SouthEast Asia [ taraaaaa]

why I use taraaa at the back of the title . why why whyyy ?

because iolls hepy this is our last case study . weeeeee ;)

Tourism in Southeast Asia provides an up-to-date exploration of the state of tourism development and associated issues in one of the world’s most dynamic tourism destinations.The volume takes a close look at many of the challenges facing Southeast Asia tourism at a critical stage of transition and transformation, and following a recent series of crises and disasters. Building on and advancing the path-breaking Tourism in Southeast Asia,produced by the same editors in 1993, it adopts a multidisciplinary approach and includes contributions from
some of the leading researchers on tourism in Southeast Asia,presenting a number of fresh perspectives

1) The above article is about tourism activities in South East Asia. You are required to make detail research and collect more information about tourism in that country which included Thailand and Vietnam.

2) The information will consist of compilation of points and information on the following topics:

 Identify the South East Asia countries
 Explain the major geographical physical regions and climate of the South East Asia countries
 The importance of geographical physical regions and climate for South East Asia tourism
 Identify the major geographical attraction of international travel South East Asia countries in term of

o Demography
o Climate
o Natural resources

see yaa~

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we love Puan Salina Binti Mohammad Sipellizan ^___^

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south asia [ part 4]

SOUTH ASIA ( QUESTION 2 )

Map of SA

Flags of SA countries

List of South Asia Countries :

Afghanistan

Bangladesh

Bhutan

India

Myanmar

Maldives

Nepal

Pakistan

Sri Lanka

Geographical Physical Regions of South Asia :

While South Asia had never been a coherent geopolitical region, it has a distinct geographical identity.The boundaries of South Asia vary based on how the region is defined. South Asia's northern, eastern, and western boundaries vary based on definitions used, while the Indian Oceanis the southern periphery. Most of this region rests on the Indian Plate and is isolated from the rest of Asia by mountain barriers.The Indian Plate includes most of South Asia, forming a land mass which extends from the Himalayas into a portion of the basin under the Indian Ocean, including parts of South China and Eastern Indonesia, as well as Kuen Lun and Karakoramranges, and extending up to but not including Ladakh, Kohistan, the Hindu Kush range and Balochistan.It may be noted that geophysically the Yarlung Tsangpo River river in Tibet is situated at the outside of the border of the Subcontinental structure, while the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan are situated inside that border.
Much of the region comprises a peninsula in south-central Asia, rather resembling a diamond which is delineated by the Himalayas on the north, the Hindu Kush in the west, and the Arakanese in the east,and which extends southward into the Indian Ocean with the Arabian Sea to the southwest and the Bay of Bengal to the southeast.
Per the UN, the wider subregion's northern frontier is the Himalayas and southerly post-Soviet states of Central Asia (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, andTurkmenistan, bordering northern Afghanistan and Iran), its western boundary is the westerly border of Iran (with Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, andIraq), and its eastern boundary is the westerly border of Burma (with India and Bangladesh).
Most of this region is a subcontinent resting on the Indian Plate (the northerly portion of the Indo-Australian Plate) separated from the rest of the Eurasian Plate. It was once a small continent before colliding with the Eurasian Plate about 50-55 million years ago and giving birth to theHimalayan range and the Tibetan plateau. It is the peninsular region south of the Himalayas and Kuen Lun mountain ranges and east of the Indus River and the Iranian Plateau, extending southward into the Indian Ocean between the Arabian Sea (to the southwest) and the Bay of Bengal (to the southeast).
The region is home to a variety of geographical features, such as glaciers, rainforests, valleys, deserts, and grasslands that are typical of much larger continents. It is surrounded by three water bodies — the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. The climate of this vast region varies considerably from area to area from tropical monsoon in the south to temperate in the north. The variety is influenced by not only the altitude, but also by factors such as proximity to the sea coast and the seasonal impact of the monsoons.

Climate of The South Asia :

Southern parts are mostly hot in summers and receive rain during monsoon period(s). The northern belt of Indo-Gangetic plains also is hot in summer, but cooler in winter. The mountainous north is colder and receives snowfall at higher altitudes of Himalyan ranges.

As the Himalayas block the north-Asian bitter cold winds, the temperatures are considerably moderate in the plains down below. For most part, the climate of the region is called the Monsoon climate, which keeps the region humid during summer and dry during winter, and favors the cultivation of jute, tea, rice, and various vegetables in this region.

