In the past generation Saudi Arabia has become a major source of influence as the world's largest exporter of petroleum and oil products, and as one of the richest countries in the world in its reserves of wealth.

Meanwhile it fulfils its ancient role as the fountainhead of Islam. It is to Makkah that millions of Muslims turn to pray, and to Makkah they come, if they can, at least once in a lifetime, as pilgrims in obedience to their faith. In these two functions Saudi Arabia conducts itself with widely admired earnestness. The responsibilities of world affairs and material progress have indeed become great since Saudi Arabia rose out of poverty to riches during the second half of our century. Yet these are never greater than the spiritual responsibilities as the provenance of Islam and guardian of the Holy Places of revelation to the Prophet Mohammad.The Kingdom of Saudi Arabiais long established as the work providing detailed information to all those in need of authoritative knowledge of country. This new fully revised edition brings together a readable text, updated facts and figures, and many fine photographs hitherto unpublished, as a foundation on which to build a lasting acquaintance with one of the most remarkable countries in the modern world.

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