"The country of two mosques" (Mecca and Medina) - this is how Saudi Arabia is often called differently. The form of government of this state is an absolute monarchy. Geographic information, a brief history and information about the political structure of Saudi Arabia will help to get a general idea about this country.
General information
Saudi Arabia is the largest state on the Arabian Peninsula. It borders Iraq, Kuwait and Jordan to the north, UAE and Qatar to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south. It owns more than 80 percent of the peninsula, as well as several islands in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
More than half of the country's territory is occupied by the Rub al-Khali desert. In addition, in the north is part of the Syrian desert, and in the south is An-Nafud - another large desert. The plateau in the center of the country is crossed by several rivers, which usually dry up during the hot season.
Saudi Arabia is exceptionally rich in oil. The profit from the sale of "black gold" is partly invested by the government in the development of the country, partly invested in industrialized countries and used to provide loans to other Arab powers.
The form of government in Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy. Islam is recognized as the state religion. Arabic is the official language.
The name of the country was given by the ruling dynasty in it - the Saudis. Its capital is the city of Riyadh. The population of the country is 22.7 million people, mostly Arabs.
Early history of Arabia
In the first millennium BC, the Minean kingdom was located on the shores of the Red Sea. On the east coast was Dilmun, which was considered the political and cultural federation in the region.
In 570, an event occurred that determined the further fate of the Arabian Peninsula - Muhammad, the future prophet, was born in Mecca. His teaching literally turned the history of these lands, subsequently influenced the features of the form of government of Saudi Arabia and the culture of the country.
The followers of the prophet, known as caliphs (caliphs), conquered almost all the territories of the Middle East, bringing Islam. However, with the advent of the caliphate, whose capital was first Damascus, later Baghdad, the significance of the prophet's homeland gradually lost its importance. At the end of the 13th century, the territory of Saudi Arabia was almost entirely under the rule of Egypt, and two and a half centuries later these lands were ceded to the Ottoman Porte.
Rise of Saudi Arabia
In the middle of the 17th century, the state of Nazhd appeared, which managed to achieve independence from the Porte. In the middle of the 19th century, Riyadh became its capital. But the civil war that broke out a few years later led to the fact that the weakened country was divided among the neighboring powers.
In 1902, the son of the sheikh of the Dirayah oasis, Abdul-Aziz ibn Saud, managed to take Riyadh. Four years later, almost all of Nazhd was under his control. In 1932, emphasizing the special significance of the royal house in history, he officially gave the country the name Saudi Arabia. The form of government of the state allowed the Saudis to achieve on its territory.
Since the middle of the last century, this state has become the main ally and strategic partner of the United States in the Middle East region.
Saudi Arabia: form of government
The constitution of this state officially proclaims the Koran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. However, in Saudi Arabia, the form of government and the general principles of power are determined by the Basic Nizam (law), which came into force in 1992.
This act contains a provision that Saudi Arabia is a sovereign system of power in which it is monarchical. country is based on Sharia law.
The king from the ruling family of the Saudis is also the religious leader and the highest authority in relation to all kinds of power. At the same time, he holds the post of supreme commander of the army, has the right to make appointments to all important civil and military posts, and to declare war in the country. He also oversees that the overall political direction meets the norms of Islam and supervises the implementation of Sharia principles.
Government departments
The executive power in the state is exercised by the Council of Ministers. The king holds the post of its chairman, it is he who is engaged in its formation and reorganization. The Nizams, approved by the Council of Ministers, enact royal decrees. The ministers head the respective ministries and departments, for the activities of which they are responsible to the king.
It is also carried out by the king, under which there is an Advisory Council with deliberative rights. The members of this council express their opinion on the draft Nizams adopted by the ministers. The Chairman of the Advisory Council and sixty of its members are also appointed by the King (for a term of four years).
The Supreme Judicial Council is at the head of the judiciary. On the recommendation of this council, the king appoints and removes judges.
Saudi Arabia, whose form of government and state structure is based on the almost absolute power of the king and the veneration of the Islamic religion, officially does not have any trade unions or political parties. Serving a religion other than Islam is also prohibited here.
It is the largest state on the Arabian Peninsula and one of the richest powers on the planet. It is here that the most important pilgrimage centers of the Muslim world are located, and the most prosperous countries of our time are frankly jealous of the local oil reserves. From different sides, the Saudi kingdom is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf, as well as the Arabian and Red Seas, delighting the eyes of amazed guests arriving on these mysterious shores.
Peculiarities
The monarchy flourishes in Saudi Arabia and is currently led by the son of the founder of the state from the Saudi dynasty, Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz al-Saud. The symbol of the country's economy is the oil refining industry, thanks to which the welfare of the state has been kept at the highest level for a long time. Among the regular buyers of oil and gas are the United States, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and other prosperous powers. The harsh Sharia law that the kingdom lives by is an integral part of the image of Saudi Arabia in the West and often causes dissatisfaction with international organizations that monitor the observance of human rights. The penalties for violating the laws of Islam are indeed very severe here. A small offense can cost a person a certain amount of money, and a big one can cost a head, in the truest sense of the word. The observance of norms of behavior and morality is vigilantly monitored by the religious police.
The territorial expanses of the country are mainly formed from rocky and sandy deserts, where lichens, white saxaul, tamarisk, acacia and other plants grow. Date palms, bananas, citrus fruits, cereals and horticultural crops are often found in oases. Living creatures, despite the arid climate, are very diverse and are represented by many individuals, including antelopes, gazelles, wild donkeys, hares, jackals, hyenas, foxes, wolves, as well as dozens of species of birds and rodents. A significant disadvantage of the political structure of the state is serious youth unemployment and too much dependence on the financial generosity of the ruling royal family.
general information
The territory of Saudi Arabia is quite extensive and covers an area of just under 2 million 150 thousand square meters. km, which is 12 in the world. The population at the same time is about 27 million people. Arabic is used as the main language. The monetary currency is the Saudi rial (SAR). 100 SAR = $SAR:USD:100:2. Time zone UTC+3. Local time coincides with Moscow. Mains voltage 127 and 220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz, A, B, F, G. Telephone country code +966. Internet domain.sa.
A brief excursion into history
For a long time, the lands between the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea were occupied by Arab tribes, and in the 1st millennium BC, the Minean and Sabaean kingdoms existed in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula. At the same time, in the historical region of Hijaz, many centuries ago, pilgrimage centers of the Islamic world arose - Mecca and Medina. It was in Mecca that the Prophet Muhammad began to spread Islam at the beginning of the 7th century, and a little later he settled in Medina, which later became the capital of the Arab Caliphate. In the late Middle Ages, Turkish rule was established on the peninsula.
The birth of the first Saudi state began in 1744, with the active participation of the ruler of the city of Ad-Diriya - Muhammad ibn Saud and the preacher Muhammad Abdul-Wahhab. It lasted only 73 years until it was destroyed by the Ottomans. The same fate befell the second Saudi state, founded in 1824. The creator of the third was Abd al-Aziz, who captured Riyadh at the beginning of the 20th century, and then subjugated the Nejd region. In September 1932, after the unification of the Hejaz and Najd regions, modern Saudi Arabia was formed, whose king was Abd al-Aziz. In subsequent decades and up to the present day, the royal throne was regularly inherited, while international relations with the West still remain very moderate and not too open, allowing Saudi Arabia to maintain its relative closeness and confidentiality on the world political arena.
Climate
The country is dominated by an arid climate with minimal rainfall throughout the year. The air temperature in the winter months on the coast fluctuates between +20 .. +30 degrees, and in summer the thermometer of the thermometer regularly exceeds +50 degrees. The desert area is somewhat cooler. In summer, at night, the temperature can drop to 0 degrees there. Precipitation, depending on the region, falls only in winter and spring, and even then in small quantities. It is recommended to come here from September to October or from April to May, while it is still not too hot, and the sea winds sufficiently refresh the air.