The Importance of Geographical Physical Regions and Climate for South Asia Tourism :

• for the tourist attraction
• can increase the loca ecnomies
• can rate the tourism level

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PAKISTAN [ part 3 ]

PAKISTAN


Pakistan is a sovereign country in South Asia. With a population exceeding 180 million people, it is the sixth most populous country in the world. Located at the crossroads of the strategically important regions of South Asia, Central Asia and Western Asia, Pakistan has a 1,046-kilometre (650 mi) coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan to the west and north, Iran to the southwest and China in the far northeast. It is separated from Tajikistan by Afghanistan's narrow Wakhan Corridor in the north, and also shares a marine border with Oman.

Physical regions

The northern highlands

The northern highlands include parts of the Hindu Kush, the Karakoram Range, and the Himalayas. This area includes such famous peaks as K2 (Mount Godwin Austen, at 8,611 meters the second highest peak in the world). More than one-half of the summits are over 4,500 meters, and more than fifty peaks reach above 6,500 meters. Travel through the area is difficult and dangerous, although the government is attempting to develop certain areas into tourist and trekking sites. Because of their rugged topography and the rigours of the climate, the northern highlands and the Himalayas to the east have been formidable barriers to movement into Pakistan throughout history.

The Indus plain

The name Indus comes from the Sanskrit word sindhu, meaning ocean, from which also come the words Sindh, Hindu, and India. The Indus, one of the great rivers of the world, rises in southwestern Tibet only about 160 kilometres west of the source of the Sutlej River, which joins the Indus in Punjab, and the Brahmaputra, which runs eastward before turning southwest and flowing through Bangladesh. The catchment area of the Indus is estimated at almost 1 million square kilometres, and all of Pakistan's major rivers—the Kabul, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej—flow into it. The Indus River basin is a large, fertile alluvial plain formed by silt from the Indus. This area has been inhabited by agricultural civilizations for at least 5,000 years.

Sistan Basin
Balochistan is located at the eastern edge of the Iranian plateau and in the border region between Southwest, Central, and South Asia. It is geographically the largest of the four provinces at 347,190 km² or (134,051 square miles) of Pakistani territory; and composes 48% of the total land area of Pakistan. The population density is very low due to the mountainous terrain and scarcity of water. The southern region is known as Makran. The central region is known as Kalat.

Demography

Population of Pakistan, 1961–2003
Population:

187,343,000 (2011 est.)
Growth rate:

1.6%
Birth rate:

31 births/1,000 population (2009 est.)
Death rate:

8 deaths/1,000 population (2009 est.)
Life expectancy:

63.39 years (2009 est.)
–male:

62.4 years (2009 est.)
–female:

64.44 years (2009 est.)
Fertility rate:

3.58 children born/woman (2008 est.)
Infant mortality rate:

61.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years:

36.7% (male 33,037,943/female 31,092,572)
15-64 years:

59.1% (male 53,658,173/female 49,500,786)
65-over:

4.2% (male 3,495,350/female 3,793,734) (2009 est.)
Sex ratio
At birth:

1.00 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
Under 15:

1.06 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
15-64 years:

1.05 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
65-over:

0.82 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
Nationality
Nationality:

noun: Pakistani
Major ethnic:

See Ethnic groups of Pakistan
Language
Official:

See Languages of Pakistan
Spoken:

See List of Pakistani languages by number of native speakers

Climate

Pakistan's climate is dry and hot near the coast, becoming progressively cooler toward the northeastern uplands. The winter season is generally cold and dry. The hot season begins in March, and by the end of June the temperature may reach 49° C (120° F ). Between June and September, the monsoon provides an average rainfall of about 38 cm (15 in) in the river basins and up to about 150 cm (60 in) in the northern areas. Rainfall can vary radically from year to year, and successive patterns of flooding and drought are not uncommon.

The Importance

Pakistan is not touted as “the next big thing” for nothing. Tourists never run out of sights to explore and activities to enjoy in Pakistan. The architectural wonders in capital city Lahore are reminiscent of the world-renowned Taj Mahal in India. The verdant lands, arid deserts, and snow-capped mountains in the Hindu Kush are among the must-visit landscapes. Pakistan’s towering mountain ranges make the country ideal for visitors who find thrill in activities such as trekking, hiking, water sports, and mountaineering.

Natural Recources

Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, located in South Asia has 650 miles of coastline on the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. The west is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran. India is to the east and China in the far northeast. The country is strategically located between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Land is a valuable natural resource.

Other natural resources include an extensive natural gas supply, some oil, hydro power potential, coal (although not high quality), iron ore, copper, salt, and limestone. Agricultural products are wheat, cotton, rice, sugarcane, eggs, fruit, vegetables, milk, beef, and mutton. Primary industry includes textiles, food processing, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, shrimp, fertilizer, and paper products. Major exports are textiles, rice, leather goods, sports goods, carpets, rugs, and chemicals. Pakistan imports petroleum, machinery, plastic, edible oil, iron, steel, tea, and paper.

