6 Although Saudi Arabia signed the U.N. Charter, which guarantees freedom of religion, Saudis who confess Christ face the death penalty

7 Life is difficult for expatriates

8 Christian expatriates live under strict surveillance

9 Witnessing by other means:

a) Saudis abroad

b) Christian radio. Over 146 hours of broadcasting weekly in Arabic

c) Christian literature and video cassettes

d) Satellite television

Politics

Absolute monarchy and a semi-feudal state with administration, diplomacy and commerce tightly controlled by the large royal family.

Religion

An Islamic state committed to the role of the custodian of Islam and its holiest sites.

Churches in Saudi Arabia

Geography

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Area 2,240,000 sq.km. The main portion of the Arabian Peninsula; almost entirely desert but containing 25% of the world's known oil reserves.

Population (2000) 21,606,691 +3.43%AGR

Capital Riyadh 3.35 mill.

Peoples

Arab 83.8%; Asian 14.2%; African 1.4%; Other 0.6%.

Literacy 62.8%. Official language Arabic. All languages 5.

Economy

Enormous oil wealth produces two-thirds of government revenue and is used to improve services and communications, develop industries and finance Islamic expansion around the world. HDI 0.740; 78^th/174. Income/person $7,150 (22.7% of USA).

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