Class 5 SST Question Answers - The Land of Sand: Saudi Arabia

Q1: What is the official name of the country we are discussing?
Ans: The official name of the country we are discussing is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Q2: What is a desert, and why is it important?
Ans: A desert is a large, dry area of land with very little vegetation. Deserts are essential ecosystems on Earth and have unique plants and animals adapted to their challenging conditions.

Q3: Name some hot or tropical deserts and their locations.
Ans: Hot or tropical deserts are located between 15° and 30° north and south of the equator. Some examples include the Sahara Desert in Africa, the Arabian Desert in Saudi Arabia, and the Thar Desert in India.

Q4: What are the extreme climatic conditions in deserts?
Ans: In deserts, extreme climatic conditions include large differences in day and night temperatures, very low rainfall (about 250mm or less), and the occasional occurrence of floods when it does rain.

Q5: How do desert animals adapt to survive in the harsh desert environment?
Ans: Desert animals have various adaptations to survive, such as drinking water when available, obtaining fluids from succulent plants or prey, and conserving water. Many desert animals are nocturnal or go into a semi-sleep stage during unfavorable weather.

Q6: What special features make camels well-suited for desert life?
Ans: Camels are often called the "ship of the desert" because they are specially adapted to desert conditions. They have padded feet for walking on sand, humps for storing energy in fat, and long, bushy eyelashes to protect their eyes from sand in dust storms.

Q7: Where is Saudi Arabia located geographically, and what is its climate like?
Ans: Saudi Arabia is located between 18° N and 39° N latitudes and about 39° E and 60° E meridians. It lies on the western side of the Asian continent, and the Tropic of Cancer passes through it. Saudi Arabia is mostly a desert with extremely hot summers, where temperatures can reach up to 54°C.

Q8: What is an oasis, and why are they important in desert regions?
Ans: An oasis is a fertile area with water on the surface, surrounded by desert. Oases are essential because they support permanent settlements and provide water and resources for travelers and caravans passing through the desert.

Q9: What is the primary economic activity in Saudi Arabia, and why is it significant?
Ans: Saudi Arabia is known for its petroleum reserves, which represent a significant portion of the world's total reserves. Petroleum provides around seventy percent of the country's total revenue, making it a vital economic activity.

Q10: What social services are provided by Saudi Arabia to its citizens and residents?
Ans: Saudi Arabia offers various social services, including coverage for unemployment, work injury, sickness, maternity, disability, and old age. It also provides free medicine and medical care to all, as well as free education at all levels of learning for both citizens and foreign residents.