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SOUTH ASIA [part 2]

INDIA







Tourism in India is a large industry. The World Travel and Tourism Council calculated that tourism generated $121 billion or 6.4% of the nation's GDP in 2011. It was responsible for 39,3 million jobs, 7.9% of its total employment. The GDP of the tourism sector has expanded 229% between 1990 and 2011. The sector is predicted to grow at an average annual rate of 7,7% in the next decade.In a 2011 forecast the World Travel and Tourism Council predicted the annual growth to be 8,8% between 2011 and 2021. This gave India the fifth rank among countries with the fastest growing tourism industry.India has a large medical tourism sector which is expected to grow at an estimated rate of 30% annually to reach about ₹ 9,500 crore by 2015.In the year 2011, there were nearly 6.29 million foreign tourist arrivals in India, up by over 8% from the year 2010 when 5.78 million foreign tourists arrived in India.

Domestic tourist visits to all states and Union Territories numbered 747.70 million. The majority of foreign tourists come from the United States (16%) and the United Kingdom (12,6%). In 2011 Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Delhi were the most popular states for foreign tourists. Domestic tourists visited the states Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu most frequently.[4] Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Agra have been the four most visited cities of India by foreign tourists during the year 2011. Worldwide, Chennai is ranked 41 by the number of foreign tourists, while Delhi is ranked at 50, Mumbai at 57 and Agra at 65.

The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2011 ranked the price competitiveness of India's tourism sector 28th out of 139 countries. It mentions that India has quite good air transport (ranked 39th), particularly given the country’s stage of development, and reasonable ground transport infrastructure (ranked 43rd). Some other aspects of its tourism infrastructure remain somewhat underdeveloped however. The nation has very few hotel rooms per capita by international comparison and low ATM penetration. The Indian government has identified a shortage of 10,000 hotel rooms, with most of the undersupply in the budget sector.

The Ministry of Tourism designs national policies for the development and promotion of tourism. In the process, the Ministry consults and collaborates with other stakeholders in the sector including various Central Ministries/agencies, state governments, Union Territories and the representatives of the private sector. Concerted efforts are being made to promote new forms of tourism such as rural, cruise, medical and eco-tourism.[7] The Ministry also maintains the Incredible India campaign.

India's rich history and its cultural and geographical diversity make its international tourism appeal large and diverse. It presents heritage and cultural tourism along with medical, business and sports tourism.


TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN INDIA

India is the world’s seventh-largest country stretching from the high mountains of the Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala, and from the sacred Ganges to the sands of the Thar desert. Its more than one billion inhabitants are divided into two thousand ethnic groups and speak over 200 different languages.

Conform its size and population, India has an almost endless variety of cultures, landscapes, monuments and places to explore. From the ancient ruins, fascinating religious structures, exotic cities and diverse landscape there is an endless collection of tourist attractions in India that will never cease to awe and fascinate the visitor.

Kerala backwaters



The Kerala backwaters are a chain of lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast in the Kerala state. The Kerala backwaters are home to many unique species of aquatic life including crabs, frogs and mudskippers, water birds and animals such as otters and turtles. Today, houseboat tourism is the most popular tourist activity in the backwaters, with several large Kettuvallams (traditional rice boats, now converted into floating hotels)ply the waterways.

Ajanta Caves



The Ajanta Caves are rock-cut cave monuments dating from the 2th century BC. The magnificent Ajanta caves were abandoned around 650 AD and forgotten until 1819, when a British hunting party stumbled upon them. Their isolation contributed to the fine state of preservation in which some of their paintings remain to this day. The well preserved murals depict everything from battlefields to sailing ships, city streets and teeming animal-filled forests to snow-capped mountains. The city of Aurangabad is the gateway to the Ajanta Caves as well as the equally spectacular Ellora Caves.


Varanasi

Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming. The scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the backdrop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal in Agra is an immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1632 and 1653 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife. Called “a teardrop on the cheek of eternity” it is one of the masterpieces of Mughal architecture, and one of the great tourist attractions in India. Besides the white domed marble mausoleum the Taj Mahal includes several other beautiful buildings, reflecting pools, and extensive ornamental gardens with flowering trees and bushes.

Virupaksha Temple

The Virupaksha Temple in the city of Hampi started out as a small shrine and grew into a large complex under the Vijayanagara rulers. It is believed that this temple has been functioning uninterruptedly ever since the small shrine was built in the 7th century AD which makes it one of the oldest functioning Hindu temples in India.

