Over recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been confronted with what many consider its greatest challenge: achieving modernity without surrendering its heritage, faith, or culture. Examining the metrics of the Kingdom, from GDP to literacy rates, one finds ever-present success. Seventy-five years ago, Saudi Arabia did not exist; today, it is a nation marked by sophisticated political, legal, and financial systems, with a culture rich in history and deep in faith.

But there is still much to be done. Since September 11, 2001, when the world was thrown in flux, Saudi Arabia has recognized the need for greater reform - economic, social, and political. As such, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has embarked upon a comprehensive reform agenda to promote a vibrant economy, a civil society, and broader political participation by Saudi citizens. In addition, Saudi Arabia has amplified its efforts to reveal its domestic progress to the international community, so that mutual understanding between the Kingdom and the nations of the world can be achieved.

To fully understand any nation in the modern era, it is important to examine the characteristics of its society and culture. Vital to this effort is the availability of accurate and timely information about relevant issues, ranging from the nation's efforts in the global War on Terrorism, to its relationship to the international community, to its internal structure. This section of the website seeks to impart this information and offer people across the United States a closer look at the unique characteristics that create the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a desert Kingdom rooted in history and propelled by faith, forging a place for itself in the modern global community.