“Our words are as lifeless as a tyrant’s conscience.”
Ghazi al-Gosaibi
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Population
Area
Currency
Religions
80% Sunni
Shia and Christian minorities
GDP (nominal)
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Political system
Founded in 1932 by Ibn Saud, Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy rooted in an alliance with the Wahhabi clergy. The discovery of oil transformed the kingdom’s economy and elevated its regional role, creating a rentier state able to redistribute wealth. Successive kings consolidated centralized rule within the royal family while gradually modernizing infrastructure and public services.
The rise of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2017 marked a turning point, ushering in an ambitious program of economic and social reform while maintaining tight political control and cracking down on dissent. A major Gulf power and a key U.S. ally, Saudi Arabia also maintains strong ties with China and Russia.
In retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory in late February 2026, Iran launched a campaign of missile and drone strikes against energy and economic infrastructure across the Gulf, including in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has called for de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, whose closure is weighing heavily on its economy. The kingdom is activating alternatives, notably the East-West pipeline to the Red Sea, to limit the losses.
Crown Prince since 2017, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is the kingdom’s de facto ruler after sidelining rivals within the royal family. Sweeping social reforms, megaprojects and an unprecedented concentration of power underpin his ambition to position Saudi Arabia as a global player. Through Vision 2030, he aims to diversify the economy, though the program faces financial constraints and regional instability. His more independent foreign policy, including a historic rapprochement with Iran, was shaken by Iranian retaliation on Saudi territory in March 2026, exposing vulnerabilities and raising questions about the strength of ties with Washington.
