Saudi Arabia is mostly a desert country, but it is rich in [[oil]] and date palms. Desalination plants have made the kingdom a major exporter of wheat. Foreign workers are plentiful and the citizens enjoy a number of socialized gifts. The kingdom is also ruled with an iron fist. People will get their hands chopped off for stealing, alcohol is illegal, and women are not allowed to drive. Despite Saudi Arabia's repuation for being one of the most oppressive governments in the world, the United States maintains a close relationship with them and they are one of America's biggest allies in the Middle East after Israel<ref>http://www.cfr.org/publication/10728/</ref>. | Saudi Arabia is mostly a desert country, but it is rich in [[oil]] and date palms. Desalination plants have made the kingdom a major exporter of wheat. Foreign workers are plentiful and the citizens enjoy a number of socialized gifts. The kingdom is also ruled with an iron fist. People will get their hands chopped off for stealing, alcohol is illegal, and women are not allowed to drive. Despite Saudi Arabia's repuation for being one of the most oppressive governments in the world, the United States maintains a close relationship with them and they are one of America's biggest allies in the Middle East after Israel<ref>http://www.cfr.org/publication/10728/</ref>. |