Palolem

Palolem is the most southerly of Goa’s developed beaches and also one of the most beautiful. It is a natural bay surrounded by lofty headlands on either sides, resulting in a calm, idyllic sea with a gently sloping bed. For those who believe a beach cannot be paradise without a decent selection of cheap restaurants and good hotels, a dose of nightlife and plenty of like-minded people Palolem is the place to be.

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south asian [ part 0ne ]

South Asia is home to a solid one-third of the world’s population.

Some of the best brains that run the world have South Asian roots or lineage. The region is home to the highest and the second highest mountain peaks of the world(Everest and K2). Most of the world’s quality water resources are in the region with the river systems originating from the Himalayas. Some of world’s best ocean resources (coral reefs of Maldives), beaches (Coxes Bazaar), and mangrove areas (Sunderbans) are located in the region. Its biodiversity is unmatched (Sinharaja, Chitwan).

Home to marvels such as the Taj Mahal, Ajanta, Sigiriya, Timpu, and Taxila, the heritage and cultures of the region date back thousands of years. For centuries, the region has been a hotspot for seafaring nations looking for spices and other riches. It was the playground of several colonial powers, and is now home to almost all of the world’s religions. The cuisine of the region is exquisite, and its people are friendly and warm. The South Asian region has the key ingredients to delight its visitors.Yet, with some 400 million people remaining below the poverty line and 71 million people affected by violence or its threat, most of South Asia remains confl ict ridden.Poverty,health, child, and gender-related issues are pulling down the region’s image.


INFORMATION ABOUT TOURISM IN SOUTH ASIA

* Nepal


Nepal is an example of a pioneering brand of unique communitybased tourism initiative.With its early model of the Annapurna Tourism Development Project and the Bhakthipur Conservation Project of the 1980s, Nepal introduced a good tourism operational model, offering its unique nature and heritage conservation, community benefit, and sustainable funding features.




Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia.
Capital: Kathmandu
Currency: Nepalese rupee
National anthem: Sayaun Thunga Phool Ka
Official language: Nepali Language
Government: Republic, Federal republic, Federation
Population: 30,485,798

ATTRACTIONS IN NEPAL

Katmandu – The capital town of Nepal



Katmandu is the main or we can say it is the heart of Nepal. This is one and only Metropolitan city of Nepal, which is, located in the Himalayas along with two more small cities i.e. Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. This city Kathmandu is majorly surrounded by four mountains i.e. Phulchoki, Chandragiri, Nagarjun, and Shivapuri. This city is also known with the name Kathmandu valley that has the highest population density, which is around one by twelfth part of total population of the country. Kathmandu valley is famous for its scenic infrastructure and architecture. Kathmandu have also many pilgrims of Hindus and Buddhism which attracts many religious people from all around the world. This city has its own interesting history.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Nagarkot


Nagarkot is a small village, which is located 32 km away from Kathmandu, Nepal in East near Bagmati river zone. Nagarkot is famous for its charming beauty because of beautiful viewpoints at the time of sunrise and sunsets, which displays the most enticing splendour of the great Himalayas, which also includes Mount Everest. Not only this Nagarkot is also gave a perfect and magnificent picture of many snow-capped small peaks which have boosted tourism largely.
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Wildlife Reserve of Koshi Tappu


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Bhaktapur



Bhaktapur is a city of nepal and is located at the eastern part of Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a famous valley in Nepal. This city is also counted as tourist’s attraction. The city is quite beautiful.If you are planing to visit Nepal then this city should be a part of your trip as well. Also this part of Nepal named as bhaktapur is also counted as the world heritage. UNESCO has given this tag to Bhakatapur. Bhakatapur is said to be the third largest city located in kathmandu valley. You will find many historical monument in the ancient city and this city is well known for it architecture and art.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

* Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is addressing the challenge of global warming and climate change faced by all nations of the world. It has extended its conventional position as a tourist destination of a treasured island with a warm people offering nature, culture, and adventure10 to include an extensive green cover. Through its Tourism Earth Lung initiative it is working toward being a carbon-neutral destination by 2018.



There is an incredible place in Nepal, which corrosponds to the wildlife reserve issue. The name of the place is wildlife reserve of koshi tappu. The birds at this wildlife reserve are awesome. This acn be marked as the perfect sitefor watching birds. The months of March, January and aslo february are considered to be the best time to visit the place. At this place the gardens are visited by jeep drives. In addition, the visit to this place makes the journey more exciting. The adventure in this trip includes many other things like walk in jungles and also rafting.

Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in the northern Indian Ocean off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent in South Asia
Capital: Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte
Dialing code: 94
National anthem: Sri Lanka Matha
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
Official language: Sinhala Language, Tamil Language
Population: 20,869,000

ATTRACTIONS IN SRI LANKA

Negombo



This place is located in the western province of this country. No only this place is considered as to be the commercial hub of this country but is also a wonderful tourist destination. The sandy beaches which are located in this city draw many people towards it. The people here are very open minded and they live with all modern facilities. Negombo is also one such place in Sri Lanka where you will find a very happening night life. Other places which also experiences tremendous tourist all-round the year are Beach Park and Mora Wala.

Nuwara Eliya



This hill city named as Nuwara Eliya is at the number sixth place in this list which shows the top ten must visit place in Sri Lanka. Not only this place is known in the whole world where tea plantation is done at a very large scale but is also famous for being a world famous tourist spot. In them month of April when it is time for the new year as per the Tamil calendar this place is filled with people and you will find it extremely difficult to get accommodation then. Lake Gregory is the place where you can just relax and find pleasure in fishing. Then there is also Victoria Park and trout streams where people like to visit
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Jaffna




Jaffna is the city here at the number fifth spot and this city has the reputation to be called as the Northern Province’s capital city. The main tourist attraction at this place is the Nallur Kandaswamy temple which is an architectural marvellous. People from far distance visit this place just to get a glimpse of this temple. Further there is also Jaffna fort which experiences many people coming to eat to get a look of its beauty. Next is the Jaffna public library which has the excellent collection of books and if you are a good reader then you will just love this place.
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Colombo



The capital city of this country named as Colombo is at the number third place in this list. This city is not only the capital city of Sri Lanka but is also the largest and the most happening place in this whole island nation. The atmosphere here in this country is just perfect for every tourist and one will surely enjoy staying here. The famous places to visit in Colombo are Gangaramaya Temple, Twin Tower, newly built Colombo skyline and BOC tower.
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*BHUTAN

Bhutan has presented a model of tourism development,6 in which its
operations are based on the model of a kinked demand curve (Sen 2004) to create a premium value for the destination. Bhutan limits access to a few tens of thousands of tourists each year at a premium charge, placing the per capita yield from one tourist at a high level. Bhutan has a business model aimed at conserving its heritage, culture,and natural resources. This model is in keeping with its unique development indicator of “Gross National Happiness,” in contrast to the conventional development measurement of gross national product.



Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked state in South Asia located at the eastern end of the Himalayas. It is bordered to the north by China and to the south, east and west by the Republic of India. Wikipedia
Capital: Thimphu
King: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Currencies: Bhutanese ngultrum, Indian rupee
Official language: Dzongkha Language
Government: Parliamentary system, Unitary state, Constitutional monarchy
Population: 738,267


ATTRACTIONS IN BHUTAN

Flora & Fauna



Bhutan is exactly said to be a botanists’ glory. It has a rich selection of the floral species that include Rhododendrons, junipers, magnolias, carnivorous plants, rare orchids, blue poppy (the national flower), edelweiss, gentian, medicinal plants, daphne, giant rhubarb, high-altitude plants, tropical trees, pine and oak.
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Zangdo Pelri Temple



Bhutan is exactly said to be a botanists’ glory. It has a rich selection of the floral species that include Rhododendrons, junipers, magnolias, carnivorous plants, rare orchids, blue poppy (the national flower), edelweiss, gentian, medicinal plants, daphne, giant rhubarb, high-altitude plants, tropical trees, pine and oak.
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Thimpu


An open valley the capital of Bhutan kingdom is an attractive, clean, small town encircled by high mountains with the Thimphu Chu flowing to its E. The built up area extending for about 3km, is mostly of established houses and a population of 20,000. The core area. Entering the town from Paro or Phuntsholing, the Nordzin Lam starts where a petrol station is seen.

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south asian [ Gimik ]

Asaalammualaikum and salam sejahteraaaa ;)


we will explain more about SOUTH ASIAN based on the article and questions :)

South Asian tourism has operated at sub-optimal levels for a long period of time. With the exception of the Maldives and more recently India, all other countries need to work towards achieving more conducive operating environments for the tourism industry.Accounting for only 1.1% of the global visitor arrivals, South Asia's recent growth levels indicate promise of the region's ability to move forward, harnessing the vast potential that exists.

1) The above article is about tourism activities in South Asia. You are required to make detail research and collect more information about tourism in that country which
included India and Pakistan.

