My World Factbook
(Learn more about the new, improved World Factbook)
Note: Most information adapted from the popular World Factbook is distributed between the websites GeoWorld (geography, people, communications & transportation), Politix (government) and Great Depression II (economy).
Geography
Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia
29 30 N, 45 45 E
Area: 
total: 17,818 sq km
country comparison to the world: 
157
land: 17,818 sq km
water: 0 sq km
slightly smaller than New Jersey
total: 462 km
border countries: Iraq 240 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km
499 km
territorial sea: 12 nm
Current Weather
dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters
flat to slightly undulating desert plain
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation 306 m
petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas
arable land: 0.84%
permanent crops: 0.17%
other: 98.99% (2005)
130 sq km (2003)
0.02 cu km (1997)
total: 0.44 cu km/yr (45%/2%/52%)
per capita: 164 cu m/yr (2000)
sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring heavy rain, which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year but are most common between March and August
limited natural fresh water resources; some of world’s largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the water; air and water pollution; desertification
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping
strategic location at head of Persian Gulf
The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism - 
