History of Saudi Arabia

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Capital: Riyadh
Language: Arabic Language
Currency: Saudi Riyal

         The History of Saudi Arabia as a state, began with its foundation in 1993 by Abd-ul-Aziz Al-Saud, Although the history of what was to become Saudi Arabia goes back to the beginnings of human habitation in Arabia up to 20,000 years ago.The region has twice in world history had a global impact. The first was in the 7th century when it became the cradle of Islam. The second was from the mid 20th century when the discovery of vast oil deposits propelled it into a key economic and Geo-political role. At other times, the region existed in relative obscurity and isolation, although from the 7th century the cities of Mecca and Medina had the highest spiritual significance for the Muslim world, Mecca being the destination for the Hajj annual pilgrimage.
     
          For much of its history most of the region has been controlled by patchwork of tribal rulers. The Al-Saud (the Saudi Royal family) were originally miner tribal rulers in Najd in central Arabia. From the mid 18th century imbued with the religious zeal of the Wahabbi Islamic movement, they beecame aggressively expensionist. Over the following 150 years, the extent of the Al-Saud Territory fluctuated. However,  between 1902 and 1927, the Al Saud leader, Abd-ul-Aziz, carried out a series of wars of conquest which resulted in his creation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.

          Since 1932, Abd-ul-Aziz , and , after his death in 1953, five of his sons in succession have ruled Saudi Arabia as an absolute monarchy. His immediate successor Saud, facing opposition from the rest of the Royal family, was replaced by Faisal in 1964. Until his murder by a relative in 1975, Faisal presided over a period of growth and modernization fueled by oil wealth. Saudi Arabia rules in 1973 oil crises and the subsequent rise in the price of oil , dramatically increased the countries political significance and wealth.