josie+info

=Geography=

====Saudi Arabia. Location: 25 00 n, 45 00 E, Map reference: Middle east, area: total: 2,149,690 sq km country comparison: 14, land:2,149,690 sq km, water 0 sq km Area comparative: slightly more than one - fifth the size of the US., land boundaries: total: 4,431 km, border countries: Iraq 814 km, Jordan 744 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman 676 km, Qatar 60 km, United Arabian Embassy 457, Yemen 1,458 km. coastline: 2,640 km, maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm, climate: harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes.====

=History=

Arabia has a history dating back several thousand years. Noble History began in the seventh century when the prophet Muhammad began proclaiming the message of Islam from the centers of Makkah and Al Madinah. The adoption of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula radically Changed Arab Civilization: it united tribes to a comman goal, ended various inhumane practices, and regulated revenge taking. Because of the zeal of Muslim warriors and weakness in the Roman and Persian empires, the religion soon spread to parts of Asia, Northern Africa, and other regions. Urban centers in the Arab world fostered an advanced society. Islam's encouragement of learning, the mutual association of numerous cultures and scholars, and the translation of Greek texts into Arabic led to significant advancements in astronomy, medicine ,and mathematics. When Iraq invaded in 1990, the Saudis hosted the international coalition that liberated Kuwait and protected Saudi Arabia. During and after the 1991 Gulf War, questions of political and social liberization were raised. In 2003, the king granted the consultative Council broader authority, allowing it to propose legislation without his permission.

=Diet=

Saudi dishes, which are mildly spicy are composed mainly of rice with lamb or chicken, Kabsah (rice and meat) is a favorite dish throughout the country. Rice is also often served with vegetables and green salad. Desserts are commonly fruits, especially dates, eaten with bitter Saudi coffee (brewed with cardamom). Seafood, including a variety of fish, is popoular on the coasts. Coffee or tea is served befor all meals, Buttermilk and camel's milk are also popular beverages. Muslims do not eat pork or Drink alcohol.

=Art= Literature, and poetry especially, is cherished art. Anciently, poets used their art to shame enemies, record great feats and genealogies and praise thir favorite patrons. Today, poems are published and preserved orally. Memerization and interpritation of the Qur ' an are arts and skills requiring great study and dedication. Because the Qur ' an proscribes idols, Saudi Arabian art is based on abstract designs rather than images of animals and people.

=Clothing=

Saudi Arabian men and women continue to wear traditional Arab dress. Men Wear a ghutra (head dress) and Thobe ( Ankle length shirt, usually white, that covers long pants). A mishlah (cloak) is often worn over the thobe. The ghutra is not removed in public. A ghutra is either red checkered or completely white. It is held in place by an igal. THe white ghutra usually made of lighter fabric and may be worn often in the summer.

=Gestures=

Between Muslims, the most common gteeting is a handshake aand the phrase As - Salaamu 'Alaykum ( Peace be upon you). Frequently, males will fallow up by extending the left hand to each other's right shoulder and kissing the right and left cheeks. the greeting used depends on the indivisuals' relashionship and status in society.