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 *...