Since September 11, 2001, Saudi Arabia has come into the spotlight of global public attention. Not only was Osama Bin Laden a Saudi national until his expatriation in 1994, but 15 of the 19 hijackers on September 11 also came from the land of the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. While not ignoring the significance of terrorism for the current situation in Saudi Arabia, the author sheds light on other serious issues facing the country: challenges in economic and demographic development, unemployment, the role of women, as well as the complicated relationship with the USA, the evolution of Saudi Islamism, and questions of succession. Special attention is given to the difficult relationship between state and religion. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the history, politics, economy, society, and culture of Saudi Arabia.