2) The information will consist of compilation of points and information on the following
topics:

 Identify the South Asia countries
 Explain the major geographical physical regions and climate of the South Asia countries
 The importance of geographical physical regions and climate for South Asia tourism
 Identify the major geographical attraction of international travel in South Asia
countries in term of
o Demography
o Climate
o Natural resources


see yaa guys~~

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we love Puan Salina Binti Mohammad Sipellizan ^___^

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Middle East Part 2

Saudi Arabia

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

                                                   المملكة العربية السعودية                                            

Al-Mamlakah al-‘Arabiyyah as-Su‘ūdiyyah

             

                                                          FLAG OF SAUDI ARABIA

MAP OF SAUDI ARABIA
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded by Abdul-Aziz bin Saud (known for most of his career as Ibn Saud) in 1932, although the conquests which eventually led to the creation of the Kingdom began in 1902 when he captured Riyadh, the ancestral home of his family, the House of Saud, referred to in Arabic as Al Saud. The Saudi Arabian government has been an absolute monarchy since its inception, and it describes itself as being Islamic. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and the kingdom is sometimes called "the Land of the Two Holy Mosques" in reference to Al-Masjid al-Haram (in Mecca), and Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (in Medina), the two holiest places in Islam.

 

Major Geographical Physical Regions and Climate of the Saudi Arabia

Geographically, Saudi Arabia is divided into four major regions. :

  

1.Central region, a high country in the heart of the Kingdom :

The Central Region, considered the heartland of Saudi Arabia both physically and culturally, is a vast eroded plateau, consisting of areas of uplands, broad valleys and dry rivers. The area also contains a number of marshes. These are thought to be the remnants of inland seas which existed in ancient geological times. Most of the Central Region is arid, with some oases in the north around Qasim.

At the center of the Central Region is the royal capital of Riyadh.
The area around Kharj which lies south of Riyadh has now become a major source of wheat, part of the Kingdom's burgeoning agricultural industry; while 300 miles to the north of Riyadh lies the Qasim region, an even larger farming area which has contributed on a massive scale to the Kingdom's self-sufficiency in wheat and poultry.

The climate of the region is hot and dry in summer and cold in winter. Summer temperatures sometimes exceed 45 degrees centigrade, while in winter the temperature falls to 5 degrees centigrade or lower.

 2.Western region, which lies along the Red Sea coast:

The Western Region (the Hijaz) includes the west coast of the Kingdom, north of Asir. It contains a mountain chain (with peaks rising to 3,000 meters), running south to north, decreasing gradually in elevation as it moves northward, and the coastal plain bordering the Red Sea.

Aerial view of the Holy City of Makkah In this region is the busy seaport of Jiddah, known as the Islamic Port of Jiddah, a thriving commercial center. Of greatest note is that the Western Region contains the holiest cities of Islam - Makkah and Madinah - which are visited by some two million Muslims annually.

The coastal area of the Western Region is renowned for its humidity, with summer temperatures rising to above 40 degrees centigrade.

3. Southern region, in the southern Red Sea-Yemen border area :

The Southern Region (Asir) is the relatively fertile area of coastal mountains in the extreme southwest (near Yemen). Mountain peaks rise to 3,000 meters and there is ample rainfall to support natural vegetation and cultivation.

Asir, with some juniper trees, wild olive trees and even some larger trees is the only part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support forest.

The Southern Region has always been relatively densely populated. With the implementation of government irrigation schemes, the agricultural potential of the region is being increasingly exploited.

 

 Qar'a Asir

4.Eastern region, the sandy and stormy eastern part of Saudi Arabia, the richest of all the regions in petroleum :

The Eastern Region contains the Kingdom's massive petroleum resources. The headquarters of Saudi oil industry is located in this region in Dhahran, a few miles from the administrative capital and port of Dammam. Ras Tanura, the world's largest petroleum port, is located to the north of Dhahran.

Up the coast is the site of the Kingdom's new industrial complex at Jubail. The fertile oasis-cities of Qatif and Hofuf are also located here.

A special weather phenomenon affecting chiefly the Eastern Region is the north-westerly winds called the Shamals. These are prevalent during late spring and early summer, reaching their greatest frequency in June.

 Night view of industrial area in Jubail

CLIMATE 

Due to its diverse range of geographical features, the Kingdom’s climate is extremely varied. Generally speaking though, for the vast majority of the country the climate is hot in the summer and cold and rainy in the winter and frosts occur in winter. The humidity along the coasts is high.

The western and southwestern regions of the Kingdom enjoy the mildest climate. The central parts of the Kingdom are extremely hot and dry in the summer and cold in the winter. The humidity tends to rise in the coastal areas. During spring and summer most parts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have little rain unlike the mountainous areas of the southwest where heavy rains during the summer are common.

Saudi Arabia has a desert climate. Extreme heat and aridity are characteristic of most of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the few places in the world where summer temperatures above 50°C (120°F) are common, while in winter frost or snow can occur in the interior and the higher mountains.

