Salman (1935-…) became the king and prime minister of Saudi Arabia in January 2015. Salman came to power following the death of King Abdullah, Salman’s half brother. Abdullah had ruled Saudi Arabia since 2005. Saudi Arabia is a monarchy under the Al Saud ruling family.
Salman ibn Abd al-Aziz (also spelled bin Abdulaziz) Al Saud was born on Dec. 31, 1935, in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. He was educated at the Prince’s School in Riyadh. Salman served as governor of Riyadh province from 1955 to 1960 and from 1963 to 2011. In 2011, he was appointed minister of defense. In 2012, Salman was named crown prince (heir to the throne) and deputy prime minister.
