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From the initial discovery of commercial quantities in 1938, oil has transformed Saudi Arabia. Originally a nomadic society primarily based
on agriculture and commerce, the country has ridden the oil economy for much of this century, urbanizing rapidly as it grew into the world's
leading oil producer and exporter. Saudi oil -- all but 5% of which is produced by the government controlled oil company Aramco -- now accounts for more than 90% of the country's exports, 75% of government revenues
and 55% of the gross domestic product. Oil has also funded a broader transformation of society, supporting the development of Saudi cultural
institutions, expanding social services, and building roads and schools, telecommunications, and other services.
Saudi oil rig
Credit: Wendy Cocker
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Who's Who - Read about the
ten most influential members of the House of Saud.
Interactive Map - Learn about
the Saudi oil industry and the world's dependence on such.
Info-Graphic -
Examine the numbers of Muslims in the World and in the West.
Debate: Islam and
Democracy Two scholars, Dr. Daniel Pipes and Dr. Muqtedar Khan
discuss the compatibility of Islam and democracy.
Interactive Map: Middle
East- Learn more about the politics, population and history of
Middle East countries.
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