Visa and customs regulations
Visiting Saudi Arabia by citizens of Russia and Ukraine is possible only with a transit, student, work, business or guest visa. In addition, group visas are accepted for Hajj pilgrims to Mecca. Ordinary tourist visas to the country are not issued. Women, during the application process, must provide a copy of the marriage document or confirm kinship with the man accompanying them on the trip. Without the presence of the latter, they are prohibited from leaving the airport transit zone. The local customs regulations provide for a complete ban on the transport of alcohol and printed materials in Hebrew. The death penalty is used for drug trafficking.
How to get there
There are 4 international airports in Saudi Arabia, one of which is in the capital, King Khalid. The most convenient flight option are flights with transfers in or. In addition, the kingdom can be reached through, and through several other European countries. On the coast of the Persian Gulf there are a number of large seaports that receive ferries from, and.
Transport
Within the country, rail and bus suburban communications are developed. Highways are of very high quality. Women under 30 are only allowed to drive if accompanied by men.
Cities and resorts
Saudi Arabia is one of the most closed and mysterious countries in the world. For many years, this Arab state has kept its culture, religion, traditions and customs hidden from human eyes. For many travel enthusiasts, a visit to the country of the sheikhs is a pipe dream, due to restrictions on foreign tourists, which, however, only makes it even more attractive and alluring.
The most important holy city of Muslims all over the world is in which the founder of the religion, Prophet Muhammad, was born. Here is located Holy Haram Mosque, accommodating up to 700 thousand people at the same time. In the center of the mosque is the sanctuary of the Kaaba, the corners of which are oriented to the four cardinal points. The Kaaba is covered with a black silk veil (kiswa), the upper part of which is decorated with sayings from the Koran embroidered with gold. The door to the sanctuary is made of pure gold and weighs 286 kg. In the eastern corner of the Kaaba is the Black Stone, which is bordered by a silver rim. In accordance with Muslim tradition, God gave this Black Stone to the first man, Adam, who was expelled from paradise, after his sincere repentance.
Tradition says that initially the stone had a white color, but over time it turned black from the touch of sinners. Just a few meters separate the Kaaba from another Muslim shrine - the Maqam Ibrahim stone, which keeps the imprint of Abraham's foot. In the Haram Mosque, the sacred spring of Zamzam beats, given to Ismail at the time when he, along with Hagar (Hajar), was dying in the desert from unbearable thirst. It was around this source that Mecca subsequently arose. According to the basics of Islam, every Muslim is obliged to visit Mecca at least once in his life.
Another holy city of Muslims is, because it is here that the mosque of the Prophet is located, in which the tomb of the prophet is located, Abu Bakr (the first caliph and father of one of Muhammad's wives) and Umar ibn Khattab (the second caliph) are buried nearby. I must say that in total in this city there are about a hundred such places of worship, which are made in various architectural styles.
In you can admire the magnificent buildings of embassies and consulates. Be sure to visit the beautiful national park Asir.
Despite the fact that it is one of the most modern cities in the Middle East, it still retained the historical appearance of a typical oriental city, representing a fortress with a majestic medieval flavor, winding narrow streets where you can get lost, adobe houses, the facades of which face into the yard. Here is the royal palace and Jamid mosque.
If you prefer an active holiday, then you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of entertainment offered. Thus, the traditional sport of the inhabitants is camel racing. Both in the capital and in the most remote Bedouin camp, regardless of the time of year, you can watch races, dressage, as well as various team games in which camels are directly involved. Equestrian sport is no less popular here, while everything related to horses is an enduring value for local residents.
An actively developing type of recreation in the country is scuba diving in the waters of the Red Sea. I must say that foreign tourists appreciated the untouchedness, as well as the species diversity of this clean sea.
It is impossible not to say about deep-sea fishing in the waters of the Gulf, and directly on the Red Sea. At the same time, ancient original fishing methods are used for catching fish, which can easily compete with modern types of fishing, so such fishing tours are quite popular today.
Saudi Arabia is a rather closed state, the tourist potential of which is the unique nature of the deserts, a combination of ancient traditions and modern trends, as well as many places of worship of the Islamic world, which are the main reason for visiting the country by more than 90% of foreign citizens.
Accommodation
Hotels of all categories are available throughout the country of the Kingdom. Most tourist cities have the opportunity to rent an apartment for a short time, the owners of Shigka-maafroosha are in the lobbies of hotels, offering their services to tourists. 4-5 * hotels are quite expensive, but you get an excellent level of service, and the hotel restaurant will work even in Ramadan.
In this review, we will talk about Saudi Arabia, its history and geography, using Saudi primary sources and other materials.
This site review is made up of three parts:
Page 1. Reference section "Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: characteristics and terms", prepared by the editors of our resource on Saudi and Western sources.
Page 2. Excerpts from the publication in Russian of the Saudi Ministry of Information "Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: History, Civilization and Development: 60 Years of Achievement".
Page 3. Several fragments from the "History of Saudi Arabia" by Russian researcher Alexei Vasiliev.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: characteristics and terms
The emblem of the Saudi Ministry of Information, combining a palm tree and archaic sabers of the Saudi coat of arms with the ultra-modern television tower of Riyadh - the architectural symbol of the Saudi capital.
The emblem adorned one of the first publications in Russian of the ministry, published after the resumption of diplomatic relations in the 1990s - a book in a small album format, but quite detailed "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: History, Civilization and Development: 60 Years of Achievement", on which we will focus more details in the second part of this review.
desert
Ranked 13th in the world in terms of area (2,218,000 km²), this large country is mostly arid desert areas.
Despite the urban culture that has always been present in the history of Saudi Arabia and dominates today, the country declares its Bedouin culture as its basis. Bedouin from the Arabic word "badavi" - "desert dweller, nomad."
The most famous desert of Saudi Arabia Al-Rub Al-Khali - "Empty Quarter".
The Great Nefud (or, otherwise, Nafud) desert lies in the north of the Arabian Peninsula, it is called the younger sister of the Rub al-Khali desert. It is located on the other side of Nej, which on the other side borders on the Rub al-Khali.
Another term from Saudi geography is Wadi (otherwise, Vadis) - a valley or channel (bed) of a river flowing through arid areas, which is filled with water only during the rainy season.
Historical regions of Saudi Arabia, the circumstances of their accession and the current administrative division of the country
Map of Saudi Arabia.
The two most famous deserts of the country are signed in brown here - Al-Rub Al-Khali (RUB AL KHALI) and Nafud (AN NAFUD).
And between them is the natural-historical region of Nej (NAJAD), from where the state of the Saudis began.
We also see on the map the region of Hijaz (AL HIJAZ) with the cities of Mecca and Medina.
After the unification of Nej with Hijaz, Saudi Arabia arises.
Nej and Hijaz are now not reflected in any way on the modern administrative map of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, they are also marked in brown on the map as natural and historical areas.
But the province of Hail was more fortunate. It survived as an administrative entity headed by the provincial center that retained the same name. But Hail was, along with Hijaz, the worst enemy of the ruling house of the Saudis. The city of Hail can be found at the top of this map.
Starting from their family nest - the Nej region, the ruling dynasty of the Saudis gradually annexed all the surrounding state formations of the Arabian Peninsula.
Nedge
Nedge(from the Arabic "highlands") - the central region of Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of the ruling Saudi dynasty. Here is located the capital of the country is Riyadh (ar-Riyāḍ., the name comes from the Arabic word for "gardens".
In the suburbs of Riyadh, there are historical buildings and the ruins of the old capital of the Saudis Diriyah (Deriyah). As for the term Nej, it is not currently referred to in Saudi Arabia as a political or administrative unit, but only as a geographical area.
Hijaz - the abolished state of the Sharifs of Mecca
Hijaz (from Arabic "barrier") is a historical coastal region on the Red Sea, including the desert territory of the same name and the mountains of Hijaz and Asir (from Arabic "difficult"), separating this coast from the central region of Saudi Arabia - Neja.
The Hijaz is home to the two holy Islamic cities of Mecca and Medina..
