Download Saudi Arabia - Burnet Middle School

TM
CultureGrams
Kids Edition
Kingdom of
2014
Saudi Arabia
Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah
In 1985, Prince Sultan Ibn Salman became the first Arab and first Muslim to travel in space when he flew aboard
the space shuttle Discovery.
Saudi women are forbidden to drive cars or ride bicycles. Rules like these are based on Saudi Arabian law and
custom. Saudis believe that these rules protect a woman’s modesty and honor.
All businesses and offices are required to close during the five daily prayer times.
Islam is the name of the religion practiced by Muslims.
Because of its very dry climate, Saudi Arabia depends on desalination (a process which takes the salt out of sea
water) to create enough water for drinking and agriculture. About 70 percent of the country’s drinking water comes
from desalination.
People in Saudi Arabia prefer to talk before and after a meal rather than during it.
There are no movie theaters in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Arabian Oil Company is the world’s largest oil company.
Flag
The flag of Saudi Arabia is green with the Muslim declaration of faith in white, “There is
no God but Allah: Muhammad is the Messenger of God,” and the picture of a sword in
white. Green is often associated with Islam.
National Image
The national emblem of Saudi Arabia consists of two crossed swords underneath a
date palm tree. The swords represent strength and justice, while the palm tree
represents growth and prosperity.
Land and Climate
Area (sq. mi.): 830,000
Area (sq. km.): 2,149,690
Saudi Arabia is about one-fourth the size of the United States and is one of the driest
nations in the world. Most of the country is a huge plain of sand and rock, with
mountains in the southwest. Deserts cover much of the east and south. There are no
major rivers or lakes. Some fields and oases (places in the desert where trees and
plants grow because water comes up from the ground below) can be found. Irrigation is
making more agriculture possible, but farming is difficult in most of Saudi Arabia.
Because of its desert climate, Saudi Arabia has to deal with sandstorms, intense heat,
1
TM
CultureGrams
Saudi Arabia
and dramatic changes in temperature. Temperatures are usually higher in the interior
part of the country, and coastal areas are cooler. The hottest weather occurs between
May and October, when temperatures regularly exceed 110°F (43°C) in the interior
and 97°F (36°C) in coastal areas. In December and January, the coldest months,
70°F (21°C) is the average daily high in the interior, where temperatures may drop to
freezing at night.
Population
Population: 26,939,583
More than 5.5 million Saudis are foreigners (people who are not citizens) who are allowed to work in the country.
These workers are mainly from other Islamic countries, but some U.S. citizens employed in the oil industry also live in
Saudi Arabia. Ninety percent of Saudis are Arabs, descendants of tribes who once lived in the region. Others are
descendants of settlers from Asia and Africa. About 80 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population lives in cities.
Language
Arabic is the official language of the kingdom. It is also the language of the Qur’an
(Muslim scripture). Arabic is written in cursive and read from the right side of the page
to the left side, which is the opposite of how English is written and read. English is often
used in business and among educated people. Foreign workers in the country speak
Arabic or their native languages.
Can You Say It in Arabic?
Hello
Assalaam ʿalaikum
(ah-sa-LAAM all-AY-koom)
Good-bye
Maʿa salama
(MA-ah sa-LAA-ma)
Please
Min fadlak
(min FAD-lak)
Thank you
Shukran
(SHUK-ron)
Yes
Aywa
(eye-wuh)
No
Laʾ
(lah)
Religion
Islam is the official religion of Saudi Arabia. All Saudi citizens are Muslims. In fact, Saudis are forbidden from joining
other religions. Sunni and Shi‘i are different branches within Islam. Around 90 percent of Saudis belong to the Sunni
branch of Islam. The remaining 10 percent are Shi‘i Muslims.
2
TM
CultureGrams
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad. Muslims consider Muhammad the last and greatest of all
prophets. The Qur’an (Muslim scripture) contains Allah's (God’s) revelations to Muhammad. Each year, hundreds of
thousands of Muslims from around the world complete a pilgrimage (journey) called the Hajj to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as
part of their religious duties. During the Hajj, males are expected to wear a white, two-piece, towel-like garment called
the ihram. Women can wear traditional clothing but cannot wear a veil. As part of the Hajj, pilgrims walk around the
Ka‘abah seven times. The Ka‘abah is the cube-shaped stone building in Mecca that all Muslims in the world face during
their daily prayers to Allah. It contains a sacred black stone.
