Kingdom of Saudi Arabia المملكة العربية السعودية

1932 CE – 9999 CE · Arabian Peninsula

Al Saud-Wahhabi alliance; oil-funded welfare state; Custodianship of the Two Holy Mosques

Capital

Riyadh

Peak Era

1973–present (Oil Era)

Historical Significance

Custodian of Islam's two holiest cities (Mecca and Medina), the world's largest oil exporter, and the most influential state sponsor of Salafi-Wahhabi Islamic education worldwide. Saudi Arabia's petroleum wealth and religious prestige have shaped the modern Muslim world more than any other single state. However, the sponsorship of Salafi-Wahhabi teachings has also led to internal tensions within Islam, as differing interpretations and practices have emerged in response to its global dissemination.