Saudi publications in Russian
In the 1990s, when diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia were restored with the USSR and then with Russia, the Saudi Ministry of Information published several illustrated books in Russian. The handbook The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the pamphlet The Two Holy Mosques, and the book The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: History, Civilization and Development: 60 Years of Achievement were published.
We will focus on the latter in more detail in this review.. It opens with a greeting from the then Saudi minister of information, Ali ibn Hassan al-Shaer: "This book is like a garden full of various flowers, or like a traveler who has arrived in an unfamiliar city for the first time and has only an hour of free time"...
The book "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: History, Civilization and Development: 60 Years of Achievement" is probably the very first Saudi publication about the Kingdom in Russian after the resumption of diplomatic relations. It is printed on excellent paper and well illustrated.
But it is clear that the Saudi printing house did not even have a Russian font at that time, so just a scanned typewritten set was used. In our illustration (see above, the very first illustration of this review, as well as) from the book with the emblem of the Saudi Ministry of Information, you can see this typewritten set.
There is still a vacuum of information about Saudi Arabia in Russia: the Saudis still do not have official Internet sites in Russian (with the exception of the empty site of the Saudi Arabian embassy).
Radio broadcasting in Russian, unlike some of its Arab neighbors, the country also never conducted (But it is significant that at the same time daily radio programs are conducted from Riyadh via satellite and short waves in Turkmen, Uzbek and Tajik - to the Muslim republics of Central Asia).
So, in order to understand how Saudi Arabia wants to present itself to an audience in Russia, we will limit ourselves to the consideration of the above-mentioned Russian-language Saudi publications. However, we have provided these materials with notes on current English-language sources and some other fascinating materials.
Before moving on to the texts from the books of the Saudi Ministry of Information, for a better understanding of the context, we offer a small reference material on the country, prepared by the editors of the site. The topics raised in this background paper are developed in other sections of this review.
From 1519, the Hijaz was part of the Ottoman Empire, while the desert interior of Saudi Arabia continued to be ruled by local Arab tribal leaders.
In 1916, with the help of Britain, an independent state was proclaimed in Hijaz under the leadership of the Sharif of Mecca, Hussein ibn Ali.
The term "sharif" comes from the Arabic meaning "noble". (In English, the spelling is "Sharif of Mecca" - "Sharif of Mecca", but in Russian the name is also sometimes translated as "Sheriff of Mecca"). The Sharifs of Mecca have always been the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. This position of the manager, or headman of Mecca, appeared during the period of the unified Arab caliphate at the end of the era of the Abbasids, who ruled from Baghdad. The position was retained under the Ottomans. Over the course of history, the Sharifs gradually extended their authority to Medina as well.
The aforementioned Hussein ibn Ali from the Hashemite clan of the descendants of Hashim ibn Abd al-Dar, the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad, became the last sharif of Mecca, accepting in 1916 the new title of king of all Arabs - “malik bilad - al-arab”. Also in 1924, after the founding of the Republic of Turkey, Hussein ibn Ali proclaimed himself the caliph (from the Arabic word for "viceroy") - the spiritual and secular ruler of all Muslims, taking the title assigned to the Ottoman dynasty of Turkish sultans for many centuries.
During the First World War, being part of the Ottoman Empire, Hijaz sided with the Entente countries, which included Britain, while the Ottoman state was on the opposite side of the front (together with Germany). Britain supported the Arab movement for independence from the Ottomans. The adoption of the title of caliph by Hussein was facilitated by the actions of the republican authorities of the new Turkey, which deprived the Ottoman dynasty of the ruling status, first abolishing the sultanate, and after some time the caliphate in Turkey.
Despite the initial successes of the Sharif's house, he was unable to hold on to power in the Arabian Peninsula and would secure enough British support against the Saudis. As a result, in 1925, the British ally, the ruler of Nej and the future Saudi king, Abdul Aziz ibn Saud, conquered the Hejaz, taking care of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina from the sheriff family.
Hussein ibn Ali was forced to flee to the British colony of Cyprus. He died in 1931. After Hussein, the title of Caliph is again vacant. (Later, Great Britain promoted the proclamation of the sons of Hussein Abdullah and Faisal as kings of the newly formed on the site of the Turkish provinces of the Arab kingdoms of Syria and Iraq and artificially created between Iraq and Palestine of Jordan. Today, the descendants of the former sheriffs of Mecca are the rulers of only the Kingdom of Jordan. Iraq and Syria are republics).
In turn, the annexation of the Hejaz allowed Abdulaziz ibn Saud to proclaim the new kingdom of Nej, Hejaz and the annexed provinces, which in 1932 was renamed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in honor of the ruling dynasty.
Currently, the term Hejaz is not mentioned in Saudi Arabia as a political or administrative unit, but only as a historical region and the name of mountains.
Modern administrative division of Saudi Arabia.
hail
hail, another name for Jabal Shammar is a previously independent state in the northeast of the Arabian Peninsula, ruled by the Rashidite dynasty.
Was the main opponent of the Saudites during their struggle for Riyadh and the hinterland of the peninsula. Conquered by the future king of Saudi Arabia, Abdel-Aziom ibn Saud in 1921.
Now the province of Saudi Arabia Hail in the north-east of the country with the provincial center of the same name.
Al Hasa
Al-Hasa is a previously independent principality, and before that, a territory dependent on the Ottoman authorities. Conquered by Abdul-Aziom ibn Saud around 1921. Now part of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is now divided into the following provinces: Al-Baha, Al-Hudud al-Shamaliyya, Al-Jawf, Al-Madina, Al-Qasim, Riyadh, Al-Sharqiya (i.e. Eastern Province), Asir, Hail , Jizan, Mecca, Najran, Tabuk. Each province is led by an emir from the Saudi royal family. The modern territorial division is only indirectly connected with the historical division of the country.
Homeland of Islam and the ancestral home of the Arabs
Pictured from the British Daily Mail newspaper: Saudi King Abdullah (right) with Pope Benedict XVI in the Vatican, during the visit of the Saudi monarch to the Papal States in 2007.
At the same time, we note that the king visits the center of the Christian world - the Vatican, despite the fact that the only official opportunity for a non-believer, for example, a Christian, to get into the holy cities of Saudi Arabia, Mecca and Medina, is to announce that he is going there to convert to Islam.
From the Arabian Peninsula, most of which is now occupied by Saudi Arabia, Islam spread throughout the world, and the Arabs began a progressive movement, capturing vast territories of the Near and Middle East and North Africa, as well as the Iberian Peninsula (present-day Spain and Portugal).
Two sacred mosques
In Saudi Arabia, there are two holy Islamic cities of Mecca and Medina, and the Saudi kings in their title consider the following part of it to be the most honorable: “Keeper (trustee) of the two sacred mosques”. (Note that public display of religious feelings of adherents of any religions other than Islam is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.
Also P Under the threat of the death penalty, the conversion from Islam to another faith is prohibited for all Saudi citizens. So all non-Muslims in Saudi Arabia are foreign nationals. . Saudi visas issued to foreign nationals always indicate religion, and according to these data, security posts around these cities filter out non-believers, turning back. The only official way for a non-believer to get into the holy cities is to announce that he is going there to convert to Islam. With all this, in 2007, a friendly meeting took place between the current Saudi King Abdullah and Pope Benedict XVI in the Vatican, where the king arrived on a visit at the invitation of the Pope).
leader of the arab world
Due to its oil revenues, as well as its reputation as the birthplace of Islam and belonging to the mainstream Sunni Islamic movement, the country is increasingly becoming the informal leader of the Arab and Islamic world. (This role is increasingly being ceded to Saudi Arabia by Egypt, previously considered such a leader, but in post-Nasser times, focused on solving its own economic problems and trying to avoid involvement in costly conflicts).
Country of oil. High quality of life
The Saudis may not have been lucky with the fertility of the land, but they were lucky with the minerals of these lands - the country is one of the world's leaders in oil production (it has 25% of the world's oil reserves), which made it possible to provide the country's not very large population (population 28,686,633 people, density −12 people/km²) a very high standard of living (US$25,338 per capita (2007).