On Friday, the day of worship in Islam, people go to the mosque (church) to pray and hear readings from the Qur’an
and a speech about daily-life issues or religious practices. Women often stay home to pray. Women who attend the
mosque pray in separate areas from the men.
Time Line
800 BC
800–200 BC
The Sabaeans settle in the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula
300 BC–AD 100 The Nabataeans settle in what is now northwest Saudi Arabia
AD 200
AD 200
By this time, parts of what is now northern Saudi Arabia have become
part of the Roman province of Arabia
570
Muhammad is born in Mecca
622
Muhammad moves to Medina and founds Islam
1500
1500s
The Ottomans conquer most of western Arabia
1800
Early 1800s
The Al Saud family controls much of the Arabian Peninsula
1818
The Ottoman Turks defeat the ruling Al Saud family
1824
The Al Saud family regains control of central Arabia
1891
The rival Rashidis force the Al Saud family into exile in Kuwait
3
TM
CultureGrams
Saudi Arabia
1900
1902
Abdul Aziz ibn Saud leads his forces to retake Riyadh, beginning an
effort to regain the lands once owned by the Al Saud family
1932
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is established by King Abdul Aziz ibn
Saud
1938
Oil is discovered near Dhahran
1945
Saudi Arabia joins the United Nations and the Arab League, an
organization established to promote the economic, cultural, and
political interests of Arabic-speaking countries
1947
Construction begins on the Trans-Arabian pipeline, which will carry oil
from Saudi Arabia to the Mediterranean Sea via Jordan, Syria, and
Lebanon
1960
Saudi Arabia is a founding member of OPEC (Organization of
Petroleum Exporting Countries), which helps member countries control
the price of oil
1964
Faisal bin Abdul Aziz becomes king and helps make Saudi Arabia a
more modern state
1975
King Faisal is assassinated by his nephew
1982
Crown Prince Fahd becomes king
4
TM
CultureGrams
1990
Saudi Arabia
After Iraq invades Kuwait and threatens Saudi Arabia, the Saudis allow
U.S. and other troops into the country to free Kuwait and protect Saudi
Arabia
2000
2003
Suicide attacks in Riyadh in May and November kill more than 40
people and injure many more
2005
King Fahd dies and is succeeded by Crown Prince Abdullah; Saudi
Arabia holds its first nationwide local elections
2007
Police announce the arrest of 172 terrorism suspects who were plotting
suicide attacks against oil refineries, military bases, and other facilities
2009
King Abdullah reorganizes several government positions, appointing
the nation's first female minister
2012
Women gain the rights to vote, run in city elections, and be appointed
to the Shura Council (the most influential political body); Saudi Arabian
female athletes are allowed to compete in the Olympics for the first
time
2013
Raha Mobarak becomes the first Saudi woman to successfully climb
Mount Everest; King Abdullah changes the country’s official weekend
to Friday and Saturday, matching the work days of the main global
markets and increasing economic opportunities
PRESENT
Trade Routes
Before the seventh century AD, the region now known as Saudi Arabia was a land of
nomadic (wandering) tribes, poor farmers, and small settlements located near oases
(places where water necessary to sustain life could be found). The region was located
along trade routes between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Caravans (groups) of traders
carried frankincense (used as incense and for embalming the dead) and myrrh (used
for cosmetics and perfumes), spices, gold, ivory, and other precious materials across
the desert to be sold to waiting customers. Arabian settlements would make the
caravans pay taxes or protection money to ensure the traders’ safety. During Saudi
Arabia’s early history, there was no central government. Various groups fought for
survival and for greater power.
5
TM
CultureGrams
Saudi Arabia
The Prophet Muhammad
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad. Muhammad was born in
Mecca in 570. His parents died when he was young, so he was raised by his
grandfather and later by his uncle. Because Muhammad was raised in poverty, his early
life was very hard. But he eventually married a wealthy widow and became a trader. At
the age of 40, Muhammad began going to the desert and spending long periods of time
in prayer and meditation. He was concerned about the greed, corruption, and idolatry
he saw all around him. In 610, in response to Muhammad’s prayers, Muslims believe
that the angel Gabriel appeared to him. The revelations Muhammad received on that
occasion and later in his life became the basis for the religion known as Islam.
