013}}</ref> and 25%<ref name=Sullivan/> Press reports and private estimates {{As of|2013|lc=y}} "suggest that between 2 million and 4 million" of the country's native Saudis live on "less than about $530 a month" – about $17 a day – considered the poverty line in Saudi Arabia. In contrast, Forbes magazine estimates King Abdullah's personal fortune at $18 billion.<ref name=Sullivan>{{cite news|last1=Sullivan|first1=Kevin|title=Saudi Arabia's riches conceal a growing problem of poverty|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/01/saudi-arabia-riyadh-poverty-inequality|accessdate=2 October 2014|agency=Washington Post|publisher=The Guardian|date=1 January 2013|quote=In a country with vast oil wealth and lavish royalty, an estimated quarter of Saudis live below the poverty line}}</ref>

===Women===
{{See also|Women's rights in Saudi Arabia}}
Women do not have equal rights to men in the kingdom.  The [[US State Department]] considers Saudi government's discrimination against women a "significant problem" in Saudi Arabia and notes that women have few political rights due to the government's discriminatory policies.<ref name= State2010>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2010/nea/154472.htm |title=2010 Human Rights Report: Saudi Arabia |date=8 April 2011  |publisher=U.S. State Department |accessdate=11 July 2011}}</ref> The [[World Economic Forum]] 2010 [[Global Gender Gap Report]] ranked Saudi Arabia 129th out of 134 countries for gender parity.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Global Gender Gap Report 2010 |last=World Economic Forum |year=2010 |isbn=978-92-95044-89-0 |page=9 |url=http://www.weforum.org/pdf/gendergap/report2010.pdf |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101108161527/http://www.weforum.org/pdf/gendergap/report2010.pdf |archivedate=8 November 2010 }}</ref> Other sources had complained of an absence of laws criminalizing violence against women.<ref name= State2010/>

In August 2013, a law was passed that criminalized domestic violence against women. The ban includes penalties of a 12-month jail sentence and fines of up to 50,000 riyals ($13,000).<ref name="BBC Usher"/><ref name= "AlJazeeraAmerica">{{cite web|url= http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/8/30/saudi-arabia-passeslawcriminalizingdomesticabuse.html|title= Saudi Arabia passes law criminalizing domestic abuse|work= [[Al Jazeera America]]|publisher= [[Al Jazeera Media Network]]|date= August 30, 2013|accessdate= September 27, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-cabinet-passes-ban-on-domestic-violence-8789358.html|title= Saudi Arabia cabinet passes ban on domestic violence|author= Heather Saul|work= [[The Independent]]|publisher= Independent Print Limited|date= August 29, 2013|accessdate= September 27, 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Young Saudi Arabian woman in Abha.jpg|thumb|upright|left|A woman wearing a [[niqāb]]. Under Saudi law, women are required to wear [[Hijab]] but niqab is optional.]]

Under Saudi law, every adult female must have a male relative as her "guardian",<ref name= State2010/> whose permission she is required to have in order to travel, study, or work.<ref name= State2010/><ref name= HRWPM2>{{cite book |title=Perpetual Minors: human rights abuses from male guardianship and sex segregation in Saudi Arabia |last=Human Rights Watch |year=2008 |page=2 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=nFv4d6LdyFEC&printsec=frontcover}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Perpetual Minors: human rights abuses from male guardianship and sex segregation in Saudi Arabia  |last=Human Rights Watch |year=2008 |page=3 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=nFv4d6LdyFEC&printsec=frontcover}}</ref>

According to a leading Saudi feminist and journalist, [[Wajeha al-Huwaider]], "Saudi women are weak, no matter how high their status, even the 'pampered' ones among them, because they have no law to protect them from attack by anyone."<ref>{{cite web|title=Saudi Writer and Journalist Wajeha Al-Huwaider Fights for Women's Rights|url=http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=archives&Area=ia&ID=IA31206|publisher=[[MEMRI]]}}</ref>

