Any of numerous rodents with elongated back legs, good at hopping or jumping. Gerbils range from mouse- to rat-size, and have hairy tails. Many of the 13 genera live in dry, sandy, or sparsely vegetated areas of Africa and Asia. (Family Cricetidae.)
The Mongolian jird or gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) is a popular pet.
The flags of Qatar and Bahrain are very similar, reflecting the countries' historical links. The proportions of the Qatari flag are unique. Effective date: c. 1949.