Arab Empire
Islam greatly changed Arab society. For the first time, many of the warring tribes in the
region were united by a common religion. An Arab/Islamic empire developed, with great
wealth and military might. Through conversion and conquest, Islam eventually spread
to parts of Asia, northern Africa, and Spain. The mix of cultures, emphasis on learning,
and translation of Greek texts into Arabic led to important developments in astronomy,
medicine, and mathematics—including the invention of algebra. After several centuries
of growth, the Arab Empire began to decline.
Establishing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
By the early 1800s, the Al Saud family controlled much of the Arabian Peninsula. The
powerful Ottoman Empire was troubled by this development and sent its armies to
defeat this threat. Following eight years of warfare, the Ottoman Turks put an end to the
family’s reign in 1818. But by 1824, the Al Saud family had begun to regain control of
central Arabia and ruled the region from their new capital of Riyadh. But the Al Saud
family was forced out of power once again in 1891 and had to leave the country. In
1901, 21-year-old Abdul Aziz ibn Al Saud attempted to recapture all of the territory once
held by his ancestors. He took back Riyadh in 1902 and then began to unite the
different regions into one nation. On 23 September 1932, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
was established, with Abdul Aziz as the king.
Saudi Arabia Today
The Al Saud family continues to rule today. Since the discovery of oil in the 1930s,
Saudi Arabia has become a much richer nation. This wealth has helped modernize the
country and make the lives of Saudis more comfortable. But Saudi Arabia is not without
challenges. When Iraq invaded nearby Kuwait in 1990, the Saudis hosted troops from
the United States and other countries. During what became known as the Arabian
(Persian) Gulf War, these international troops helped free Kuwait and protected Saudi
Arabia. Saudi Arabia has also been the site of numerous terrorist attacks, including two
suicide bombings in 2003 that killed more than 40 people. After waves of protests
swept across the Arab world in 2011, King Abdullah attempted to deal with the unrest
by announcing new benefits for Saudis, including higher pay, education and job
training, and increased rights for women.
6
TM
CultureGrams
Saudi Arabia
Games and Sports
Soccer is the national and most popular sport in Saudi Arabia, but only men are allowed
to play or to watch matches at the stadium. Saudi men also enjoy horse and camel
races, as well as hunting and hawking. Hawking involves hunting for small animals with
trained pet falcons. Young men enjoy volleyball, basketball, swimming, wrestling, and
roller-skating. Boys love running races, having mock sword fights, and wrestling.
Women generally aren’t involved in sports, but girls sometimes play volleyball and other
sports at school. Recently, women have been allowed to ride bicycles and motorbikes
in areas set aside for the activity. However, they may only ride for recreation and not for
everyday getting around.
Holidays
The most important Islamic holidays celebrated in Saudi Arabia include the three-day
feast (Eid al-Fitr) at the end of Ramadan and the Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha).
During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat, drink, or smoke from sunrise
to sunset each day. Meals are eaten in the evening and before the sun comes up.
Children and people who are sick don’t have to go without food. After Ramadan,
families gather for Eid al-Fitr, a time of eating and spending time with relatives. Children
receive gifts and get to wear new clothes. Eid al-Adha is a holiday honoring the prophet
Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. It is a time for the family to be together and
for people to give to the poor.
Food
Traditionally, Saudis sit on the floor when they eat their meals. And instead of using
knives and forks, they eat with their right hands. Kabsah (rice with spiced chicken or
lamb) is a favorite dish throughout the country. Rice is commonly served with
vegetables and a green salad. Near the coasts, people tend to eat more seafood.
Coffee or tea is served before all meals, but buttermilk and camel’s milk are also
popular drinks. For dessert, Saudis often enjoy a variety of fruits, especially dates. For
religious reasons, Saudis don’t eat pork or drink alcohol.
Schools
Adult Literacy: 86.6%
Saudi children go to six years of elementary school, three years of middle school, and
three years of high school. The study of Islam is a big part of all schooling in Saudi
Arabia. Boys and girls in Saudi Arabia are required to attend separate schools. Until the
1960s, education for girls was not emphasized. By the 1980s, the education available
to boys was also made available to girls. Today, the Saudi government provides free
education, including university education, to all Saudis who want it.
