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| People:
The majority of the population of 25 million are Arabs from the ancient Bedouin tribes with some Arabs from surrounding countries. About 20% of the people are foreign workers. The population growth rate of 3.3% is one of the highest in the world. The family is the focal point of identity, loyalty, and social status. Average household is large with 6 children. |
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Politics:
Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by the house of Saud. The government uses the Sharia’ Law (Islamic Law) as a guiding principle of rule for law, business, taxation, and government. The Law also states the duties of the state to protect Islam, human rights and provide security and service to its citizens. Back to top |
Religion:
Islam is the official state religion. About 89% of the people are Sunni Muslims and 5% are Shia Muslims. The form of Islam supported by the govt. is socially and theologically conservative. People must observe strict religious requirement in public. Govt. sends out official enforcers (mutawwa) to ensure observance of these rules. The govt. does not allow public practice of non-Islamic religions and prohibits missionaries. The two most holy places for Muslims, Mecca and Medina are located here. Besides daily prayers, the mosque is used for various gatherings and education. Back to top Economy:
Some of the world’s largest gas and oil fields lie under Saudi Arabia. Oil discovery has transformed the country. Oil profits are used for transportation, housing, health, education, and defense. Principle exports are oil, dates, livestock. Imports are textiles, grains, and other foods and various manufactured products. Unions and collective bargaining are not permitted in Saudi Arabia. Back to top | Notables:
The Saudi company ARAMCO is the world’s largest producer of oil. Saudi Arabia was a founding member of OPEC. It is the world’s largest producer of desalinated water. Also 10% of the world’s date palms are grown here. In the national flag, the palm tree symbolizes vitality, growth and prosperity; and the crossed swords symbolize strength and stamina.
Public housing is provided for students, public workers, and people with low income. Named in September 2004 to the U.S. State Department’s blacklist of “countries of particular concern” for its severe violations of religious freedom, Saudi Arabia prohibits the public practice within its borders of any religion other than Islam.
Despite government insistence that non-Muslims are allowed to practice their beliefs in private, the semi-autonomous religious police continue to arrest and demand the deportation of Christian guest workers caught meeting for worship in their homes.
More than a fourth of the residents of the Saudi kingdom are foreign citizens.
Find out more about life in the Muslim world at the Open Doors online store.
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Prayer Points: - Safe distribution of Bibles and Christian materials for those seeking the truth of Jesus Christ.
- Salvation for the whole royal family.
- Encouragement of Saudi Christians who live under constant threat and government scrutiny.
- Protection for home fellowships, that they would be a refuge for believers and a safe place for people to learn about Christ.
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