Women face discrimination in the courts, where the testimony of one man equals that of two women [[Legal system of Saudi Arabia#Family law|in family and inheritance law]].<ref name= State2010/> [[Polygamy]] is permitted for men,<ref>[[#Long|Long]], p. 66</ref> and men have a unilateral right to divorce their wives ([[Divorce (Islamic)|talaq]]) without needing any legal justification.<ref name= Otto164>[[#Otto|Otto]], p. 164</ref>  A woman can only obtain a divorce with the consent of her husband or judicially if her husband has harmed her.<ref name= Otto163/> In practice, it is very difficult for a Saudi woman to obtain a judicial divorce.<ref name= Otto163>[[#Otto|Otto]], p. 163</ref> With regard to the law of inheritance, the Quran specifies that fixed portions of the deceased's estate must be left to the ''Qu'ranic heirs''<ref name= Otto165>[[#Otto|Otto]], p. 165</ref> and generally, female heirs receive half the portion of male heirs.<ref name= Otto165/>

The average [[age at first marriage]] among Saudi females is 25 years in Saudi Arabia,<ref>[http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-women-no-longer-confined-their-conventional-roles Saudi women no longer confined to their conventional roles] Arab News, Retrieved 3 July 2013</ref><ref>[http://www.quandl.com/demography/age-at-first-marriage-female-all-countries Age at First Marriage, Female – All Countries] Quandl, Retrieved 3 July 2013</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.women-without-borders.org/files/downloads/111104_Gulf_Analysis_Saudi_Youth.pdf |title=Saudi Youth: Unveiling the Force for Change |format=PDF}}</ref> with child marriage no longer common.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/01/17/saudi.child.marriage/ 'Top Saudi cleric: OK for young girls to wed'] CNN, 17 January 2009; Retrieved 18 January 2011</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=15361 |title='Saudi Human Rights Commission Tackles Child Marriages' |accessdate=2010-09-22 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501045625/http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=15361 |archivedate=1 May 2011 |df=dmy }} Asharq Alawsat, 13 January 2009.</ref> {{As of|2015}}, Saudi women constitute 13% of the country's native workforce despite being 51% of all university graduates.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/02/10/Women-constitute-13-of-Saudi-workforce-stats-agency.html|title=Women constitute 13% of Saudi workforce: stats agency|date=10 February 2015|newspaper=Al Arabiya}}</ref> Female literacy is estimated to be 81%, lower than male literacy.<ref name="CIA World Factbook"/><ref name=unicef-literacy>{{cite web|title=Statistics 2012|url=http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/saudiarabia_statistics.html|website=unicef.org|publisher=UNICEF|accessdate=18 October 2014|quote=
*Youth (15–24 years) literacy rate (%) 2008–2012*, male 99  *Youth (15–24 years) literacy rate (%) 2008–2012*, female 97}}</ref>

Obesity is a problem among middle and upper class Saudis who have domestic servants to do traditional work but are forbidden to drive and so are limited in their ability to leave their home.<ref name=beliefs>{{cite journal|last1=Al-Eisa|first1=Einas S.|first2=Hana I.|last2=Al-Sobayel|title=Physical Activity and Health Beliefs among Saudi Women|journal=Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism|date=2012|url=http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnme/2012/642187/|quote=the prevalence of sedentary lifestyle-related obesity has been escalating among Saudi females}}</ref> As of April 2014, Saudi authorities in the education ministry have been asked by the Shoura Council to consider lifting a state school ban on sports for girls with the proviso that any sports conform to Sharia rules on dress and gender segregation, according to the official SPA news agency.<ref name=McDowall/>

