Comment by wavefunction

I don't find it too objectionable, Saudi Arabia refers to the country and part of Arabia (the peninsula) that is under control of the House of Saud. It may be an expat affectation though. My... American family lived there when I was a child and we called it "Saudi." Flying back to Saudi, where we'd see and interact with the native Saudis. To your point about New Zealand, of course NZ would be used.