Saudi Arabia Bahrain Qatar United Arab Emirates Oman Yemen Map (China-foreign comparison)

Author: Zhou Min, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Saudi Arabia is located on the Arabian Peninsula. It borders the Persian Gulf to the east and the Red Sea to the west, sharing borders with Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen. Its coastline is 2,437 kilometers long. The terrain is higher in the west and lower in the east. The western highlands have a Mediterranean climate, while other regions have a subtropical desert climate. In summer, coastal temperatures range from 38 to 39°C, with inland temperatures sometimes reaching as high as 54°C; winters are mild. Average annual rainfall is less than 200 millimeters. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia occupies four-fifths of the Arabian Peninsula. Its population is approximately 19.4 million, with 100% being Muslim. Most residents are Arab, with nomadic tribes known as Bedouins. Islam is the state religion, and Arabic is the official language. In addition, there are over 2 million foreign expatriates, including Africans, Iranians, Indians, Bangladeshis, and Pakistanis, as well as Turks and Western expatriates from Europe and America. In the 7th century, some successors of the founder of Islam, Muhammad, established the Arab Empire, which reached its peak in the 8th century, spanning Europe, Asia, and Africa. It began to decline in the 11th century and was ruled by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. In the 19th century, Britain invaded, dividing the country into the Hejaz and Nejd regions. In 1924, the ruler of Nejd, Abdul-Aziz bin, annexed the Hejaz, and the following year proclaimed himself King. After 30 years of warfare, Abdul-Aziz bin finally unified the Arabian Peninsula and declared the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on September 23, 1932, which is celebrated as Saudi National Day.
[Politics] Saudi Arabia is a theocratic monarchy where political parties are banned. There is no constitution, and the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad serve as the basis for national law. The King is also known as the "Servant of the Two Holy Cities (Mecca and Medina)" and holds the positions of Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister). The King exercises supreme executive and judicial authority. Ministers, deputy ministers, regional Emirs (governors), deputy Emirs (deputy governors), foreign ambassadors, and other senior administrative officials, as well as army colonels and above, are appointed by the King. The King has the power to approve or veto decisions of the Council of Ministers and treaties and agreements with foreign countries. On March 1, 1992, King Fahd issued the Basic Law of Governance, which stipulates that the King of Saudi Arabia shall be chosen from the distinguished descendants of its founder, King Abdul-Aziz bin. On August 20, 1993, a new Cabinet Law was enacted, stipulating that the King serves as the Prime Minister, has the right to appoint deputy prime ministers and ministers, dissolve or reorganize the Cabinet, and that ministers report directly to the Prime Minister. The Cabinet is composed of the deputy prime minister, ministers, appointed state ministers, and royal advisors, with a term of four years. The King has the power to appoint or depose the Crown Prince, dissolve the Consultative Council. The Basic Law also abolished the automatic succession of the Crown Prince to the throne and confirmed Crown Prince Abdullah as the heir to the throne. In June 2000, Saudi Arabia established a new Royal Family Committee, consisting of 18 members, with Crown Prince Abdullah and Deputy Prime Minister Sultan serving as chairman and vice chairman, respectively. The committee is responsible for handling internal affairs of the royal family.