Saudi Arabia in Perspective: Orientation Guide and Saudi Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Security, Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Wahhabism, Terrorism, Wadis, Persian Gulf, Oil

This is a professionally-formatted, free flowing ebook reproduction of unique, up-to-date guides produced by the Department of Defense that provide comprehensive information about all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia, with a special emphasis on geography, history, the economy, society, security and military matters, religion, traditions, urban and rural life, ethnic groups, crime, the environment, government, holidays, gender issues and much more.

CHAPTER 1: PROFILE * Introduction * Area and Borders * Geography and Topography * Hejaz and Asir * Nejd * Al-Hasa * Rub al-Khali * Climate * Bodies of Water * Wadis * Red Sea * Persian Gulf * Major Cities * Riyadh * Jeddah * Dhahran-Dammam-al-Khobar * Mecca (Makkah) * Medina * History * Early History * Origins of the Saud Family (1450-1765) * Rise of Wahhabism * Founding of the Modern State (1900-1953) * King Saud and King Faisal (1953-1975) * Recent Events * Government * Media * Economy * Ethnic Groups * Chapter 1 Assessment * CHAPTER 2: RELIGION * Introduction * Overview of Islam * Sunni and Shi'a Islam * Islam in Saudi Arabia * Religion and Government * Influence of Religion on Daily Life * Religious Holidays and Events * Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha * Ramadan * Hajj * Places of Worship * Chapter 2 Assessment * CHAPTER 3: TRADITIONS * Introduction * Honor and Values * Greetings and Introductions * Male/Female Interaction * Hospitality and Gifts * Eating and Types of Food * Cuisine * Dining Etiquette * Dress Code * Non-Religious Holidays and Celebrations * Al-Yaom al-Watany * Ras al-Sana al-Hijra * Jinadriyah Camel Races and National Festival of Folklore and Culture * Do's and Don'ts * Chapter 3 Assessment * CHAPTER 4: URBAN LIFE * Introduction * Urban Problems * Employment * Healthcare * Education * Restaurants * Marketplace and Shopping * Money and Credit Cards * Transportation * Cars * Public Transportation * Crime and Solicitation * Chapter 4 Assessment * CHAPTER 5: RURAL LIFE * Introduction * Tribal Distribution * Land Distribution * Rural Economy * Rural Transportation * Education * Healthcare * Who's in Charge? * Nomadic Pastoralism on the Arabian Peninsula * Border Crossings and Checkpoints * Chapter 5 Assessment * CHAPTER 6: FAMILY LIFE * Introduction * Typical Household * Status of Women * Status of Elderly and Children * Marriage and Divorce * CHAPTER 1: GEOGRAPHY * Introduction * Geographical Regions and Topography * The Western Region * The Southern Region * The Central Region (Nejd) * The Eastern Region * The Rub al-Khali * Deserts and Mountains * Climate * Bodies of Water * Major Cities * Riyadh * Jeddah * Mecca * Medina * Dhahran-Dammam-al-Khobar * Environmental Issues * Natural Hazards * Chapter 1 Assessment * CHAPTER 2: HISTORY * Introduction * Early History * The Origins of the Saud Family (1450-1765) * The Rise of Wahhabism and the First Saudi State (1744-1823) * The Second Saudi State (1824-1891) * The Third Saudi State * The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia * Kings Saud and Faisal 1953-1975 * Saudi Arabia (1975-2000) * Recent Developments * Chapter 2 Assessment * CHAPTER 3: ECONOMY * Introduction * Agriculture * Industry * Energy and Trade * Transportation * Standard of Living * Employment * Tourism * Banking * Outlook * Chapter 3 Assessment * CHAPTER 4: SOCIETY * Introduction * Ethnicity * Religion * Cuisine * Traditional Dress * Status of Women * Arts * Music and Dance * Calligraphy * Poetry and Folktales * Recreation * Camel Racing * Falconry * Horseracing * Chapter 4 Assessment * CHAPTER 5: SECURITY * Introduction * United States-Saudi Relations * Relations with Neighbors * Iraq * Jordan * Kuwait * Oman * Qatar * United Arab Emirates (UAE) * Yemen * Police * The Saudi Armed Forces * Issues Affecting Stability * Terrorist Groups * Political Reform * Relations with the Clergy * Economic Issues * Water Security