Post by Salem6 on Oct 16, 2003 6:14:52 GMT
One of the most devout and insular countries in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has emerged from being an underdeveloped desert kingdom to become one of the wealthiest nations in the region thanks to vast oil resources.
Named after the ruling Al Sa'ud family, who first came to power in the 18th century, the country includes the Hijaz region - the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the cradle of Islam. This fact, combined with the Al Sa'uds' espousal of a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam known as Wahhabism, has led it to develop a strongly religious self-identity.
OVERVIEW
Saudi Arabia was established in 1932 by King Abd-al-Aziz - known as the Lion of Najd - who took over Hijaz from the Hashemite family and united the country under his family's rule. Since his death in 1953, he has been succeeded by various sons.
Internal stability has meant successive leaders have been able to concentrate on modernisation and developing the country's role as a regional power. In 1990 King Fahd invited US-led troops to enter the country following the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. Saudi Arabia served as the base from which Kuwait was eventually liberated.
In 2003 the US has said it was removing virtually all forces from the kingdom as they were no longer needed after the war in Iraq toppled Saddam Hussein.
Saudi Arabia faces serious economic and political challenges. Oil revenues comprise about three-quarters of the national income, making the country highly vulnerable to world price fluctuations.
Unemployment runs at 15%-20% - but foreign migrants continue to account for some 65% of the workforce - raising fears that unemployed youth could be increasingly drawn to radical Islamist groups.
The civil service is overstaffed, the educational system is out of tune with the needs of the economy, and corruption and waste are rife.
FACTS
SAUDI FACTS
Population: 24.2 million (UN, 2003)
Capital: Riyadh
Major language: Arabic
Major religion: Islam
Life expectancy: 71 years (men), 74 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Riyal = 100 halalah
Main exports: Oil, gas, cereals
Average annual income: US $8,460 (World Bank, 2001)
Internet domain: .sa
International dialling code: +966
LEADERS
Head of State: King Fahd Bin-Abd-al-Aziz Al Sa'ud
King Fahd
Saudi Arabia is governed by the Al Saud dynasty, whose power dates back to 1932.
King Fahd, a son of the kingdom's founder, is head of state. He became king after the death of his brother, King Khalid, in June 1982. In 1986, he added the title "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques" to his name to affirm his commitment to Islam.
However, his half-brother, Crown Prince Abdullah, has effectively been ruler since he suffered a series of strokes in 1995.
Crown Prince Abdullah
Crown Prince Abdullah is considered to be less pro-Western than King Fahd, and to have greater popular support.
He is described by supporters to be untainted by corruption, a patriot and a good Muslim. Critics say he has failed to meet expectations.
He is reportedly in his late 70s.
First deputy prime minister, crown prince: Prince Abdullah Bin-Abd-al-Aziz Al Sa'ud
Second deputy prime minister: Prince Sultan Bin-Abd-al-Aziz Al Sa'ud
Foreign minister: Prince Sa'ud al-Faysal Bin-Abd al-Aziz Al Sa'ud
Interior minister: Prince Nayif Bin-Abd-al-Aziz Al Sa'ud
MEDIA
Saudi Arabia, though a pioneer of pan-Arab satellite television, has long had one of the most tightly-controlled media environments in the Middle East. Criticism of the government and royal family and the questioning of religious tenets are not generally tolerated.
But in 2003 signs of an increasing openness began to appear, with some formerly taboo topics receiving press and TV coverage. The September 11 attacks on the US and instances of domestic terrorism were said to have brought about a bolder and more candid reporting.
The state-run Broadcasting Service of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (BSKSA) is responsible for all broadcasting in the kingdom. It operates three TV networks. The minister of culture and information chairs the body which oversees radio and TV operations.
Private radio and TV stations cannot operate from Saudi soil, but the country is a key market for pan-Arab satellite and pay-TV broadcasters. Saudi investors are behind some of these networks, including Dubai-based MBC, owned by a brother-in-law of the Saudi king, and Rome-based Orbit. Viewers in the country's east can pick up TV stations from more liberal Gulf neighbours.
Saudi newspapers are created by royal decree. There are 10 dailies and dozens of magazines. Pan-Arab papers, subject to censorship, are available. Newspapers tend to follow the lead of the state-run news agency on whether or not to publish stories on sensitive subjects.
The press:
Al-Watan
Al-Riyadh
Arab News - English-language
Television:
Saudi TV - state-run
Radio:
Saudi Radio - state-run
News agency:
Saudi Press Agency (SPA) - state-run
Internet:
The government has invested heavily in security systems to block access to sites it deems offensive, said to range in subject matter from religion to swimwear. In February 2002 the authorities closed down more than 400 sites without giving clear reasons for the move.
Unauthorised internet access has been possible through Bahrain and UAE. Two-thirds of internet users are said to be women, possibly a result of restrictions on their movements.
By March 2001 Saudi Arabia had some 570,000 internet users.