In Jeddah it is warm for most of the year. Riyadh, which is inland, is hotter in summer and colder in winter, when occasional heavy rainstorms occur. The Rub al Khali seldom receives rain, making Saudi Arabia one of the driest countries in the world.

 The average temperature range in January is 8° to 20°C (47° to 68°F) in Riyadh and 19° to 29°C (66° to 83°F) in Jeddah. The average range in July is 27° to 43°C (81° to 109°F) in Riyadh and 27° to 38°C (80° to 100°F) in Jeddah. Precipitation is usually sparse, although sudden downpours can lead to violent flash floods in wadis. Annual rainfall in Riyadh averages 100 mm (4 in) and falls almost exclusively between January and May; the average in Jeddah is 54 mm (2.1 in) and occurs between November and January. 

Major Geographical Attraction of International Travel in Saudi Arabia

Natural Resources

Some of the world’s largest oil and natural gas fields lie beneath Saudi Arabia and its offshore waters, representing the country’s most economically important natural resource. In 2002 Saudi Arabia’s oil reserves were estimated at 1.8 billion barrels. Before the discovery and exploitation of these reserves in the mid-20th century, Saudi Arabia was one of the poorest countries in the world. Its relatively small population subsisted in a harsh environment with little agricultural land and limited water resources. Saudi Arabia lacks permanent lakes and rivers, but considerable reserves of underground water have been discovered across the country. These have been used to increase agricultural production and provide water for the growing population. Desalination plants on the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea coasts provide important, if expensive, sources of water. In addition, a number of dams built across wadis capture seasonal rainwater temporarily.

• Oil Resources
  
  According to the latest estimates (2001), the Kingdom's recoverable reserves now stand at 261.8 billion barrels. This figure represents an increase of 1.8 billion barrels on the 1993 estimate of 260 billion barrels. (An increase in recoverable reserves, despite the daily extraction of millions of barrels of oil, is made possible by the discovery of new oil fields and improved technology in exploiting existing field.)
  
  Current estimates mean that Saudi Arabia has roughly 25% of the world's proven oil reserves.
  
  As techniques for extraction improve and new reserves are found, it is estimated that the oil reserves of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will last for some 90 years.
• Gas Resources
  
  The 1989 (1409/10 AH) Aramco study put the Kingdom's proven gas reserves at 177.3 trillion cubic feet, an increase of 25% over the last estimate. This figure remained little altered in 1993 (1413/14 AH) when the estimate, now expressed in cubic meters, was 5.2 trillion (approximately 4.2% of world reserves). According to the latest estimates (2001) the Kingdom's gas reserves stand at 219.5 trillion cubic feet (6.22 trillion cubic meters), approximately 4% of world reserves.
  
  In the early years of oil exploitation, natural gas from the oil fields was burnt off in gas flares. Conscious of the need to conserve its energy reserves, the Kingdom now gathers the natural gas (methane and ethane) emanating from the oil fields in the Eastern region in order to supply the vast industrial complexes at Jubail in the Eastern region and Yanbu on the western side of the Kingdom.
  
  Today, almost all the natural gas at the Kingdom's disposal is effectively utilized.
• Mineral Resources
  
  In addition to its vast oil and gas reserves, the Kingdom is rich in mineral deposits. Three thousand years ago, the mine known as the Cradle of Gold (Mahad Al-Dhahab), some 180 miles north of Jeddah, was a rich source of gold, silver and copper.
  
  According to the Fourth Five Year Plan, gold had been discovered at some 600 sites around the Kingdom and a total of 29 prospects have been drilled. The Mahad Al-Dhabab gold mine was re-opened by Petromin with the intention of developing a high-grade underground gold mine with a capacity of 400 tons of ore per day. This venture encouraged further exploration for gold elsewhere in the Kingdom.
  
  Silver and base metal deposits (bauxite, copper, iron, lead, tin and zinc), as well as non-metallic minerals (bentonite, diatomite, fluorite, potash and high-purity silica sand) have all been discovered, attesting to the wealth that remains, still largely unexploited, beneath the Kingdom's soil.
• Water Resources
  
  In a country with the geography and climate of the Kingdom, water is a natural resource which must be highly valued and conserved. The Kingdom draws its water from four main sources:
  
  
  
  • Surface water, which is to be found predominantly in the west and south-west of the country. In 1985 (1405/06 AH), surface water provided 10% of the Kingdom's supply.
  • Ground water, held in aquifers, some of which are naturally replenished, while others are non-renewable. In 1985 (1405/06 AH), ground water provided 84% of the Kingdom's supply but it is noteworthy that most of this water came from non-renewable aquifers.
  • Desalinated seawater, a source of water production in which the Kingdom is now a world leader. Desalination technology, which also produces electricity, has reached an advanced stage of technology in the Kingdom and, by 1985 (1405/06 AH), this source was providing 5% of the Kingdom's supply.
  • Reclaimed wastewater, a source of water which is still in its early stages but which offers scope for considerable expansion. In 1985 (1405/06 AH), the reclamation of wastewater provided 1% of the Kingdom's supply.
  
