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While oil has brought many Saudis great wealth, economists are concerned
about the long-term effects of the country's dependence on these
revenues. Long-term predictions of oil production are notoriously
problematic, and the Saudi officials tend to reveal little about their
country's total resources. Still, analysts expect Saudi production to
peak in the early 21st century and decline thereafter. Meanwhile,
significant population growth -- more than doubling from 10 million in
1980 to 24 million in 2003 -- has meant that limited oil revenues must
be spread ever more thinly among the population. To meet these
concerns, the Saudi government has allocated some of the nation's oil
revenue to diversify the economy and develop other, sometimes more
traditional, industries. Saudi investment thus far has focused on
agriculture, fishing and other industries including iron and steel,
construction materials, food processing, chemicals, and metal
fabrication.
Fishermen, Qatif region
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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