Political pressure groups and leaders:
none
International organization participation:
ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, BIS, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IPU, ISO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW,
OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WTO, WToO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador TURKI al-Faysal bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud
chancery: 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 342-3800
FAX: [1] (202) 944-3113
consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador James C. OBERWETTER embassy: Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh mailing address: American Embassy, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693 telephone: [966] (1) 488-3800 FAX: [966] (1) 488-3989 consulate(s) general: Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)
Flag description:
green, a traditional color in Islamic flags, with the Shahada or
Muslim creed in large white Arabic script (translated as "There is
no god but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God") above a white
horizontal saber (the tip points to the hoist side); design dates to
the early twentieth century and is closely associated with the Al
Saud family which established the kingdom in 1932
Economy Saudi Arabia
Economy - overview:
This is an oil-based economy with strong government controls over
major economic activities. Saudi Arabia possesses 25% of the world's
proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the largest exporter of
petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. The petroleum sector
accounts for roughly 75% of budget revenues, 45% of GDP, and 90% of
export earnings. About 40% of GDP comes from the private sector.
Roughly 5.5 million foreign workers play an important role in the
Saudi economy, particularly, in the oil and service sectors. The
government is encouraging private sector growth to lessen the
kingdom's dependence on oil and increase employment opportunities
for the swelling Saudi population. The government has begun to
permit private sector and foreign investor participation in the
power generation and telecom sectors. As part of its effort to
attract foreign investment and diversify the economy, Saudi Arabia
acceded to the WTO in 2005 after many years of negotiations. With
high oil revenues enabling the government to post large budget
surpluses, Riyadh has been able to substantially boost spending on
job training and education, infrastructure development, and
government salaries.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$346.3 billion (2005 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate):
$264 billion (2005 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
6.5% (2005 est.)