Mandated Religious Study
Every public school in Saudi Arabia is religious. Makes sense since the government mandates everyone participate in daily Koran study. They start studying the Koran in first grade and it takes up about half the day. While in elementary school, math, science, history, physical education and history average 12 periods weekly when combined. Meanwhile, religious studies averages at 9 periods a week.
First Female Olympic Athletes
In June 2012, Crown Prince Nayef passed away. His replacement was 76 year-old Prince Salman, a much more liberal defense minister. Thus, it’s no coincidence that this year Saudi Arabia sent its first ever female athletes to compete in the Olympics.