1 There are lots of countries that are not very old. One of them will be only seventy-five years old in 2007! Its people have been around for thousands of years; however, they have not been gathered together as a country for very long. This country was formed in 1932 by Abdul al-Aziz Ibn Saud. Its name is taken from this man's name. Now you know Saud is part of its name. The country is ruled by a king so it is a kingdom. Have you guessed it yet? The people speak Arabic. It is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The current king is King Abdullah.
2 The people of this country are unique and have many interesting customs. Some of their customs concern how women must dress when they go outside of the house. Modesty is highly valued. Women are asked to wear a light black long-sleeved dress that reaches to the ankles called an abaya over their clothing. Women are also asked to cover their hair and heads except for a slot through which they can see. Since they can not see easily all around them, women do not drive cars. Women are given a special place in society. When they go to the bank or out to eat in a restaurant, they get to enter through a special door just for them. Women do business with women, and men with men. Women alone or with their families eat in the privacy of a screened-in area provided so that they may remove their face covering.
3 Typical Saudi dress for men is a white long-sleeved robe that reaches to the ankles called a thobe. On their heads they wear a garment of either red and white checks, black and white checks, or white which is then topped by a black silk rope circle to anchor the garment. This garment serves to protect the head and neck from the scorching desert sun. Saudi Arabia may be a young country, but it is rich in culture and traditions!
