Government And Economics
Saudi Arabia
Government
Government Type- absolute monarchy
Leader- King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud
Branches-
- Executive- cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch every 4 years and includes many royal family members
elections/appointments: none; the monarchy is hereditary; note - an Allegiance Council created by royal decree in October 2006 established a committee of Saudi princes to a role in selecting future Saudi kings
- Legislative- 150 seats; members appointed by the monarch to serve 4-year terms
- Judicial- the High Court chief and chiefs of the High Court Circuits appointed by royal decree following the recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council, a 10-member body of high level judges and other judicial heads; new judges and assistant judges serve 1- and 2- year probations, respectively, before permanent assignment
How does the government affect the people....
Economy Type
Economy Type- Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with strong government control over major economic activities. Saudi Arabia possesses 18% of the world's proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and played a leading role in OPEC for many years.
Level of development- Estimates vary as to the rate at which the Saudi economy will expand this year, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting GDP will rise by 6.5%, while some local experts put the figure at near 7.5%, in part driven by higher earnings from oil exports and increased state spending on housing and infrastructure developments.
GDP- $665.5 billion, Per Capita- $54,600
Currency- Saudi riyal.
Population below poverty line- has the tenth lowest poverty rate worldwide.
Top imports- machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor vehicles, textiles
Top exports- petroleum and petroleum products 90% (2012 est.)
Entertainment
Festivals- The country's only official holidays are the Muslim holy days of Eid ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and the lesser-known holiday of Eid al-Adha, held roughly 70 days after Ramadan.
Authors- Ahlam Mostaghanemi, Nazar Qabbani, Muhammed Aby Khubza.
Dancing- The most traditional of dances performed in Saudi Arabia is the Al Ardha which is also known as the “Sword Dance.” Al Ardha is in fact the country’s national dance and naturally will be performed by men. Every national day and at very special occasions the Al Ardha dance will be performed and at those same special occasions, even King Abdullah will participate in the dance.
Theatre- One Thousand and One Nights- One Thousand and One Nights is a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian stories and folk tales compiled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age
Museums- National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Royal Saudi Air Force Museum.
Music- Middle Eastern music is based on the maqam system. A maqam roughly corresponds to a Western musical scale. For example, where an American musician might perform Pachelbel’s Canon in D (a canon - a classical form
Instruments- Tabla-A drum, shaped somewhat like a goblet, traditionally made of clay and covered by a goatskin head. The tabla is literally the heartbeat of Middle Eastern music, as its beat keeps time for the other members of the orchestra. This drum is sometimes referred to as a durbakke or the doumbek.
Kanun-A stringed instrument similar to the zither, the kanun has 72 strings, which are plucked by rings fastened to the musician’s fingers. The kanun has a delicate, intricate sound, brighter and seemingly faster than the oud.
Sports- Camel Racing is very popular and soccer is as well.
National Anthem
Long Live Our Beloved King
Hasten to glory and supremacy!
Glorify the Creator of the heavens
And raise the green, fluttering flag,
Carrying the emblem of Light!
Repeat - God is greatest!
O my country,
My country, may you always live,
The glory of all Muslims!
Long live the King,
For the flag and the country!
Citations
"The World Factbook: Saudi Arabia." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, 20 Apr. 2016. Web. 01 May 2016.
"Arabic Music." : Religion and Music. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"Saudi Arabia Profile - Leaders." BBC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.