The
Bedouins were traditionally divided into
related tribes, each led by a Sheikh.
Traditionally they would herd camels,
sheep, and goats, while riding on highly
prized horses, moving according to the
seasons for grazing lands. For centuries
and into the early 20th century the Bedouin
were known for their fierce resistance
to outside government and influence. There
are a number of Bedouin tribes, but the
total population is often difficult to
determine, especially as many Bedouin
have ceased to lead nomadic or semi-nomadic
lifestyles (see above) and joined the
general population. Some of the tribes
and their historical population: Rwala
live in Saudi Arabia, but extend through
Jordan into Syria and Iraq, in the 1970s,
according to Lancaster, there were 250,000-500,000
Rwala.
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