Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula. Here are some key points about the nation:
Geography
History
- The area now known as Saudi Arabia has been inhabited since the Paleolithic. It contains numerous ancient sites, including those from the Nabataean Kingdom and the Lihyan Kingdom.
- In the 18th century, Muhammad bin Saud and religious scholar Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab formed an alliance to establish the first Saudi State, which began the political history of the modern Saudi family.
- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded by Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud in 1932, after a series of conquests that unified various regions under his rule.
- Discovery of oil in commercial quantities in 1938 transformed the country's economy and its geopolitical significance.
Economy
- Saudi Arabia is the world's largest exporter of petroleum, and oil accounts for more than 90% of its export earnings.
- The government has been pushing for economic diversification through its Vision 2030 program, which includes developing sectors like tourism, entertainment, and technology.
Culture
- The culture of Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in Islam, with Mecca and Medina, two of the holiest cities in Islam, located within its borders.
- Traditional dress includes the thobe for men and the abaya for women.
- The Arabic language is the official language, and Arabic calligraphy is considered an art form.
- Music and dance, like the Najdi Dabke, are integral to cultural celebrations.
Politics
Sources
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