Geography-Alex

Saudi Arabi is a rather large country located on the Arabian Penninsula.  The county itself is about 2, 149,190 sq km, or one-fifth the size of the US (www.cia.gov).  The country is known for its extreme geography and climate.  It’s location, and natural resources have made Saudi Arabia a rich and well known country.

Saudi Arabi has a harsh landscape.  Nintey-five percent of the country is covered by desert (www.worldatlas.com).  Among these deserts is the Rub’ Al Khali, which is the biggest mass of sand in the world (www.worldatlas.com). The southwestern part of the country is known for its rugged mountains (www.cia.gov).  These mountain ranges include the Hejaz, and the Azir (www.worldatlas.com).  The highest of these mountains is the Jabal Sawda’ with an elevation of 10,279 ft (www.worldatlas.com).  With such little rain fall water is a very scarce commotity.  Ground water has been used in the past, but they are beginnig to run out.  This has lead to the desalinization of salt water along the coast. 

Saudi Arabia is a country full of history.  Much of this history is based around the many landmarks.  The most well known landmark in the country is in the holy Islamic city of Mecca (www.mapsofworld.com).  This city is where the Kaaba is located.  The Kaaba is considered to be the center of the Islamic world (islam.about.com).  The Kaaba is also the location of the Hajj.  The Hajj is a pilgrimage taken by all Muslims to the city of Mecca.  The Hajj is an important religious tradition.  Medina is also located in Saudi Arabia.  Medina is the city that Muhammid travled to after being kicked out of Mecca. 

Saudi Arabia is currently ruled by a monarchy.  The monarch also has a council of ministers, and a consultive council (www.state.gov).  These people all work to lead the country by following the Qur’an.  The leaders are split into three branches.  The king has control of the executive branch.  This makes him the chief of state, and the head of the government (www.state.gov).  The legislative branch consists of a consultive council with advisary powers.  The judicial system is headed by the Supreme Council of Justice.  The Supreme Council is normally only used for first instance, and appeals (www.state.gov).

Saudi Arabia’s economy is mainly based around oil.  Oil is the countries largest export, and it accounts for 80%(www.cia.gov) of the countries budget revenues.  This oil comes from Saudi Arabia’s vast reserves.  The reserves account for 20% (www.cia.gov) of the worlds known oil reserves.  All these oil companys also produce many jobs for the company.  The oil industry has helped to keep the shielded from the world recession.  The oil indistry has also helped Sudi Arabia to become one of the richest countries in the world with A $581.3 billion GDP (www.cia.gov).  

Works Cited:

CIA – The World Factbook — Saudi Arabia.” Welcome to the CIA Web Site Central Intelligence Agency. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sa.html.

“Saudi Arabia Map, Map of Saudi Arabia.” World Map, Map of the World. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.mapsofworld.com/saudi-arabia/.

“Saudi Arabia (01/09).” U.S. Department of State. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3584.htm.

“Map of Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia Map and Information, Middle East Countries, Ridayh – World Atlas.” World Atlas of Maps Flags and Geography Facts and Figures – Maps. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/sa.htm.