Over
recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been confronted with what many
consider its greatest challenge: achieving modernity without surrendering its
heritage, faith, or culture. Examining the metrics of the Kingdom, from GDP to
literacy rates, one finds ever-present success. Seventy-five years ago, Saudi
Arabia did not exist; today, it is a nation marked by sophisticated political,
legal, and financial systems, with a culture rich in history and deep in faith.
But there is still much to be done. Since September 11, 2001, when the world
was thrown in flux, Saudi Arabia has recognized the need for greater reform -
economic, social, and political. As such, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has
embarked upon a comprehensive reform agenda to promote a vibrant economy, a
civil society, and broader political participation by Saudi citizens. In
addition, Saudi Arabia has amplified its efforts to reveal its domestic
progress to the international community, so that mutual understanding between
the Kingdom and the nations of the world can be achieved.
To fully understand any nation in the modern era, it is important to examine
the characteristics of its society and culture. Vital to this effort is the
availability of accurate and timely information about relevant issues, ranging
from the nation's efforts in the global War on Terrorism, to its relationship
to the international community, to its internal structure. This section of the
website seeks to impart this information and offer people across the United
States a closer look at the unique characteristics that create the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia: a desert Kingdom rooted in history and propelled by faith,
forging a place for itself in the modern global community.