Initially, the version about the presence of oil fields in Saudi Arabia was put forward as early as 1932 by an independent geologist K. Twichel, who visited the country and conducted research on the geological structure.
Officially, oil reserves were confirmed in 1938 by geologists from the American companies Standard Oil of California (SOKAL) and Texas Company (future Texaco). These companies still had to persuade the Saudi king that oil was good for the future of his country. But in the end, these companies got the right to work in Saudi Arabia. One of the reasons for the victory of American companies over the British in the right to obtain a concession for oil exploration and production is believed to be that the United States did not have an imperial past in the Middle East, and King Abdulaziz ibn Saud was less afraid for the independence of his country, collaborating with Americans.
The Saudi publication cited above, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: History, Civilization and Development: 60 Years of Achievement, writes about a significant oil date in the history of their country:
"Black gold" - oil was discovered in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia in 1357 Hijri (in 1938 according to the Greek calendar). The first ten thousand barrels of crude oil were exported on 11 Rabi al-Awwal, 1358 Hijri (05/01/1938 GR.). Due to the Second World War, oil production was suspended and was resumed after it ended ...
The discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia was a good omen for the young state, which suffered in the past from a lack of natural resources. Income from oil production has become a powerful basis for the development of the country ... "
Oil made it possible to create from scratch all the material elements for the life of modern society, and at the highest level: hospitals, schools, roads, entire cities.
The country is also trying to develop non-oil industries at the expense of oil money. A number of large industrial zones with enterprises of the metallurgical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries have been built.
Already in the early 1990s, Saudi Arabia ranked first in the world in the field of seawater desalination.. Then the level of production reached 500 million gallons of drinking water per day with the help of 27 desalination plants located along the western and eastern coasts of the country. At the same time, these installations produced more than 3,500 megawatts of electricity.
With the help of projects for the use of groundwater and desalination of sea water, agriculture is being developed. For example, already in the 1990s, the country ranked first in the world in the production of dates. 500 thousand tons were produced per year. The number of palm trees was about 13 million. At the same time, the country took the 6th place in the world among producers and exporters of wheat. The country is fully self-sufficient in dairy products, eggs and poultry.
Middle Ages today
Despite the fact that the Saudis are reputed to be actively moving around the world and technologically advanced people, and the country pursues a generally pro-Western foreign policy, at the same time, in the sphere of morals, Saudi Arabia represents a real reserve of the past.
Slavery was abolished in 1962. By its decree of November 7, issued that year, the government announced the ransom of all remaining slaves from their owners at a price of $700 per slave and $1,000 per slave. Most of the owners were indignant at such a half-price of the market value, as the American magazine Newsweek wrote at the time, and simply set the slaves free, without turning to the government for compensation, because. in any case, after July 7, 1963, all slaves automatically became free.
Despite the fact that slavery in the country is already in the past, the Saudi state and society still has many features that seem to be a thing of the past.
Until now, on one of the squares of the capital of the country, Riyadh, public executions are carried out by cutting off the head. Also practiced in the country, for example, lashings and stoning (such punishment is provided in particular for women for treason), according to Sharia law. Marriages of Saudi citizens with foreigners are prohibited without special permission, who, as noted above, are not allowed into the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Recall that Saudi nationals are prohibited from preaching any other faith, except Islam.
For years, the Saudi government has fought the country's radical theologians about allowing women to be broadcasters on television. As a result, female presenters are present in the programs of both the first Arabic-language and the second international English-language channels of Saudi television. These channels, as well as Saudi radio in many languages, are now also available on satellite and on the Internet. But as before, the presenters of the programs, both men and women, are required to be dressed in medieval, or, as they would say in Saudi Arabia, traditional Arab robes (for men, this is a long shirt to the heels and a keffiyeh scarf on the head, and for women it is closed dress and scarf-abaya). The same attire is obligatory for all citizens while in public places.
Status of women
Saudi Arabia ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, which entered into force in 1981 on August 28, 2000, but with the proviso that if any of the provisions of the Convention conflict with Islamic law, the kingdom will not be obliged to comply with these provisions .
It was only in 2004 that the ban that prevented women from obtaining business licenses was lifted. Previously, women could only open a business on behalf of a male relative.
According to Human Rights Watch, local women do not have the right to travel with their children without the written permission of their husband, enroll their children in school and apply to government agencies where there are no special departments for serving women. (For an overview of news on the status of women in Saudi Arabia and the Islamic world, see our website).
The low status of Saudi women also affected their educational level. UN experts in their reports pointed to a high level of illiteracy among Saudi women. And the official Saudi publication “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: History, Civilization and Development: 60 Years of Achievement” reflected the backlog of female education in the country with its statistics for the last 25 years of the country’s development:
“The number of school students has grown from 537 thousand (of which 400 thousand are boys) to 2 million 800 thousand (of which 1 million 500 thousand are boys). The number of university students has increased from 6,942 to 122,100 people ... (At the same time) the number of female students has increased from 434 to 53 thousand people.
Returning from the statistics characterizing the position of women to their rights, we note that Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world where women are not allowed to driveat. In June 2010, another human rights campaign failed to get the government to lift the driving ban.
The Russian Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation noted in April 2008:
“Saudi Arabia, living under strict Sharia law, is one of the most conservative countries in the world. The rules for the guardianship of a man over a woman are regulated here by the judiciary, which is under the control of the clergy.
The severity of Islamic norms in modern Saudi Arabia is exacerbated by the fact that the country officially follows the doctrine of the medieval Islamic theologian Sheikh Mohammed Ibn Abd Al Wahhab, who advocated the so-called. "purity of Islam", but, in other words, for following the Islamic tradition in its most radical interpretation. Al Wahhab rendered important services to the royal house of Saud long before the advent of Saudi Arabia. It is also necessary to remember that modern Saudi Arabia was created with the active participation of the Ikhwans - a movement for "pure Islam", whose military formations helped the first Saudi king Abdulaziz ibn Saud capture Mecca and Medina and create Saudi Arabia.
Features of the Saudi monarchy
The absolute monarchy in Saudi Arabia also seems to be a kind of relic form of government. In Saudi Arabia, power is not transferred from father to son, as is customary in monarchies, but according to the internal agreement of the Saudi royal house - brothers, who are all sons of the first king of Saudi Arabia Abdulaziz ibn Saud (also spelled as Abd Al- Aziz Ibn Abd Ar-Rahman Al-Faisal Al Saud, who died in 1953. This founding king had 22 wives (from different tribal families of the country, thus strengthening the unity of the Saudi nation), 37 sons from different wives and several dozen daughters. And in our time (2010), the country is ruled by the son of the first king from the eighth wife, the elderly Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz al-Saud (born in 1924). And the heir to the throne - the son of the first king from another wife - Sultan ibn Abdulaziz Al as Saud (born in 1928).
Foreign policy
Despite the archaic state structure and radical Islamic doctrine, the country pursues a generally pro-Western foreign policy.
Over the past two decades, Saudi Arabia has twice supported Western countries on key issues: in 1991, during the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, which was liberated with the active cooperation of Saudis and Western countries, and in the current campaign against Islamic extremists, despite the fact that Saudi Arabia itself adheres to a rather radical version of Islam.
Diplomatic relations of the USSR, and then Russia and Saudi Arabia. For the first time, Moscow's relations with the then newborn Kingdom of Hejaz, Nejd and the annexed territories (renamed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1931) were established on February 16, 1926, when the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the ruler of Nej, Abdelaziz ibn Saud, annexed Hijaz by military means ( the territory of the region of Mecca and Medina, where a Russian political agency already existed, along with other European missions).