The [[Islamic religious police|religious police]], known as the ''mutawa'', impose many restrictions on women in public in Saudi Arabia.<ref name= State2010/><ref name= Dammer>{{cite book |title=Comparative Criminal Justice Systems |last=Dammer, |first=Harry R. |author2=Albanese, Jay S.  |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-495-80989-0 |page=106}}</ref> The restrictions include forcing women to sit in separate specially designated family sections in restaurants, to wear an [[abaya]] and to cover their hair.<ref name= State2010/> Women are also forbidden to drive.<ref name= reuters>{{cite news| url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/24/saudi-driving-idUSLDE74N0ET20110524 | work=Reuters | title=Saudi should free woman driver-rights group | date=24 May 2011| accessdate=28 July 2011 | first=Asma | last=Alsharif}}</ref>

Although Saudi Arabia imposes a strict dress code on women throughout the country by using [[Islamic religious police|religious police]], female anchors working for [[Al Arabiya|Al-Arabia news network]] which is partly owned by [[Abdul Aziz bin Fahd|Prince Abdulaziz]], the son of the late [[Fahd of Saudi Arabia|King Fahad]], are prohibited from wearing a veil and are encouraged to adopt a [[Western dress codes|Western dress code]].<ref>{{Cite book|title = Arab Television Industries|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=6WsdBQAAQBAJ|publisher = Palgrave Macmillan|date = 2009-11-12|isbn = 9781844575763|first = Joe|last = Khalil|first2 = Marwan M.|last2 = Kraidy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/09RIYADH651_a.html|title = IDEOLOGICAL AND OWNERSHIP TRENDS IN THE SAUDI MEDIA|date = |accessdate = September 21, 2015|website = |publisher = Wikileaks}}</ref>

A few Saudi women have risen to the top of the medical profession; for example, Dr. Ghada Al-Mutairi heads a medical research center in California<ref name="alarabiya.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/11/21/91996.html |title=Saudi women rise up after years of absence |publisher=Alarabiya.net |date=21 November 2009 |accessdate=28 April 2011}}</ref> and Dr. [[Salwa Al-Hazzaa]] is head of the ophthalmology department at [[King Faisal Specialist Hospital]] in Riyadh and was the late King Fahad's personal [[ophthalmologist]].<ref>http://www.selwaalhazzaa.com/index.html</ref>

On 25 September 2011, King Abdullah announced that Saudi women would gain the right to vote (and to be candidates) in municipal elections, provided that a male guardian grants permission.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15052030|title=Women in Saudi Arabia to vote and run in elections|work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.camera.org/archives/2011/10/media_in_the_service_of_king_abdullah.html |title=CAMERA Snapshots: Media in the Service of King Abdullah |publisher=Blog.camera.org |date=9 October 2011 |accessdate=3 March 2012}}</ref>  Women were finally allowed to vote on December 12, 2015.<ref>http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35075702</ref>

==Education==

{{Main article|Education in Saudi Arabia}}
[[File:KAUST laboratory buildings and town mosque.jpg|thumb|Laboratory buildings at [[KAUST]]]]
[[File:Al Yamamah University Main Campus.JPG|thumb|The [[Al-Yamamah Private University]] in Riyadh]]
Education is free at all levels. The school system is composed of elementary, intermediate, and secondary schools. A large part of the curriculum at all levels is devoted to Islam, and, at the secondary level, students are able to follow either a religious or a technical track. The rate of literacy is 90.4% among males and is about 81.3% among females.<ref name="CIA World Factbook"/> Classes are segregated by sex. Higher education has expanded rapidly, with large numbers of [[List of universities and colleges in Saudi Arabia|Universities and colleges being founded particularly since 2000]]. Institutions of higher education include the country's first university, [[King Saud University]] founded in 1957, the [[Islamic University of Madinah|Islamic University]] at [[Medina]] founded in 1961, and the [[King Abdulaziz University]] in [[Jeddah]] founded in 1967. Other colleges and universities emphasize curricula in sciences and technology, military studies, religion, and medicine. Institutes devoted to Islamic studies, in particular, abound. Women typically receive college instruction in segregated institutions.<ref name=Britannica/>

