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Official name is "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia", and its capital Riyadh. Occupying four-fifths of the Arabian peninsula, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East. In south-western Asia, the country is at the
crossroads of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa.
On the west it is bordered by the Red Sea and on the east by the Arabian Gulf. To the south there are borders with Yemen and the Sultanate of Oman. To the east lie the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and the island state of Bahrain. In the north Saudi Arabia has borders with Kuwait, Iraq and Jordan. The economy is almost totally dependent upon foreign labour, though efforts are beginning to be made to lessen this dependence. Arabia area is 2,149,690 sq. km (830,000 sq miles and its population is 1,308,000. Its economy petroleum and petroleum products, iron and steel, fertilizers, textiles, food processing. Saudi Arabia forbids the importation, sale, or use of alcohol or illicit rugs. The government has and will continue to apply the death penalty to anyone convicted of possession of drugs with intent to distribute. In this conservative Muslim society, visitors must not import into Saudi Arabia any non-Muslim religious materials, pork products, or any material that may be construed as pornographic by Saudi censors. Cholera shots are required for entry for travelers arriving from areas where cholera is epidemic. All visa applicants must have a letter of invitation from an employer or Saudi sponsor. Lightweight clothing is essential for the hot (38øC-54øC) climate. However, during the winter months in the interior regions (such as in Riyadh), the weather can be quite cool, so warmer clothing is mended. Riyadh is dry, while Jeddah and hahran are humid most of the year. Western men and women should dress very conservatively. For women, skirts should be mid-calf length, sleeves elbow length, and necklines very modest; pants and pantsuits may attract unwanted attention. First-class hotels are available in all the major cities. Eat and drink cautiously outside major hotels and restaurants. Hospital and emergency care and services in major cities approach U.S. standards. Telephone and telegraph service is expanding rapidly, and direct domestic and overseas dialing is available at most locations within the country. Riyadh is eight time zones ahead of eastern standard time. There are several daily English-language newspapers, as well as an English-language television station. Many domestic and international flights are scheduled daily; taxis and rental cars are available in all major cities. Saudi Arabia has an impressive and rapidly expanding network of paved roads, including super-highways, connecting the country's regions and major cities. Women are forbidden to drive, and women traveling alone normally are unable to rent a hotel room.
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