Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Oct 20: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Asia
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 2,240,000 sq kmThe main portion of the Arabian Peninsula; almost entirely desert, but contains 25% of the world’s known oil reserves.
Population: 26,245,969 Annual Growth: 2.14%
Capital: Riyadh
Urbanites: 82.1%
HDI Rank: 59 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 42 (62% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: Arabic Languages: 20 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Muslim| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 1,425,156 | 5.43 | 2.6 |
| Evangelicals | 88,620 | 0.3 | 4.3 |
| Muslim | 24,253,900 | 92.41 |
Challenges for Prayer
Saudi Arabia’s record on religious freedom and human rights is notorious and probably the world’s worst. Abuses occur through a corrupt judicial system and through aggressive and ubiquitous religious police (mutaween) who operate with minimal accountability and the government’s acquiescence. Christian and secular international bodies promoting equality and freedom of conscience regularly condemn Saudi practices. Pray for a greater recognition of human rights and religious freedom.The nation faces great stresses. Under increasing pressure, the aging leadership must walk the impossible path between those pushing for liberalization and those demanding stricter Islamization. The following challenges need prayer:
a) Economic. Over-reliance on oil exports and foreign labour has taken its toll – the growing gap between rich and poor, and widespread unemployment and discontent among the spoiled younger generation, often push them into the arms of extremism. The Saudi-ization of the economy results in more difficult conditions for expats as well as pressure to create hundreds of thousands of new and acceptable jobs for Saudis. Spiraling personal debt and the need for personal “connections” to secure a desirable job add to the financial stress for many.
b) Social. Strict Islamic laws keep the nation in a stranglehold. The most controversial and contradictory issue is that of women’s rights. Driving, voting, working, even going out are prohibited or severely restricted for women. Despite harsh societal restrictions, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual immorality and HIV/AIDS are hidden but real problems.
c) Military. Although the government can point to several successes, the battle between the military and Islamist terrorists intensifies with each year. The presence of Western military forces rankles many.
For an additional 7 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