According to critics, Saudi curriculum is not just dominated by Islam but suffers from [[Wahhabi]] dogma that propagates hatred towards non-Muslim and non-Wahhabis<ref name=FH-education>{{Cite book|url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/uploads/special_report/48.pdf |title=Saudi Arabia's Curriculum of Intolerence |publisher=Center for Religious Freedom, [[Freedom House]] |year=2006 |author=Shea, Nona |display-authors=etal |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001152022/http://www.freedomhouse.org/uploads/special_report/48.pdf |archivedate=1 October 2008 }}</ref> and lacks technical and other education useful for productive employment.<ref name="CIA World Factbook"/><ref name="chronicle.com"/>

Memorization by rote of large parts of the Qu'ran, its interpretation and understanding ([[Tafsir]]) and the application of Islamic tradition to everyday life is at the core of the curriculum. Religion taught in this manner is also a compulsory subject for all University students.<ref>Robert Sedgwick (November 1, 2001) [http://www.wes.org/ewenr/01nov/practical.htm Education in Saudi Arabia]. World Education News and Reviews.</ref> As a consequence, Saudi youth "generally lacks the education and technical skills the private sector needs" according to the CIA.<ref name="CIA World Factbook"/> Similarly, ''[[The Chronicle of Higher Education]]'' wrote in 2010 that "the country needs educated young Saudis with marketable skills and a capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship. That's not generally what Saudi Arabia's educational system delivers, steeped as it is in rote learning and religious instruction."<ref name="chronicle.com">[http://chronicle.com/article/Saudi-Arabias-Education/124771/ "Saudi Arabia's Education Reforms Emphasize Training for Jobs"] ''The Chronicle of Higher Education'', 3 October 2010.</ref>

The religious sector of the Saudi national curriculum was examined in a 2006 report by [[Freedom House]] which concluded that "the Saudi public school religious curriculum continues to propagate an ideology of hate toward the 'unbeliever', that is, Christians, Jews, Shiites, Sufis, Sunni Muslims who do not follow Wahhabi doctrine, [[Hindu]]s, atheists and others".<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/uploads/special_report/48.pdf |title=Saudi Arabia's Curriculum of Intolerence |publisher=Center for Religious Freedom, [[Freedom House]] |year=2006 |author=Nona Shea |display-authors=etal |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001152022/http://www.freedomhouse.org/uploads/special_report/48.pdf |archivedate=1 October 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=70&release=379|title=Revised Saudi Government Textbooks Still Demonize Christians, Jews, Non-Wahhabi Muslims and Other|date=23 May 2006|publisher=Freedom House}}</ref> The Saudi religious studies curriculum is taught outside the Kingdom via Saudi-linked [[madrasah]], schools, and clubs throughout the world.<ref name = "Panorama 2010">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11799713 "Saudi school lessons in UK concern government"]. 22 November 2010. [[BBC News]].</ref> Critics have described the education system as "medieval" and that its primary goal "is to maintain the rule of absolute monarchy by casting it as the ordained protector of the faith, and that Islam is at war with other faiths and cultures".<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2010/nov/26/saudi-arabia-religious-education "This medieval Saudi education system must be reformed"], ''The Guardian'', 26 November 2010.</ref>

Saudi Arabia sponsors and promotes the teaching of [[Wahhabism]] ideology which is adopted by [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] Jihadist groups such as [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIS]], [[Al-Qaeda]] and the [[Al-Nusra Front|Nusra Front]]. This radical teaching takes place in Saudi funded mosques and [[madrasas]] across the Islamic world from [[Morocco]] to [[Pakistan]] to [[Indonesia]].<ref>{{Cite news|title = Our Radical Islamic BFF, Saudi Arabia|url = http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/02/opinion/thomas-friedman-our-radical-islamic-bff-saudi-arabia.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 2015-09-02|access-date = 2015-09-19|issn = 0362-4331|first = Thomas L.|last = Friedman}}</ref>
[[File:ISIS school textbook.jpg|thumb|200x200px|ISIS edition of Tawhid reprinted from Saudi school textbook.]]

