"Country two mosques" (Mecca and Medina) - so different are often called Saudi Arabia.The form of government of this state - the absolute monarchy.Geographic information, a brief history and information about the political system of Saudi Arabia to help a general idea about this country.
General
Saudi Arabia - the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula.In the north it is bordered by Iraq, Kuwait and Jordan in the east - with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, in the south-east - with Oman, and in the south - with Yemen.It owns more than 80 percent of the peninsula and several islands in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
More than half of the country occupied by the desert Rub 'al Khali.In addition, the north is part of the Syrian Desert, and is located in the south of An-Nafud - another big desert.The plateau in the center of the country is crossed by several rivers, tend to dry up in the hot period.
Saudi Arabia is extremely rich in oil.Profits from the sale of "black gold" the government partially invested in the development of the country, partly invests in industrialized countries and uses to provide loans to other Arab powers.
form of government Saudi Arabia - an absolute monarchy.Islam is recognized as the state religion.Arabic is the official language.
name of the country has given its ruling dynasty - Saudis.It is the capital city of Riyadh.The population is 22.7 million people, mostly Arabs.
Early History
Arabia in the first millennium BC on the banks of the Red Sea was Mineyskoe kingdom.On the east coast located Dilmun, considered the political and cultural federation in the region.
570 year event occurred, determined the fate of the Arabian Peninsula - in Mecca Mohammed was born, the future prophet.His teachings literally revolutionized the history of these lands, subsequently influenced the features of the form of government of Saudi Arabia and the culture of the country.
followers of the prophet, known as caliphs (caliphs), won almost all of the Middle East, bringing Islam.However, with the advent of the Caliphate, which was the first capital of Damascus, and later - Baghdad, the value of the homeland of the Prophet gradually lost its importance.At the end of the XIII century the territory of Saudi Arabia was almost entirely under the control of Egypt, and another two and a half centuries, these lands were ceded to the Ottoman Porte.
emergence of Saudi Arabia
In the middle of XVII century there was a state Najd, who managed to get the ports independently.In the middle of the XIX century it became the capital of Riyadh.But the civil war which broke out a few years, has led to the fact that the weakening of the country was divided between the neighboring powers.
In 1902, the son of Sheikh oasis Dirayyah, Ibn Saud, was able to take Riyadh.Four years later, under his control it was almost the entire Najd.In 1932, underlining the special significance in the history of the royal house, he officially gave the country the name of Saudi Arabia.The form of government of the state has allowed the Saudis to achieve absolute power on its territory.
From the middle of the last century, this state has become a major ally and strategic partner of the US in the Middle East region.
Saudi Arabia government
Constitution of the State officially declared the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.However, the political system of Saudi Arabia, government authorities and the general principles defined by the Basic Law (Law), which came into force in 1992.
This act contains a provision stating that Saudi Arabia - a sovereign Islamic state system of power in which - monarchist.The political system of the country is based on Sharia.
King of the Saudi ruling family is also a religious leader and highest authority on all types of power.At the same time he holds the post of supreme commander of the army, has the right to make appointments to all key civil and military posts, to declare war and a state of emergency in the country.He also oversees so that the overall political orientation of Islam meets the standards and monitors the execution of the principles of Sharia.
State authorities
executive power in the state exercised by the Council of Ministers.King has served as its chairman, was he involved in its formation and reorganization.Nizam, approved by the Council of Ministers, shall bring into force by royal decree.Ministers head the relevant ministries and agencies, for the activities which they are responsible to the king.
The legislature also made king, in which the Advisory Council with consultative rights.Members of this Council have expressed their views on the draft Nizams taken by Ministers.Chairman of the Advisory Board and sixty members and appointed by the monarch (for four years).
At the head of the judiciary is the Supreme Judicial Council.On the proposal of the board of the King appoints and dismisses judges.
Saudi Arabia, government and government which are based on almost absolute power of the king and the veneration of the Islamic religion, officially has no trade unions or political parties.The ministry of a religion other than Islam are also prohibited.
