Saudi Arabia: Introduction

Saudi Arabia is a country in the Middle East bordering the Persian Gulf and Red Sea. Extensive coastlines provide leverage on shipping, especially crude oil, through the Persian Gulf and Suez Canal. Neighboring countries include Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The geography of Saudi Arabia is primarily desert with rugged mountains in the southwest. The government system is a monarchy. The chief of state and head of government is the King and Prime Minister. Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with strong government controls over major economic activities.