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hot and dry. The Asir region is the only exception with an average annual rainfall of
about 30-51 cm. The day temperature can go as high as 49°C. The temperature along
coastal areas averages at about 32°C. Days are warm but nights are cool, because sand
heats up and cools down quickly.

Vegetation

Vegetation is sparse in Saudi Arabia because of hot and dry climate. Only those trees
can survive here which have long roots, like cactus. The few other plants that grow
here have adapted themselves to the harsh climate. They shed their leaves to minimise
loss of water. Cactus has leaves like spines, so water does not transpire from its stem.

There are a number of oases and wells in Saudi Arabia. Date-palms grow well near the
oases. People practise agriculture near sources of water. The important crops are
wheat, barley, fruits and vegetables. The town of al-Hasa is known for its palm trees,
numbering about 30 million, which produce a very large quantity of dates.

Wildlife
Owing to a harsh climate, wildlife too is very limited in Saudi Arabia. Its chief wildlife

varieties include reptiles, birds, mammals, insects and spiders. Wolves, foxes, deer and
hyenas can be seen in the winter. The camel, of course, remains the most important
animal. It is used as a means of transport in the desert and is rightly called the ship of
the desert . It is well suited to the desert conditions with its long lashes, padded feet
and ability to store water and food for several days.

Spider Wolf Fox Deer Hyena Camel Cactus
Lifestyle

The population in Saudi Arabia is sparse. Most people live in modern cities while
tribes inhabit villages located near the oases. These tribes are mostly nomads or semi-

nomads. The nomads are called Bedouins . They move
from place to place looking for green pastures. They
carry their flocks of goats, sheep, camels and other
belongings with them. They set up large tents
wherever they go. They travel in groups called
caravans . They trade in things like animals, cheese,
wool and food grains etc.

The urban population comprises more than three-
A caravan of camels

Saudi Arabia : The Land of Desert 39