  
  According to the Saline Water Conversion Corporation, in 2000 (1420/21 AH) there were 27 desalination plants producing 814 million cubic meters of desalinated water (more than 600 million gallons a day) and providing more than 70 per cent of the required drinking water. Work was underway to build three desalination plants at Khobar, Jubail and Shuaiba.

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MIDDLE EAST [part one]

GEOGRAPHY OF UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)

map of UAE

• The United Arab Emirates is situated in Southwest Asia, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia; it is in a strategic location along northern approaches to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil.

• The UAE lies between 22°50′ and 26° north latitude and between 51° and 56°25′ east longitude.

• It shares a 19-kilometer border with Qatar on the northwest (according to the UAE), a 530-kilometer border with Saudi Arabia on the west, south, and southeast, and a 450-kilometer border with Oman on the southeast and northeast.

• . The land border with Qatar in the Khawr al Udayd area is a source of ongoing dispute (in fact, whether it even shares a land border with Qatar is in dispute). 

• The total area of the UAE is approximately 83,600 square kilometers.

• The country's exact size is unknown because of disputed claims to several islands in the Persian Gulf, because of the lack of precise information on the size of many of these islands, and because most of its land boundaries, especially with Saudi Arabia, remain undemarcated. 

• The largest emirate, Abu Dhabi, accounts for 87 percent of the UAE's total area (67,340 square kilometers). 

• The smallest emirate, Ajman, encompasses only 259 square kilometers (see figure).
  
  
  
  
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  Climate

  > The climate of the UAE generally is hot and dry. 

  
  

  > The hottest months are July and August, when average maximum temperatures reach above 40 °C (104.0 °F) on the coastal plain.

  
  

  > In the Al Hajar al Gharbi Mountains, temperatures are considerably cooler, a result of increased altitude. 

  
  

  > Average minimum temperatures in January and February are between 10 and 14 °C (50 and 57.2 °F). 

  
  

  > During the late summer months, a humid southeastern wind known as the sharqi makes the coastal region especially unpleasant. 

  
  

  > The average annual rainfall in the coastal area is fewer than 120 mm (4.7 in), but in some mountainous areas annual rainfall often reaches 350 mm (13.8 in). 

  
  

  > Rain in the coastal region falls in short, torrential bursts during the summer months, sometimes resulting in floods in ordinarily dry wadi beds. 

  
  

  > The region is prone to occasional, violent dust storms, which can severely reduce visibility.

  
  

   > The Jebel Jais mountain cluster in Ras al Khaimah has experienced snow only twice since records began.

  
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  Flora and fauna

  
  

  > In the oases grow date palms, acacia and eucalyptus trees.

  
  
  
  

  > In the desert the flora is very sparse and consists of grasses and thornbushes. 

  
  
  
  

  > The indigenous fauna had come close to extinction because of intensive hunting, which has led to a conservation program on Bani Yas island initiated by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the 1970s, resulting in the survival of, for example, Arabian oryx and leopards. 

  
  
  
  

  > Coastal fish consist mainly of mackerel, perch and tuna, as well as sharks and whales. 

  
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  Area and land boundaries

  Area:
  total: 83,600 km²
  land: 83,600 km²
  water: 0 km²
  
  
  Land boundaries:
  total: 867 km
  border countries: Oman 410 km, Saudi Arabia 457 km
  
  
  Coastline: 1,318 km
  Maritime claims:
  contiguous zone: 24 nmi (27.6 mi; 44.4 km)
  continental shelf: 200 nmi (230.2 mi; 370.4 km) or to the edge of the continental margin
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nmi (230.2 mi; 370.4 km)
  territorial sea: 12 nmi (13.8 mi; 22.2 km)
  
  
  Elevation extremes:
  lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
  
  highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Resources and land use

  Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas
  Land use:
  arable land: 0.77%
  permanent crops: 2.27%
  other: 96.96% (2005)
  Irrigated land: 2,300 km² (2003)
  Total renewable water resources: 0.2 km²
  
  
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  Environmental concerns

  Natural hazards: frequent sand and dust storms
  Environment - current issues: lack of natural freshwater resources being overcome by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills
  
  
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