According to the educational plan for secondary (high school) education 1435–1438 [[Islamic calendar|Hijri]], students enrolling in the "natural sciences" path are required to take five religion subjects which are: [[Tawhid]], [[Fiqh]], [[Tafsir|Tafseer]], [[Hadith|Hadith and Islamic Education]] and [[Quran]]. In addition, students are required to take six science subjects which are Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology and Computer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.moe.gov.sa/News/Documents/studiesplan2.pdf |title=Secondary School Studies Plan 1438 Hijri |date= |accessdate=September 23, 2015 |website=Saudi Ministry of Education Official Website |publisher=Saudi Ministry of Education |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925052557/https://www.moe.gov.sa/News/Documents/studiesplan2.pdf |archivedate=25 September 2015 }}</ref>

The approach taken in the Saudi education system has been accused of encouraging [[Islamic terrorism]], leading to reform efforts.<ref name="Reforming Saudi Education">[http://www.slate.com/id/2226874/entry/2226875/ Reforming Saudi Education] Slate 7 September. 2009.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author =Eli Lake|date = 25 March 2014 |title = U.S. Keeps Saudi Arabia's Worst Secret |url = http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/03/25/u-s-keeps-saudi-arabia-s-worst-secret.html |work = [[The Daily Beast]]}}</ref> Following the 9/11 attacks, the government aimed to tackle the twin problems of encouraging extremism and the inadequacy of the country's university education for a modern economy, by slowly modernising the education system through the "Tatweer" reform program.<ref name="Reforming Saudi Education"/> The Tatweer program is reported to have a budget of approximately US$2 billion and focuses on moving teaching away from the traditional Saudi methods of memorization and rote learning towards encouraging students to analyze and problem-solve. It also aims to create an education system which will provide a more secular and vocationally based training.<ref name="chronicle.com"/><ref>Al-Kinani, Mohammed [http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2008081814710 SR9 billion Tatweer project set to transform education]. The Saudi Gazette.</ref>

==See also==

* [[Capital punishment in Saudi Arabia]]
* [[Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia]]
* [[Index of Saudi Arabia-related articles]]
* [[List of Ambassadors of the United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia]]
* [[List of Arabian Houses]]
* [[Outline of Saudi Arabia]]
* [[Public holidays in Saudi Arabia]]
* [[Terrorism in Saudi Arabia]]

{{Wikipedia books|Saudi Arabia}}
{{portal bar|Geography|Saudi Arabia|Asia}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

*{{cite book|title=CultureShock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette. Saudi Arabia|last1=Tripp
|first1=Harvey
|last2=North
|first2=Peter
|edition=3rd|date=2009|publisher=Marshall Cavendish  |url=https://archive.org/stream/CultureShockSaudiArabia/Culture%20Shock!%20Saudi%20Arabia_djvu.txt|ref=HT2009}}

