Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia: A Land of Riches and Tradition

Imagine a vast expanse of desert stretching as far as the eye can see, dotted with ancient ruins and bustling cities. This is Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), a country that has captivated the world with its blend of modernity and tradition. Covering about 2,150,000 km², it’s the fourth most populous in the Arab world, home to almost 32.2 million people.

The Ancient Roots of a Modern Nation

Before we dive into the modern era, let’s take a step back in time. Pre-Islamic Arabia was a land of diverse cultures and civilizations. The Islamic prophet Muhammad united this region and expanded Muslim rule far beyond its borders. But how did Saudi Arabia come to be as it is today? Let’s explore its founding.

The Birth of the Kingdom

King Abdulaziz, also known as Ibn Saud, founded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 after a series of conquests that united various regions. Since then, it has been an absolute monarchy governed by an authoritarian regime. The country defines itself as a sovereign Arab Islamic state with Islam as its official religion and Arabic as its official language.

A Powerhouse in the Middle East

With vast oil reserves and significant economic power, Saudi Arabia is both a regional and middle power. It ranks high on the Human Development Index and offers tuition-free university education, no personal income tax, and free universal health care. Its unique name derives from the dynastic name of the Saudi royal family, Al Saud.

Historical Context

The Arabian Peninsula has a rich history dating back to human habitation around 125,000 years ago. The Neolithic period saw the flourishing of cultures like Al-Magar, characterized by widespread domestication and stone statues. By the Bronze Age, prominent temples with sculptures were built, reflecting the region’s cultural richness.

Key Historical Figures

The earliest sedentary culture dates back to the Ubaid period at Dosariyah, while Dilmun was a major source of copper and imported woods. The Qarmatians, Uyunids, Usfurids, Bani Khalid, and Ottomans all played significant roles in shaping the region’s history before the establishment of modern Saudi Arabia.

The Rise of the Al Saud Dynasty

With Muhammad bin Saud as emir in 1727, the Al Saud dynasty emerged. They joined forces with Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and expanded rapidly, controlling most of present-day Saudi Arabia. However, the Emirate of Diriyah was destroyed by the Ottomans in 1818, leading to a period of exile for the Al Saud.

The Modern Kingdom

Abdul Rahman’s son, Abdul Aziz (Ibn Saud), recaptured Riyadh in 1902 and formed the third ‘Saudi state.’ He gained support from the Ikhwan, a Wahhabist tribal army, and captured Al-Ahsa from the Ottomans. After conquering the Kingdom of Hejaz in 1924-25, Ibn Saud unified the two parts as separate units for five years before unifying them as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on September 23, 1932.

Modern Challenges and Reforms

The new kingdom was reliant on limited agriculture and pilgrimage revenues. The discovery of vast oil reserves in 1938 transformed its economy, providing substantial political leverage internationally. Cultural life rapidly developed, primarily in the Hejaz. However, the government faced numerous challenges, including economic stagnation, high taxes, and increasing discontent among many Saudis.

Political Participation

The Al Saud dynasty has faced opposition from various sources, including Islamist activism, liberal critics, Shi’ite minorities, and tribal opponents. The government cracks down on open protest against the monarchy, even peaceful demonstrations. Despite these challenges, limited reforms have been introduced, such as the establishment of the Consultative Council and municipal elections.

Geography and Environment

Saudi Arabia occupies about 80% of the Arabian Peninsula, with an area of approximately 2,149,690 km². The country’s geography is dominated by desert, semi-desert, shrubland, steppes, mountain ranges, volcanic lava fields, and highlands. The Rub’ al Khali is the world’s largest contiguous sand desert.

Climate and Wildlife

The main topographical feature is a central plateau that rises abruptly from the Red Sea and gradually descends into the Nejd and toward the Arabian Gulf. Saudi Arabia has a desert climate with very high daytime temperatures during the summer, averaging around 45 °C (113 °F). Annual rainfall is very low, but the southern regions are influenced by Indian Ocean monsoons.

Modernization and Development

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in modernizing its infrastructure. Male-only municipal elections were held on September 29, 2015, allowing women to vote and be elected in the following year’s municipal elections. Abdullah also created a package of $93 billion, including 500,000 new homes and 60,000 new security jobs.

Environmental Initiatives

The country has over 2,000 dormant volcanoes, lava fields covering around 180,000 square kilometers, and more than 1,300 islands in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. The highest point is Jabal Ferwa at 3,002 meters (9,849 ft). An average of 300 mm (12 in) of rainfall occurs during this period, which is about 60% of the annual precipitation.

Education and Healthcare

Saudi Arabia’s legal system is based on Islamic Sharia derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah. The country has foreign relations with key players including the US, and its oil pricing policy aims to stabilize global markets and moderate prices. A strategic ally with the US, Saudi Arabia is considered pro-Western.

Human Rights and Social Reforms

The kingdom’s human rights record is widely criticized, with allegations of torture, mass executions, and internet censorship. However, significant social reforms have been implemented regarding women’s rights, including allowing women to drive in 2018 and establishing aggressive affirmative action programs to increase female labor force participation.

Culture and Traditions

Saudi culture is heavily influenced by Islamic heritage and Arab traditions, with a strong emphasis on family and kinship ties. Religion plays a dominant role in governance and daily life, with Islam being the state religion. The country has made significant investments in water supply and sanitation infrastructure, including seawater desalination and wastewater treatment.

Modernization Efforts

Saudi Arabia aims to reduce tobacco use from 12.7% in 2017 to 5% by 2030 after ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2005. Life expectancy is 74.99 years, with a lower rate for males (73.79) and females (76.61). Infant mortality was 5.7 per 1000 in 2019, and 69.7% of adults were overweight in 2016.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia is a complex nation with a rich history, vast resources, and significant challenges. From its ancient roots to modern reforms, the country continues to evolve while maintaining its cultural heritage. As it moves forward, Saudi Arabia faces both opportunities and obstacles in shaping its future.