In the 1920s, it was believed in the USSR that by its appearance a new united Arabian kingdom expressed the aspirations of the oppressed peoples for self-determination. Accordingly, a Soviet note of recognition was drawn up:
“... The government of the USSR, based on the principle of self-determination of peoples and deeply respecting the will of the Hedjaz people, expressed in the election of you as their king, recognizes you as the king of Hejaz and the Sultan of Nejd and the annexed regions,” the note handed to Ibn Saud said. "Because of this, the Soviet Government considers itself in a state of normal diplomatic relations with Your Majesty's Government."
In a reply note, the king wrote: “To His Excellency the Agent and Consul General of the USSR. We had the honor to receive your note dated 3 Shaaban 1344 (February 16, 1926) No. 22, announcing the recognition by the Government of the USSR of a new position in Hejaz, which consists in the oath of the population of Hejaz to us as the King of Hejaz, the Sultan of Nejd and annexed regions, for which my Government expresses its gratitude to the Government of the USSR, as well as full readiness for relations with the Government of the USSR and its subjects, which are inherent in friendly powers ... . Compiled in Mecca on the 6th of Sha'ban 1344 (February 19, 1926)."
Later it turned out that the Saudi regime was too pro-Western and traditionalist for relations with the Stalinist Soviet Union, so in 1938 the Soviet embassy was withdrawn from the country, although diplomatic relations were not formally interrupted. The sides exchanged embassies again in 1991 .
Famous Saudis
Now, apart from the founding king of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz ibn Saud, who gave the country the name of his dynasty, the most famous Saudi is the notorious Osama bin Laden, who comes from a wealthy Saudi trading family.
Maxim Istomin for the site (All data at the time of writing the review: 30/07/2010);
On excerpts from the Saudi publication "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: History, Civilization and Development: 60 Years of Achievement", published by the Kingdom in Russian after the restoration of diplomatic relations.
Saudi Arabia is one of the most closed and at the same time the most visited states in the world. It is located on the Arabian Peninsula, where it is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. Until recently, the kingdom developed mainly religious pilgrimage, but in recent years, active work has been carried out to introduce tourist visas.
General information about Saudi Arabia
This country surprisingly combines highly developed technologies and Islamic ones. It is Islam that is the official religion of Saudi Arabia and has a direct impact on all aspects of its life. Even the constitution of the country was written in strict accordance with the sunnahs of the scripture. By the way, the constitution also states that the official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic.
The area of Saudi Arabia is more than 2 million square meters. km. Thanks to this, it is included in the top 20 largest countries in the world. Despite such territory, its population density is relatively low. So, as of 2017, the population of Saudi Arabia is just over 33 million people. Of these, 55.2% are men and 44.8% are women.
The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal, or riyal. The current king is depicted on the banknotes.
The ISO code for Saudi Arabia is SA. This means that the country is a member of the UN organization and its specialized agencies.
Geolocation
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest state on the Arabian Peninsula, occupying 80% of its territory. On the rest, Yemen, Iraq and Syria are located.
Due to the fact that the country occupies a border position between Africa and Eurasia, many still have difficulty determining its location. Some tourists find it difficult to answer the question of where Saudi Arabia is located on the world map. Turning the globe, you can see that the kingdom is located neatly between two continents. For those who do not know which continent Saudi Arabia is located on, it will be interesting to know that this is Eurasia. The country occupies a border position between Africa and continental Asia.
Climate and nature of Saudi Arabia
The country is located about 2000 km from the equator, but, nevertheless, its influence is very noticeable here. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by both tropical, subtropical and sharply continental climate. The average air temperature in July is +38°C, and in January - +22°C.
The boundary geographic position of Saudi Arabia and proximity to the equator have led to the fact that there are many deserts on its territory, which are united in one name - the Great Deserts. Seasonal winds (simum, khamsin, shemal) and sandstorms dominate here. The average annual rainfall is 70-100 mm.
Many travelers are interested in how many rivers there are in Saudi Arabia. There are no permanent sources in the country. Rivers form after heavy rains and dry up after a while.
State system and symbols of Saudi Arabia
The kingdom is known not only for Muslim shrines. Until 1928, there was a tomb in Saudi Arabia, in which the first woman on Earth was supposedly buried. Religious authorities destroyed and concreted the burial. In 2015, the Ark of Gabriel was found in Saudi Arabia. When trying to dig it, 4,000 people died. Some blame this on plasma emission, others on crush.
Saudi Arabia Hotels
Until recently, the entire tourism industry of the country was aimed at serving religious pilgrims. It was on them that everyone and were oriented. Despite the narrow target audience, the country has a wide variety of options for living. The most famous hotels are:
- Radisson Blu in Riyadh;
- Raffles Makkah Palace in Mecca;
- Crowne Plaza in Jeddah;
- Mövenpick Hotel in Medina.
More or less secular conditions can be expected in Jeddah. This city of Saudi Arabia has excellent conditions for a holiday on the Red Sea. The level of service here meets all European standards.
In order to develop the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia, the world's tallest hotel, The Abraj Kudai, will soon open. It will consist of twelve 45-story towers with 10,000 rooms, 70 restaurants and 5 helipads.
Restaurants and Cuisine of Saudi Arabia
The culinary traditions of the kingdom developed under the influence of natural and climatic conditions and the customs of Islam. For the most part, the cuisine of Saudi Arabia is similar to the cuisines of other countries in the Middle East. Her recipes are based on the use of lamb and chicken, rice and a huge amount of seasonings. Pork is not eaten in the country, and all other types of meat are prepared in strict accordance with Halal. A big role in local feasts is given to tea, coffee and various sweets.
You can appreciate the color and variety in the best restaurants:
- The Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh;
- Pullman Zamzam in Mecca;
- Le Méridien in the Medina;
- Belajio in Jeddah.
In accordance with the laws of Saudi Arabia, drinking alcohol is prohibited here.
Public life
The Kingdom has 25% of the world's oil reserves, therefore it is one of the largest exporters of raw materials on the world stage. This significantly affects the standard of living in Saudi Arabia. VAT here is only 5%, and any local resident can take an absolutely interest-free loan. But the market system is deprived of a large part of the working population - women. In general, the rights of the fairer sex, or rather their absence, still excites the inhabitants of the Western world. The head of state of Saudi Arabia determines how the inhabitants of the country should look. For a long time they had to wear a black abaya, covering from the eyes of unfamiliar men, and only in March 2018 this requirement was left in the past.
The country has a low crime rate. According to the customs of Saudi Arabia, public order is maintained by representatives of the Sharia police. However, since 2016, her rights have been significantly curtailed.
The culture of Saudi Arabia has developed and continues to develop in accordance with the traditions of Islam. It is forbidden to build Christian churches, Jewish synagogues and Buddhist temples. Five times a day, a devout Muslim is obliged to perform the prayer to which the muezzin calls.
Transport Saudi Arabia
The country is one of the world's largest oil suppliers, which has affected all sectors of its industry. Saudi Arabia is characterized by a high level of automotive development. The total length of all its roads is almost 222,000 km.
There are 208 in total in Saudi Arabia. Six of them have international status. These are the airports:
- King Fahd in Em Dammam;
- King Abdulaziz in Jeddah;
- King Khalid in Riyadh;
- Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz in Medina;
- Al Asa in Al Hofuf;
- Prince Abdul Mohsin bin Abdulaziz in Yanbu.
The length of the railways of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is several hundred kilometers. A 440 km branch line is currently under construction, which will connect Mecca and Medina. Public transport in the country is underdeveloped. Inside the cities of Saudi Arabia, it is easier to travel by taxi.
How to get to Saudi Arabia?
Until now, the country's air gates have been open only for charter flights with pilgrims. They are carried out by Royal Jordanian and Qatar Airways, whose planes fly three times a week. In addition, many airlines in the world (Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Alitalia, KLM, Air Canada) send regular flights here, and from 2018 it will be possible to fly to Saudi Arabia from Russia.
From Egypt, Sudan, Iran and Eritrea, you can get to the economic capital of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, by ferry. They depart from Suez, Port Sudan, Em Dammam and Massawa.
