Saudi Arabia

Political and Security Environment

Family Rule.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a hereditary monarchy ruled by a single royal family: the House of Saud.  Founded by King Abdul Aziz al-Saud in September 1932, Saudi Arabia does not have political parties or national elections.  In 1992, the Basic Law was adopted, which declared the country a monarchy to be ruled by King al-Saud's heirs.  It also declared that the Holy Koran would be the nation's constitution and that governing rule...