Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia sits at the ninth place of this year’s most powerful countries in the world. The giant country that lies in the Arabian Peninsula has vast lands and wealth.

Located in the Western part of Asia, Saudi Arabia spans about 830,000 square miles, making it the fifth largest in the continent. It is also the second largest Arab country in the world, next to Algeria.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is home to 32.9 million people. About 50 percent of its population is below 24 years of age.

This powerful Arab country used to be the heart of cradle of the civilization, Fertile Crescent. The arc-shaped region had seen Agricultural and technological development, which include the use of irrigation as well as the invention of writing, glass, and the like.

What makes Saudi Arabia stand out from the rest of nations is its arid climate and deserts. The country’s deserts were discovered to contain overflowing oil reserves. It has about 22 percent of the world’s oil deposits.

Oil is one of the limited commodities that keep the world turning. Since then, Saudi has become a top exporter of oil, hence, its rapid economic growth.

Today, Saudi Arabia has a GDP of $683.8 billion, with a GDP per Capita of $ 54,532. In fact, nearly half of its GDP comes from oil.

On top of its oil reserves, the country also has gas reserves, the sixth largest in the world.  Saudi has also ventured in manufacturing concrete, steel, auto parts, and construction materials.

At present, Saudi Arabia is building the Jeddah Tower, formerly known as the Kingdom Tower. The unprecedented 3,280-feet or 1,000-meter-tall building is expected to open in 2020. By then, the Jeddah Tower will knock Dubai’s skyscraper, Burj Khalifa, off its throne as the world’s tallest building.

Saudi’s form of government is a Unitary Islamic absolute monarchy. There is a king, the crown prince, and deputy crown prince. The king of the Islamic state is a direct descendant of the kingdom’s 1932 founder. His official title is “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques” and has assistance from 12 appointed ministers.

The people living in the country share a rich culture and deep heritage. Also, they are more committed to their religion. The country has four World Heritage Sites.

The Islamic kingdom receives millions of Muslims from various parts of the globe to take part in a pilgrimage to Mecca every year. They commonly believe that prophet Mohammed was born in Mecca, the cradle of Islam.

Saudi Arabia’s Domestic Challenges

Saudi Arabia also deals with domestic challenges, as well as ongoing threats from nearby countries. Currently, it builds a fence along its border due to the conflict in Yemen. The wall also helps restrain ISIS members from infiltrating the country.

The growing tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran wave across the region. The country fights an internal war, too, against extremist groups and protesters who demand reform. Still, the kingdom limits freedom of expression, uses torture on its prisoners, and does public executions.

It is extremely wealthy in the supply of oil. However, the Islamic state also looks other means to reduce its dependency on oil.

The country now implements its newest policy known as Saudization. Aimed at addressing high unemployment rates, the ministry of labor mandates a certain level of companies’ workforce is comprised of Saudi nationals.

Saudi Arabia is a founding member of OPEC. As the newest member of the World Trade Organization, the country has allowed itself to welcome foreign investment.