Overview of Qatar

Profile

Qatar is a hereditary emirate located in the northeastern Arabian Peninsula of Western Asia, with most of its territory consisting of flat desert. Having gained independence from British protection in 1971, the Al Thani family's hereditary monarchy continues. With the world's third-largest natural gas reserves and abundant oil resources, per capita GDP consistently ranks among the world's highest, realizing a high-welfare state with no income tax. The capital Doha has rapidly grown as a financial, media, and aviation hub, housing international media including Al Jazeera and the research and education complex "Education City." Hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup accelerated large-scale infrastructure and tourism resource development.

Official name: State of Qatar
Common name: Qatar
Numeric code: 634
Alpha-3 code: QAT
Alpha-2 code: QA
Population: Approx. 2.8 million (2023)
Population density: Approx. 240
Primary languages: Arabic
Major religions: Islam
National anthem: Al-Salam Al-Amiri (السلام الأميري)
Calling code: +974
Internet TLD: .qa

History

Transformed from pearl trading to oil and gas development, gaining independence in 1971 and achieving rapid modernization.

Known for pearl harvesting since ancient times, oil was discovered in the early 20th century and developed under British protection. After export began in 1949, oil revenue transformed the nation. After gaining independence on September 3, 1971, from the late 1980s development of the massive North Field transformed Qatar into a natural gas state. Under Emir Hamad from 1995, modern infrastructure and education investment accelerated, and from 2013 Emir Tamim promoted economic diversification and soft power diplomacy. Despite experiencing Gulf crises and Middle Eastern mediation diplomacy, Qatar has increased its presence through strong economic power and international event hosting.

Geography & climate

The country is mostly flat limestone desert with low plateaus in the north and sand dunes in the south. Coastline features shallow lagoons and scattered mangrove wetlands.

Hot desert climate (BWh)

Area: Asia / 11586 km²
Capital: Doha
Largest city: Doha
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Saudi Arabia

Natural resources

Natural gas, crude oil, limestone, salt, fishery resources (hammour, etc.), solar power, wind power, pearl oysters, underground freshwater lenses, sulfur

Politics

Government: Constitutional hereditary emirate

Economy

Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR)

GDP (nominal): 235.0 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 403.1 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Arabic

Time zone: Arabia Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Qatari Arabs, South Asians (Indian, Pakistani), Filipino, Egyptian and North African, Iranian, Nepali, Bangladeshi

Life expectancy

Approx. 80.2 years

Literacy rate

97.8%

National sports

Soccer, Camel racing, Cricket, Handball, Volleyball