With all neighboring states, except Iraq, Saudi Arabia is connected by regular bus service. Approximately 5-7 buses per day come from Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. Minibuses from Oman and Jordan also travel through the UAE.
Citizens of Russia and the CIS countries need to enter Saudi Arabia. You can enter the country on a guest, transit, student, work, business and tourist visa. There are also such types of visas as pilgrimage (for Hajj or Omra) and for permanent residence.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(Arabic المملكة العربية السعودية al-Mamlaka al-Arabiya al-Saudiya) is the largest state on the Arabian Peninsula. It borders with Jordan in the north, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates in the east, Oman and Yemen in the south. It is washed by the Persian Gulf in the northeast and the Red Sea in the west.
Saudi Arabia is often referred to as the "Land of the Two Mosques", referring to Mecca and Medina, the two main holy cities of Islam. The short name of the country in Arabic is as-Saudiya (arab. السعودية). Saudi Arabia is currently one of three countries in the world named after the ruling dynasty (the Saudis). (Also the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Principality of Liechtenstein)
Saudi Arabia, with its colossal oil reserves, is the main state of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. From 1992 to 2009, it ranked first in the world in terms of oil production and export. Oil exports account for 95% of exports and 75% of the country's income, making it possible to maintain a welfare state.
Story
ancient history
The territory of present-day Saudi Arabia is the historical homeland of the Arab tribes, who originally lived in the northeast, and in the II millennium BC. e. occupied the entire Arabian Peninsula. At the same time, the Arabs assimilated the population of the southern part of the peninsula - the Negroids.
From the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. e. in the south of the peninsula, the Minean and Sabaean kingdoms existed, and the most ancient cities of the Hijaz - Mecca and Medina - arose as their transit trade centers. In the middle of the 6th century, Mecca united the surrounding tribes and repelled the Ethiopian invasion.
At the beginning of the 7th century, a new religion was created in Mecca - Islam, which strengthened the feudal system and the state of the Arabs - the caliphate with its capital in Medina (since 662).
Spread of Islam
After the resettlement of the Prophet Muhammad in Yathrib, later called Madinat al-Nabi (City of the Prophet) in 622, an agreement was signed between the Muslims, led by the Prophet Muhammad, and the local Arab and Jewish tribes. Muhammad failed to convert local Jews to Islam, and after some time relations between Arabs and Jews took on an openly hostile character.
In 632, with the capital in Mecca, the Arab Caliphate was founded, covering almost the entire territory of the Arabian Peninsula. By the time of the beginning of the reign of the second caliph Umar ibn Khattab (634), all Jews were expelled from the Hijaz. By the same time, there is a rule according to which non-Muslims do not have the right to reside in Hijaz, and today in Medina and Mecca. As a result of the conquests, by the 9th century the Arab state spread over the territory of the entire Middle East, Persia, Central Asia, Transcaucasia, North Africa, and also Southern Europe.
Arabia in the Middle Ages
In the 16th century, Turkish rule began to be established in Arabia. By 1574, the Ottoman Empire, led by Sultan Selim II, had finally conquered the Arabian Peninsula. Taking advantage of the weak political will of Sultan Mahmud I (1730-1754), the Arabs began to make their first attempts to build their own statehood. The most influential Arab families in the Hejaz at that time were Sauds and Rashidis.
First Saudi State
The origin of the Saudi state began in 1744 in the central region of the Arabian Peninsula. The local ruler Muhammad ibn Saud and the Islamic preacher Muhammad Abdul-Wahhab united to create a single powerful state. This alliance, concluded in the 18th century, marked the beginning of the ruling Saudi dynasty to this day. After some time, the young state came under pressure from the Ottoman Empire, which was concerned about the strengthening of the Arabs near its southern borders. In 1817, the Ottoman Sultan sent troops under the command of Muhammad Ali Pasha to the Arabian Peninsula, who defeated the relatively weak army of Imam Abdullah. Thus, the First Saudi State lasted 73 years.
Second Saudi State
Despite the fact that the Turks managed to destroy the beginnings of Arab statehood, just 7 years later (in 1824) the Second Saudi State was founded with its capital in Riyadh. This state existed for 67 years and was destroyed by the old enemies of the Saudis - the Rashidi dynasty, originally from Hail. The Saudi family was forced to flee to Kuwait.
Third Saudi State
In 1902, 22-year-old Abdel Aziz from the Saud family captured Riyadh, cracking down on the governor from the Rashidi family. In 1904, the Rashidis turned to the Ottoman Empire for help. They brought in their troops, but this time they were defeated and withdrew. In 1912, Abdel Aziz captured the entire Najd region. In 1920, using the material support of the British, Abdel Aziz finally defeated Rashidi. Mecca was occupied in 1925. On January 10, 1926, Abdulaziz al-Saud was proclaimed king of the Hejaz. A few years later, Abdel Aziz captured almost the entire Arabian Peninsula. On September 23, 1932, Nejd and Hijaz were merged into one state, called Saudi Arabia. Abdulaziz himself became the king of Saudi Arabia.
In March 1938, colossal oil fields were discovered in Saudi Arabia. Due to the outbreak of World War II, their development began only in 1946, and by 1949 the country already had a well-established oil industry. Oil has become a source of wealth and prosperity for the state.
The first king of Saudi Arabia pursued a rather isolationist policy. Under him, the country never became a member of the League of Nations. Before his death in 1953, he left the country only 3 times. However, in 1945 Saudi Arabia was a founding member of the UN and the Arab League.
Abdel Aziz was succeeded by his son Saud. His ill-conceived domestic policy led to a coup d'état in the country, Saud fled to Europe, power passed into the hands of his brother Faisal. Faisal made a huge contribution to the development of the country. Under him, the volume of oil production increased many times, which made it possible to carry out a number of social reforms in the country and create a modern infrastructure. In 1973, by removing Saudi oil from all trading floors, Faisal provoked an energy crisis in the West. His radicalism did not find understanding among everyone, and 2 years later Faisal was shot dead by his own nephew. After his death, Saudi Arabia's foreign policy became more moderate under King Khalid. After Khalid, the throne was inherited by his brother Fahd, and in 2005 by Abdullah.
Political structure
The state structure of Saudi Arabia is determined by the Basic Government Document adopted in 1992. According to him, Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy ruled by the sons and grandsons of the first king, Abdel Aziz. The Quran is declared the constitution of Saudi Arabia. The law is based on Islamic law.
The head of state is the king. Currently, Saudi Arabia is led by the son of the founder of the country, King Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz al-Saud. Theoretically, the power of the king is limited only by Sharia law. The most important state decrees are signed after consultation with the ulama (a group of religious leaders of the state) and other important members of Saudi society. All branches of government are subordinate to the king. The Crown Prince (heir) is elected by the Committee of Princes.
The executive power in the form of the Council of Ministers consists of the prime minister, the first prime minister and twenty ministers. All ministerial portfolios are distributed among the king's relatives and appointed by him.
Legislative power is represented in the form of a kind of parliament - the Consultative Assembly (Majlis ash-Shura). All 150 members (all men) of the Consultative Assembly are appointed by the King for a four-year term. There are no political parties.
The judiciary is a system of religious courts where judges are appointed by the king on the recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council. The Supreme Judicial Council, in turn, consists of 12 people, also appointed by the king. The independence of the judiciary is guaranteed by law. The king acts as the highest court with the right to grant amnesty.
local elections
Until 2005, even local authorities in the country were not elected, but appointed. In 2005, the authorities decided to hold the first municipal elections in more than 30 years. Women, as well as military personnel, are excluded from voting. In addition, not all of the local councils were elected, but only half. The other half is still appointed by the government. On February 10, 2005, the first round of municipal elections took place in Riyadh. Only men aged 21 and older were allowed to participate in them. The second stage was held on March 3 in five regions in the east and south-west of the country, the third - on April 21 in seven regions in the north and west of the country. In the first round, all seven seats on the Riyadh council were won by candidates who were either imams of local mosques, or teachers of traditional Islamic schools, or employees of Islamic charitable organizations. The same alignment of forces was repeated in other regions.
