Location: The Middle East, bordering Iraq 814 km, Jordan 744 km, Kuwait 222 km,
Oman 676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km
Oman 676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km
Capital: Riyadh
Climate: harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes
Population: 25,795,938 including 5,576,076 non-nationals (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%
Religions: Muslim 100%
Government: monarchy
Saudi Arabia has become a cosmopolitan city over the years, but people have not lost their values and traditions. Their customs and hospitality showcase their deep love for the culture of Saudi Arabia.
The traditional clothes in Saudi Arabia and Golf Countries.
The clothes that are commonly in Saudi Arabia and the Golf Countries display the rich culture of Golf Countries. The men in this region wear thobe (white gown), ghutra (white headdress), and bisht (black overcoat). Women Clothes in Saudi Arabia are the traditional burkhas, and cover their heads and bodies.
History
The History of Saudi Arabia traces back to15,000 to 20,000 when hunter-gatherers roamed here but as the climate changed people settled in Saudi Arabia and thus permanent settlement gave rise to languages, political systems, art and architecture.
The landmark in history of Saudi Arabia came in the year 610, Muhammad, received a message from God. He preached oneness of God slowly Prophet Muhammad's following grew. By 628, when Medina was in the hands of the Muslims as the Prophet unified the tribes.
The empire of Islam spread with setting up of The First Saudi State during the 18th century, a Muslim scholar and reformer Shaikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab began advocating pure teachings of Islam. The ruler of second Saudi State was Turki bin Abdullah Al-Saud under him Ottomans captured Saudi Arabia in 1891.
The Modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established by Abdulaziz who regained the state from the Al-Rashid family. He established Riyadh as his headquarters and united tribes into one nation. On September 1932, he gave the country the name of Saudi Arabia.
King Abdulaziz (1932-1953) started building the country's infrastructure he emphasized on setting up roads and basic communications systems, modern technology, and improved education, health care and agriculture. King Saud (1953-1964) sponsored international Islamic conference- the Muslim World League. King Faisal (1964-1975) started series of economic and social development plans like establishing the public schools for girls.
King Khalid (1975-1982) and King Fahd (1982-2005) also laid stress on development, and their reign was marked by an explosive growth in the country's physical infrastructure. These kings also supported world peace, stability and security. Peace in the Middle East.
Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz became King in August 2005and he has appointed his brother Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz as Crown Prince. Crown Prince Sultan is also Minister of Defense and Aviation, and the Kingdom's Inspector-General.
Prince Sultan chairs numerous organizations like National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, the Saudi Arabian Railways Organization, Higher Council for Islamic Affairs, and Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Charity Foundation.
History of Saudi Arabia helps us to understand how did the Kingdom become a sophisticated state from a desert nation.
