Country in the Middle East, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman. July 1999 estimates say that out of a total population of 2,344,402, as many as 1,576,589 are non-nationals, and less than 20% of the total population are actually citizens of the country. This probably explains that richest in the world per capita income figure. The territory became independent from the United Kingdom in 1971. Claims some islands in the Persian Gulf which are occupied by Iran.