Law and order
Criminal law is based on Sharia. Oral or written discussion of the existing political system is prohibited by law. The country strictly prohibits the use and circulation of alcohol and drugs. For theft, cutting off the brush is due. Extramarital sex is punishable by whips. Murder and certain other crimes carry the death penalty. Decapitation is used as the ultimate punishment. However, it should be noted that the application of all penalties is possible only if many conditions are met. In particular, a thief can only be punished if there are at least two witnesses who saw the crime with their own eyes (and there is no doubt about their honesty). Also, if it is established that the one who committed theft did it in extreme necessity (hunger, etc.), then this is also an excuse. In general, there is a presumption of innocence, that is, until guilt is reliably proven, a person is not considered a criminal. According to Sharia, it is better not to punish the criminal than to punish the innocent.
Administrative divisions of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 provinces (mintaqat, singular - mintaqah):
- El Baha
- El Hudud ash Shamaliyya
- El Jauf
- El Madina
- El Qasim
- Riyadh
- Ash Sharqiya
- Ha'il
- jizan
- Mecca
- Najran
- Tabuk
88% of Saudi Arabia's population is concentrated in cities. The largest city, the capital of the kingdom, the economic and political center is Riyadh with a population of 4260 thousand people. Jeddah is the second largest city, the most important port on the Red Sea. Mecca and Medina, being one of the largest cities in the country, are the symbols of Saudi Arabia and the holy cities of Islam. As a rule, during the Hajj period, the population in Mecca can double. The most important role in the country's economy is played by the ports on the Persian Gulf: Dammam, Jubail and Khafji. The main oil refining capacities are concentrated in these cities.
Geography
Saudi Arabia occupies about 80% of the territory of the Arabian Peninsula. Due to the fact that the national borders of the state are not clearly defined, the exact area of Saudi Arabia is unknown. According to official data, it is 2,217,949 km², according to others - from 1,960,582 km² to 2,240,000 km². One way or another, Saudi Arabia is the 14th largest state in the world.
In the west of the country, along the coast of the Red Sea, the Al-Hijaz mountain range stretches. In the southwest, the height of the mountains reaches 3000 meters. The Asir resort area is also located there, attracting tourists with its greenery and mild climate. The east is occupied mainly by deserts. The south and southeast of Saudi Arabia is almost completely occupied by the Rub al-Khali desert, through which the border with Yemen and Oman passes.
Most of the territory of Saudi Arabia is occupied by deserts and semi-deserts, which are inhabited by nomadic Bedouin tribes. The population is concentrated around a few large cities, usually in the west or east near the coast.
Relief
According to the structure of the surface, most of the country is a vast desert plateau (height from 300-600 m in the east to 1520 m in the west), slightly dissected by dry riverbeds (wadis). In the west, parallel to the coast of the Red Sea, the Hijaz (Arab. "barrier") and Asir (Arab. "difficult") mountains stretch 2500-3000 m high (with the highest point of An-Nabi-Shuaib, 3353 m), passing into coastal lowland Tihama (5 to 70 km wide). In the mountains of Asir, the relief varies from mountain peaks to large valleys. There are few passes through the Hijaz mountains; communication between the hinterland of Saudi Arabia and the shores of the Red Sea is limited. In the north, along the borders of Jordan, the rocky desert of El Hamad stretches. The largest sandy deserts are located in the northern and central part of the country: Big Nefud and Small Nefud (Dehna), known for their red sands; in the south and southeast - Rub al-Khali (Arabic "empty quarter") with dunes and ridges in the northern part up to 200 m. Undefined borders with Yemen, Oman and the United Arab Emirates run through the deserts. The total area of deserts reaches approximately 1 million square meters. km, including Rub al-Khali - 777 thousand square meters. km. Along the coast of the Persian Gulf stretches in places swampy or saline lowland El-Khasa (up to 150 km wide). Seashores are predominantly low, sandy, and slightly indented.
The climate in Saudi Arabia is extremely dry. The Arabian Peninsula is one of the few places on Earth where temperatures consistently exceed 50°C in summer. However, snow falls only in the Jizan mountains in the west of the country, and not every year. The average temperature in January is between 8°C and 20°C in desert towns and between 20°C and 30°C along the Red Sea coast. In summer, the temperature in the shade ranges from 35 °C to 43 °C. At night in the desert, you can sometimes encounter temperatures close to 0 ° C, as the sand quickly gives off the heat accumulated during the day.
The average annual rainfall is 100 mm. In the center and east of Saudi Arabia, it rains exclusively in late winter and spring, while in the west it rains only in winter.
Vegetable world
White saxaul and camel's thorn grow in places on the sands, lichens on hamads, wormwood, astragalus on lava fields, solitary poplars, acacias, and tamarisk in more saline places; along the coasts and solonchaks - halophytic shrubs. A significant part of the sandy and rocky deserts are almost completely devoid of vegetation. In spring and in wet years, the role of ephemera in the composition of vegetation increases. In the mountains of Asir - areas of savannas, where acacias, wild olives, almonds grow. In the oases there are groves of date palms, citrus fruits, bananas, cereals and horticultural crops.
Animal world
The fauna is quite diverse: antelope, gazelle, hyrax, wolf, jackal, hyena, fennec fox, caracal, wild donkey, onager, hare. There are many rodents (gerbils, ground squirrels, jerboas, etc.) and reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles). Among the birds - eagles, kites, vultures, peregrine falcons, bustards, larks, sandgrouse, quail, doves. Coastal lowlands serve as breeding grounds for locusts. There are more than 2,000 species of corals in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf (black coral is especially valued). About 3% of the country's area is occupied by 10 protected areas. In the mid-1980s, the government established the Asir National Park, which preserves nearly extinct wildlife species such as the oryx (oryx) and the Nubian ibex.
Economy
Advantages: Huge oil and gas reserves and an excellent associated processing industry. Well-controlled surplus and stable current income. Big income from 2 million pilgrims to Mecca a year.
Weaknesses: underdeveloped professional education. High subventions for food. Imports of most consumer goods and industrial raw materials. High youth unemployment. The dependence of the country's welfare on the ruling family. Fear of instability.
Saudi Arabia's economy is based on the oil industry, which accounts for 45% of the country's gross domestic product. 75% of budget revenues and 90% of exports are exports of petroleum products. The proven oil reserves are 260 billion barrels (24% of the proven oil reserves on Earth). Moreover, unlike other oil-producing countries, in Saudi Arabia this figure is constantly increasing, thanks to the discovery of new fields. Saudi Arabia plays a key role in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, through which it regulates world oil prices.
In the 1990s, the country experienced an economic recession associated with falling oil prices and, at the same time, a huge population growth. Because of this, GDP per capita fell from $25,000 to $7,000 in a few years. In 1999, OPEC decided to drastically cut oil production, which led to a jump in prices and helped to correct the situation. In 1999, extensive privatization of electricity and telecommunications enterprises began.
In December 2005, Saudi Arabia joined the World Trade Organization.
International trade
Export - 310 billion dollars in 2008 - oil and oil products.
The main buyers are the USA 18.5%, Japan 16.5%, China 10.2%, South Korea 8.6%, Singapore 4.8%.
Imports - $108 billion in 2008 - industrial equipment, food, chemicals, cars, textiles.
The main suppliers are the USA 12.4%, China 10.6%, Japan 7.8%, Germany 7.5%, Italy 4.9%, South Korea 4.7%.
Transport
Railways
Rail transport consists of several hundred kilometers of 1435 mm standard gauge railways linking Riyadh with major ports on the Persian Gulf.
In 2005, the North-South project was launched, which provides for the construction of a 2,400 km long railway line at a cost of over $2 billion. and worth $ 800 million. Already in May 2008, the results of the tender were canceled, and the president of Russian Railways, Vladimir Yakunin, called this decision a political one.
In 2006, a decision was made to build a 440-kilometer branch line between Mecca and Medina.
