Final answer:
Saudi Aramco is called a 'city within a city' because of its self-sufficient, walled compound that offered a stark contrast to the living conditions outside its walls. It provided all necessary amenities for its workers, creating an enclave that operated with substantial independence from the surrounding areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Saudi Aramco is often referred to as a 'city within a city' due to its extensive facilities and infrastructure that resemble a self-contained urban area. When Aramco (the Arabian American Oil Company) was formed, it created a substantial presence in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, not just in the oil industry but also in social and urban development. The American compound was walled and self-sufficient, housing nearly 5,000 Americans with amenities such as air-conditioned shopping centers and modern hospital facilities, while the Arabic workers lived outside in less favorable conditions. This segregation created a stark contrast between the living standards inside the Aramco compound and the surrounding areas, illustrating the disparities in wealth and lifestyle as a result of the oil boom.
The company's impact extended beyond its corporate operations, playing a significant role in the political and economic landscape of Saudi Arabia, by providing the wealth necessary for the consolidation of power by the Saud dynasty. The kingdom's economy is heavily reliant on the export of oil, with Saudi Arabia controlling a significant portion of the world's known oil reserves and being a key player in OPEC. Aramco's role in the country's development and the divergence of lifestyles within its walls compared to outside is what makes it emblematic of a 'city within a city'.