the throne since 13 June 1982, regent from 1 January to 22
February 1996); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of
government elections: none; the monarch is hereditary head of government:
King and Prime Minister FAHD bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 13 June 1982);
Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al
Saud (half-brother to the monarch, heir to the throne since 13 June 1982,
regent from 1 January to 22 February 1996); note - the monarch is both
the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Council of Ministers
is appointed by the monarch and includes many royal family members

Legislative branch: a consultative council (90 members and a chairman
appointed by the monarch for four-year terms)

Judicial branch: Supreme Council of Justice

Political parties and leaders: none allowed

Political pressure groups and leaders: none

International organization participation: ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF,
BIS, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-19, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM,
IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM,
OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador BANDAR
bin Sultan bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud chancery: 601 New Hampshire Avenue
NW, Washington, DC 20037 consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles,
and New York telephone: [1] (202) 342-3800

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
Robert W. JORDAN (since 3 October 2001)
Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh mailing address: [966]
(1) 488-3800 FAX:
Flag description: green with large white Arabic script (that may be
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);
green is the traditional color of Islam

Economy Saudi Arabia

Economy - overview: This is an oil-based economy with strong government
controls over major economic activities. Saudi Arabia has the largest
reserves of petroleum in the world (26% of the proved 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 25% of GDP comes from the private
sector. Roughly 4 million foreign workers play an important role in