Car roads
The total length of motor roads is 152,044 km. Of them:
With a hard surface - 45,461 km.
Without hard coating - 106,583 km.
It is believed that in terms of the quality of roads, Saudi Arabia occupies one of the last places among neighboring oil-exporting countries. However, roads in unsatisfactory condition are found only in the regions. In large cities, primarily in Riyadh, the roads are among the best in the world. The asphalt there has a special composition designed to reduce the amount of heat absorbed, thus saving the townspeople from the heat.
Saudi Arabia remains the only country in the world where women (of any nationality) are banned from driving. This rule was adopted in 1932 as a result of a conservative interpretation of the provisions of the Koran.
Air Transport
The number of airports is 208, of which 73 have concrete runways, 3 have international status.
Pipeline transport
The total length of pipelines is 7,067 km. Of these, oil pipelines - 5,062 km, gas pipelines - 837 km, as well as 1,187 km of pipes for the transportation of liquefied gas (NGL), 212 km - for gas condensate and 69 km - for the transportation of petroleum products.
Armed forces
The armed forces of Saudi Arabia are subordinate to the Ministry of Defense and Aviation. In addition, the ministry is responsible for the development of the civil (along with the military) aviation sector, as well as meteorology. The post of Minister of Defense since 1962 has been occupied by the King's brother Sultan.
224,500 people (including the national guard) serve in the ranks of the armed forces of the kingdom. The service is contractual. Foreign mercenaries are also involved in military service. Every year, 250,000 people reach military age. Saudi Arabia is among the top ten countries in terms of military funding, in 2006 the military budget amounted to 31.255 billion US dollars - 10% of GDP (the highest among the Gulf countries). Mobilization reserves - 5.9 million people. The number of armed forces is constantly growing, so in 1990 they numbered only 90 thousand people. The main supplier of weapons for the kingdom is traditionally the United States (85% of all weapons). The country produces armored personnel carriers of its own design. The country is divided into 6 military regions.
Structure
Troop types:
- Ground troops
- Rocket troops
- Naval Forces
- Royal Air Force
- Air Defense Forces
- Paramilitaries
The Border Guard Corps (1050 people) in peacetime is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Coast Guard: number - 4.5 thousand people. has 50 patrol boats, 350 motor boats, a royal yacht.
Security forces - 500 people.
Domestic policy. Judicial system
Executions in Saudi Arabia occur, on average, more than twice a week. So on Fridays on Justice Square in the center of Riyadh, opposite the main mosque of the city, a lot of people gather. On the pedestal, those condemned to death are beheaded.
Foreign policy and international relations
Saudi Arabia's foreign policy is focused on maintaining the kingdom's key positions in the Arabian Peninsula, among Islamic states and oil exporting states. Saudi diplomacy protects and promotes the interests of Islam around the world. Despite allied relations with the West, Saudi Arabia is often criticized for leniency towards Islamic radicalism. It is known that Saudi Arabia was one of two states that recognized the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Saudi Arabia is the home of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, as well as many warlords and mercenaries who fought against federal troops in Chechnya. Many militants have taken refuge in this country since the end of hostilities. Difficult relations are also developing with Iran, since both Saudi Arabia and Iran, being the centers of the two main branches of Islam, claim informal leadership in the Islamic world.
Saudi Arabia is a key member in such organizations as the League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
In 2007, diplomatic relations were established between Saudi Arabia and the Holy See.
Population
According to the 2006 census, the population of Saudi Arabia was 27.02 million, including 5.58 million foreigners. The birth rate is 29.56 (per 1000 people), the death rate is 2.62. The population of Saudi Arabia is characterized by rapid growth (1-1.5 million / year) and youth. Citizens under the age of 14 make up almost 40% of the population. Until the 1960s, Saudi Arabia was predominantly inhabited by nomads. Due to economic growth and rising prosperity, cities began to grow, and the share of nomads decreased to only 5%. In some cities, the population density is 1000 people per km².
90% of the country's citizens are ethnic Arabs, there are also citizens of Asian and East African origin. In addition, 7 million migrants from various countries, including: India - 1.4 million, Bangladesh - 1 million, Philippines - 950,000, Pakistan - 900,000, Egypt - 750,000. 100,000 migrants from Western countries live in closed communities.
The state religion is Islam.
Education
In the initial period of its existence, the Saudi state could not give all its citizens a guarantee of education. Only the ministers of mosques and Islamic schools were educated. In such schools, people learned to read and write, and also studied Islamic law. The Saudi Ministry of Education was founded in 1954. It was headed by the son of the first king, Fahd. In 1957, the first university in the kingdom, named after King Saud, was founded in Riyadh. By the end of the 20th century, a system was established in Saudi Arabia that provided all citizens with free education - from pre-school to higher education.
Today, the education system in the kingdom consists of 8 universities, over 24,000 schools and a large number of colleges and other educational institutions. More than a quarter of the state annual budget is spent on education. In addition to free education, the government provides students with everything they need to study: literature and even medical care. The state also sponsors the education of its citizens in foreign universities - mainly in the USA, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, Malaysia.
The culture of Saudi Arabia is strongly associated with Islam. Every day, five times a day, the muezzin calls devout Muslims to prayer (prayer). Serving another religion, distributing other religious literature, building churches, Buddhist temples, synagogues is prohibited.
Islam forbids the consumption of pork and alcohol. Traditional food includes grilled chicken, falafel, shawarma, kebab, kussa mahshi (stuffed zucchini), as well as unleavened bread - khubz. In almost all dishes, various spices and spices are abundantly added. Among the favorite drinks of the Arabs are coffee and tea. Their drinking is often ceremonial. Arabs drink black tea with the addition of various herbs. Arabic coffee is famous for its traditional strength. It is drunk in small cups, often with the addition of cardamom. Arabs drink coffee very often.
In clothing, the inhabitants of Saudi Arabia adhere to the national traditions and canons of Islam, avoiding excessive frankness. Men wear long shirts made of wool or cotton (dishdasha). The traditional headdress is the gutra. In cold weather, a bisht is worn over the dishdashi - a cape made of camel hair, most often in dark colors. Women's traditional clothes are richly decorated with tribal signs, coins, beads, threads. When leaving home, a Saudi woman is required to cover her body with an abaya and her head with a hijab. Foreign women are also required to wear an abaya (with trousers or a long dress underneath).
Public theaters and cinemas are banned as they are against the principles of Islam. However, in communities where predominantly western workers live (eg Dhahran), there are such establishments. Home video is very popular. Western-made films are practically not subject to censorship and are readily bought up by the population.
Public holidays are Thursday and Friday.
Sport
Sports are popular among young people. Women rarely play sports; if they do it, then in enclosed spaces, where there are practically no men. The most popular game is football, although the national team of the kingdom also takes part in championships in volleyball, basketball, and also in the Summer Olympics. The Saudi Arabia national football team is considered one of the strongest teams in Asia. Saudi Arabia has won the Asian Cup three times - in 1984, 1988 and 1996.
Extremely popular among young people is drifting (from the English to drift - drift, slide) - a technique for driving a car in a controlled skid. Such competitions are prohibited by law. Often they are not without victims, but they invariably gather crowds of motorists, spectators and onlookers. In May 2007, the country's government announced that recklessness, which would result in the death of a person in the event of an accident, would be considered premeditated murder and punished accordingly - beheading.
Religion
The official and only religion of Saudi Arabia is Islam. The majority of the population professes Salafi. 10% of Shiites are concentrated in the eastern provinces of the country. The Saudi authorities allow people of other religions to enter the country, but they are prohibited from worshiping.
The religious police (muttawa) operate in the country. Soldiers of the Sharia Guard constantly patrol the streets and public institutions in order to suppress attempts to violate the canons of Islam. If a violation is found, the perpetrator shall be punished accordingly (from a fine to beheading).
According to the results of the study of the international charitable Christian organization "Open Doors" for 2010, Saudi Arabia takes 3rd place in the list of countries where the rights of Christians are most often oppressed.
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