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The central institution of Saudi Arabia n Government is the Monarchy . The Basic Law adopted in 1992 declared that Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by the sons and grandsons of King Abd Al Aziz Al Saud , and that the Qur'an is the constitution of the country, which is governed on the basis of Islam ic law ( Shari'a ). DETAILED VIEW There are no recognized political parties or National Election s. The king's powers are theoretically limited within the bounds of Shari'a and other Saudi traditions. He also must retain a consensus of the Saudi Royal Family , religious leaders ( Ulema ), and other important elements in Saudi society. The state's ideology is the Wahhabism . This flavour of Islam spreads further by funding construction of mosques and Qur'an schools around the world. The leading members of the royal family choose the king from among themselves with the subsequent approval of the ulema. Saudi kings gradually have developed a central government. Since 1953 , the Council of Ministers, appointed by and responsible to the king, has advised on the formulation of general policy and directed the activities of the growing bureaucracy. This council consists of a prime minister, the first and second deputy prime ministers, 20 ministers (of whom the minister of defense also is the second deputy prime minister), two ministers of state, and a small number of advisers and heads of major autonomous organizations. Legislation is by resolution of the Council of Ministers, ratified by royal decree, and must be compatible with the Shari'a. Justice is administered according to the Shari'a by a system of religious courts whose judges are appointed by the king on the recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council, composed of 12 senior Jurist s. The independence of the judiciary is protected by law. The king acts as the highest court of appeal and has the power to pardon. The country is in a state of war with Israel since 1948 . Access to high officials (usually at a Majlis , or public audience) and the right to petition them directly are well-established traditions. ENFORCEMENT OF SHARI'A "Religious policemen" ( Mutaween ) are employed by the Committee For The Propagation Of Virtue And The Prevention Of Vice , a government bureaucracy in Saudia Arabia, to enforce Shari'a Law and bans upon the practice of religions other than Islam. DIVISIONS OF THE KINGDOM The kingdom is divided into 13 provinces governed by princes or close relatives of the royal family. All governors are appointed by the King. In March 1992 , King Fahd issued several decrees outlining the basic statutes of government and codifying for the first time procedures concerning the royal succession. The King's political reform program also provided for the establishment of a national Consultative Council, with appointed members having advisory powers to review and give advice on issues of public interest. It also outlined a framework for councils at the provincial or emirate level. In September 1993 , King Fahd issued additional reform decrees, appointing the members of the national Consultative Council and spelling out procedures for the new council's operations. He announced reforms regarding the Council of Ministers, including term limitations of 4 years and regulations to prohibit conflict of interest for ministers and other high-level officials. The members of 13 provincial councils and the councils' operating regulations also were announced in September 1993 . In July 1997 , the membership of the Consultative Council was expanded from 60 to 90 members, and again in May 2001 from 90 to 120 members and then again in 2005 to 150 members. Membership has changed significantly during expansions of the council as many members have not been reappointed. The role of the council is gradually expanding as it gains experience. OTHER DATA Country name: ''conventional long form:'' Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ''conventional short form:'' Saudi Arabia ''local long form:'' Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah (Arabic: المملكة العربيّة السّعوديّة) ''local short form:'' Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah (Arabic: العربيّة السّعوديّة) Data code: SA. Government type: Monarchy . Capital: Riyadh (Arabic: الرّياض, Romanization: Ar-Riyyāḍ) Administrative divisions: 13 provinces (Mintaqat, singular - mintaqah); Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah, Al Jawf, Al Madinah, Al Qasim, Ar Riyad, Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern Province), 'Asir, Ha'il, Jizan, Makkah, Najran, Tabuk Independence: September 23 , 1932 (Unification) National holiday: Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932) Constitution: Governed according to Shari'a (Islamic law); the Basic Law that articulates the government's rights and responsibilities was introduced in 1993 Legal system: Based on Islamic law, several secular codes have been introduced; commercial disputes handled by special committees; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction. Suffrage: None. Executive branch: ''Chief of state'': His Majesty King (And Prime Minister - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government) Abdullah bin 'Abdul-'Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005 ) The Custodian Of The Two Holy Shrines Office of H.M. The King Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Salutation: Your Majesty His Royal Highness Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister SULTAN Bin Abd Al-Aziz Al Saud (half-brother to the monarch, heir to the throne since 1 August 2005 ''Cabinet'': Council of Ministers is appointed by the monarch and includes many royal family members. See also Turki Bin Faisal His Royal Highness Prince Naif vin 'Abdul-'Aziz, Minister of the Interior Ministry of the Interior P.O. Box 2833 Airport Road, Riyadh 11134 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Salutation: Your Royal Highness His Royal Highness Prince Saud al-Faisal bin 'Abdul 'Aziz Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasseriya Street, Riyadh 11124 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Salutation: Your Royal Highness His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh Minister of Justice Ministry of Justice Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Salutation: Your Excellency ''Elections'': None; the monarch is hereditary. Legislative branch: A Consultative Asembly Of Saudi Arabia (90 members and a chairman appointed by the monarch for four-year terms) POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS As stated above, Saudi Arabia has no parliament. Only a "Consultative Council" ('' Majlis As-Shura '') with 90 appointed members with only consultative tasks exists. No Political Parties are allowed in Saudi Arabia. In 2005, the first Saudi Arabian Municipal Elections were held. Though no parties are allowed, the Green Party Of Saudi Arabia exists as an illegal organization. The Arab Socialist Action Party and the Communist Party Of Saudi Arabia are disbanded. JUDICIAL BRANCH Supreme Council of Justice. INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATION Saudi Arabia is member of the ABEDA , AfDB , AFESD , AL , AMF , BIS , ESCWA , FAO , G-19 , G-77 , GCC , IAEA , IBRD , ICAO , ICC , ICRM , IDA , IDB , IFAD , IFC , IFRCS , ILO , IMF , International Maritime Organization , Inmarsat , Intelsat , Interpol , IOC , ISO , ITU , NAM , OAPEC , OAS (observer), OIC , OPCW , OPEC , UN , UNCTAD , UNESCO , UNIDO , UPU , WCO , WFTU , WHO , WIPO , WMO , WTrO (Applicant) SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS
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