7
TM
CultureGrams
Saudi Arabia
Life as a Kid
Saudi kids participate in many of the same kinds of activities as children around the rest
of the world, like attending school, spending time with family and friends, and playing
computer and video games, which is a favorite pastime. But a major difference is that
Saudi children receive a lot of religious instruction. They learn about Islam and
memorize the Qur’an (Muslim scripture). Mosques (places of worship) are an important
center of community life. Also, Saudi kids tend to grow up in large families. The average
Saudi family has six or more children. For many Saudis, especially those in the
countryside, the family living in a single household often includes three
generations—grandparents, parents, and children. And even when family members
aren’t living in the same house, they often live very close to each other. So kids in
Saudi Arabia tend to spend a lot of time with other family members.
Government
Capital: Riyadh
Head of State: King and PM Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud
Head of Government: King and PM Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud
Saudi Arabia’s government is a monarchy, which means that the country is led by a king. The king is not elected but
chosen from among the men who belong to the Saudi royal family. The Council of Ministers, appointed by the king,
helps make laws and govern the country. There is also a 150-member Consultative Council (Majlis al-Shura) that
advises the king and Council of Ministers. The Consultative Council can’t make laws, but it can make suggestions to
the king. Saudi Arabia’s government and laws are based on Islamic law. The Qur’an (Muslim scripture) serves as the
country’s constitution. The kingdom is divided into 13 regions known as governates. Each governate is led by an emir
(prince-governor), who answers directly to the king. Males 21 and over can vote. Women are expected to be given the
right to vote in time for the 2015 elections.
Money and Economy
Currency: Saudi riyal
With the largest oil reserves in the world, oil and related products are the basis of Saudi
Arabia’s economy. Oil is used not only to provide fuel for cars and heat for homes but
also to make fertilizer, plastic, and medicine. The money Saudi Arabia receives from
selling its oil has helped improve the country in many ways—better housing, schools,
hospitals, and roads. But not everyone shares equally in the wealth. Women make less
money and have fewer job opportunities than men. Because of the dry climate, Saudi
Arabia has to import (bring in from other countries) many foods, but dates and grains
are farmed and livestock are raised in Saudi Arabia.
8
TM
CultureGrams
Saudi Arabia
Getting Around
Most Saudi families own a car, which they use for their everyday transportation needs.
Compared to the United States and Europe, gas is a lot cheaper in Saudi Arabia, so it’s
less expensive to drive. In the cities, people often use taxis and buses. A convenient
way to travel between cities is by airplane, and a high-speed train goes from Ad
Dammām to Riyadh. In desert areas, the camel is still used for travel, especially among
the Bedouin (tribes that live in the desert), but automobiles are also common.
Traditional Roles
In Saudi Arabia, men and women have very traditional roles in life, and they are
expected to live by society's expectations for those roles. For instance, when a man
and a woman are to be engaged to be married, the man is not allowed see the woman
before their engagement is official. Before they become engaged, men and women are
expected to have no kind of relationship. The marriage itself involves a special party for
the women and a separate party for the men, held at the same time. There is no
drinking at these parties. Each group may dance some traditional folk dances, and
while the women may watch the men dance, the men are not allowed to watch the
women dance. The wife keeps her family name rather than changing it to her husband's
name.
All family members are expected to obey the father. In daily life, the husband does the
shopping and is responsible for the family finances, while the wife may go with her
husband to pick out clothes or furniture for the house. No women are allowed to go
shopping alone, spend money on their own, or travel without their husbands, fathers, or
brothers. When they are out, women are not required to cover their faces, but they must
wear the traditional hijab (head scarf). Husbands are allowed to marry a second, third,
or fourth wife. Women are only allowed to remarry when their husbands die or if they
get a divorce. When a husband dies, his widow and children inherit according to Islamic
law. Women can become doctors, engineers, nurses, teachers, writers, or artists, but
not dancers, waiters, builders, or any other "heavy" jobs.
Learn More
Contact the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037; phone (202)
342-3800; web site www.saudiembassy.net. Saudi Tourism, phone (800) 755-0000; web site
www.sauditourism.com.sa.
9
TM
CultureGrams
Saudi Arabia
© 2014 ProQuest LLC and Brigham Young University. It is against the law to
copy, reprint, store, or transmit any part of this publication in any form by any
means without strict written permission from ProQuest.
10
CultureGrams
TM
ProQuest
789 East Eisenhower Parkway
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 USA
Toll Free: 1.800.521.3042
Fax: 1.800.864.0019
www.culturegrams.com
11