Oman

The average annual rain fall is less than 4 inches.  They need water for personal use and for farming.  Their principal source of income is petroleum.  Other minerals include copper, asbestos and marble.  Waves are excellent for the better part of the year with wave heights of 15 feet common.  The capital is Masqat (Muscat) with an adjacent town of Matrah have a total estimated population of 50,000.  The ruling sultan Qabus bin Said has liberalized the regime and increased spending on development of the country.  Water is of prime interest.  World water conferences are scheduled for meetings there.