*{{cite book
|last1=Tripp
|first1=Harvey
|last2=North
|first2=Peter
|title=Culture Shock, Saudi Arabia. A Guide to Customs and Etiquette
|date=2003
|publisher=Times Media Private Limited
|location=Singapore; Portland, Oregon
|ref=HT2003}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book |ref=Abir1987|title=Saudi Arabia in the oil era: regime and elites : conflict and collaboration |last=Abir |first=Mordechai |year=1987 |isbn=978-0-7099-5129-2}}
*{{cite book|ref=Abir1993 |title=Saudi Arabia: Government, Society, and the Persian Gulf Crisis |author=Abir, Mordechai |year=1993 |isbn=978-0-415-09325-5}}
*{{cite book|ref=Al-Rasheed |title=A History of Saudi Arabia |author=Al-Rasheed, Madawi |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-521-74754-7 }}
*{{cite book |ref=Bowen|title=The History of Saudi Arabia |author=Bowen, Wayne H. |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-313-34012-3 }}
*{{cite book |ref=Hegghammer|title=Jihad in Saudi Arabia: Violence and Pan-Islamism Since 1979 |author=Hegghammer, Thomas |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-521-73236-9}}
*{{Cite book|ref=House|title=On Saudi Arabia: Its People, Past, Religion, Fault Lines—and Future|last=House |first=Karen Elliott|publisher=[[Alfred A. Knopf]] |date=18 September 2012 |isbn=0307272168}}
*{{cite book |ref= Long |title=Culture and Customs of Saudi Arabia |last=Long |first=David E. |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-313-32021-7}}
*{{cite book |ref=Malbouisson|title=Focus on Islamic issues |last=Malbouisson |first=Cofie D. |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-60021-204-8}}
*{{cite book |title=Sharia Incorporated: A Comparative Overview of the Legal Systems of Twelve Muslim Countries in Past and Present|ref=Otto |last=Otto |first=Jan Michiel |year=2010 |isbn=978-90-8728-057-4 }}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|d=Q851|mw=no|species=no|m=no|voy=Saudi Arabia}}
* [http://www.saudi.gov.sa/wps/portal/espp Saudi Arabia] ''official government website''
* {{CIA World Factbook link|sa|Saudi Arabia}}
* {{Dmoz|Regional/Middle_East/Saudi_Arabia}}
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14702705 Saudi Arabia profile] from the [[BBC News]]
* {{Wikiatlas|Saudi Arabia}}
* {{GovPubs|saudiarabia}}
* [http://www.ifs.du.edu/ifs/frm_CountryProfile.aspx?Country=SA Key Development Forecasts for Saudi Arabia] from [[International Futures]]

{{Navboxes
| title = Articles related to Saudi Arabia
| list =
{{Saudi Arabia topics|state=expanded}}
{{Navboxes
| title = [[File:Gnome-globe.svg|25px]]&nbsp;Geographic locale
| list =
{{Geographic location
| Northwest =''[[Gulf of Aqaba]]''<br />{{Flag|Egypt}}<br />{{Flag|Israel}}<br />{{Flag|Jordan}} 
| North = {{Flag|Iraq}}
| Northeast = {{Flag|Kuwait}}
| West = ''[[Red Sea]]''<br /> {{Flag|Egypt}}<br /> {{Flag|Sudan}}
| Centre = {{flagicon|KSA}} [[Outline of Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia]]
| East = {{Flag|Iran}}''<br /> [[Persian Gulf]]'' <br> {{Flag|Bahrain}} <br> {{Flag|Qatar}} <br> {{Flag|United Arab Emirates}}
| Southwest = ''[[Red Sea]]''<br /> {{Flag|Sudan}}<br /> {{Flag|Eritrea}}
| South = {{Flag|Yemen}}
| Southeast = {{Flag|Oman}}}}

{{Countries and territories of the Middle East}}
{{Countries of Asia}}
{{Arabian Plate}}
{{Countries bordering the Persian Gulf}}
{{Countries bordering the Red Sea}}
{{Countries and territories bordering the Indian Ocean}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = International membership
| list =
{{G20}}
{{Gulf Cooperation Council}}
{{Arab League}}
{{World Trade Organization}}
{{Organisation of Islamic Cooperation}}
{{OPEC}}
{{Monarchies}}
}}
}}
{{clear}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}}

{{coord|24|N|45|E|scale:10000000|display=title}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Saudi Arabia| ]]
[[Category:Arabian Peninsula]]
[[Category:Arabic-speaking countries and territories]]
[[Category:Countries in Asia]]
[[Category:G20 nations]]
[[Category:Islamic states]]
[[Category:Kingdoms]]
[[Category:Member states of OPEC]]
[[Category:Member states of the Arab League]]
[[Category:Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]]
[[Category:Member states of the United Nations]]
[[Category:Middle Eastern countries]]
[[Category:Near Eastern countries]]
[[Category:Muslim-majority countries]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1932]]
[[Category:Western Asian countries]]
[[Category:1932 establishments in Saudi Arabia]]
[[Category:Saudi Arabia articles needing attention]]