Saudi Arabia is the centre of religious life for over one billion Muslims. It is the birthplace of Islam, Wahhabism, Osama bin Laden and most of the 9/11 hijackers. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia controls over one quarter of the world's diminishing oil reserves and billions of dollars worth of investments in the West and is often referred to as the only 'family-owned business in the United Nations'. The way the Saudis think, express themselves, act, work and solve problems is of increasing and overwhelming significance to the world. This candid, penetrating view of the culture, history and evolution of Saudi Arabia offers a thorough understanding of how the country developed and why things are as they are.