Qatar, officially State of Qatar, independent emirate (1995 est. pop. 534,000), 4,400 sq mi (11,400 sq km), on a largely barren peninsula in the Persian Gulf, bordering Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (S). The capital is Doha. The economy of Qatar is dominated by oil and natural gas, which accounts for 70% of export income. Oil and gas revenues have been used to diversify the economy, including the development of chemicals, steel, cement, and fertilizer industries and banking. A minority (20%) of the population are Qataris (Arabs of the Wahhabi sect of Islam); the rest are largely other Arabs, Pakistanis, Indians, and Iranians. Arabic is the official language, but English is also widely spoken. The country is a monarchy.


History

Qatar was ruled by Bahrain from the 1700s until the mid-1800s, when Great Britain and the Ottoman Empire began vying for control of the peninsula. It was a British protectorate from 1916 until 1971, when it became independent. In the 1980s and 90s Qatar had territorial disputes with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. During the Persian Gulf War (1991) international coalition forces were deployed on Qatari soil.

The present emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, came to power in 1995 after ousting his father. In the late 1990s Sheikh Hamad eased press censorship and promoted ties with Iran and Israel. Since 2001 Qatar has allowed U.S. use of the Al Udeid air base, and the headquarters for the U.S. invasion of Iraq (2003) were in the country.

Geography

Qatar is one of the smaller Arab Gulf states in terms of population and geographical area. It is situated midway along the western coast of the Arabian Gulf. The country is approximately 11,437 square kilometers. The coastline is 550 kilometers long and bounds the country to the west north and east. Several islands are included with the territory of the State of Qatar. The most important of which are Halul.

The landscape of Qatar is generally flat arid desert terrain. The desert areas are predominantly low lying with the exception of scattered hill formations in the northwest and rolling sand dunes in the southeast areas.

Climate

The climate is characterised by a mild winter and a hot summer. Rainfall in the winter is slight. Temperatures in summer can be extreme. The weather is generally pleasant during the period from October until April.

Population

The population of Qatar is estimated at 650,000, most of whom (about 90%) reside in Doha, the capital city. The rest of the population lives in a number of towns and villages, including Dukhan, Mesaieed, Al Wakra and Al Khor.

Language

Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken. Correspondence with government organisations is normally in Arabic.


Religion

Islam is the official religion and the Islamic Sharia is the principal source of legislation in the country.


Major Cities


Doha is the capital city and seat of Government. It includes the country's main sea port and international airport. It has an advanced road system linking it with the international road network and it is Qatar's cultural, commercial and financial centre.

Al Rayyan is located 10 kilometers north of Doha. It is the largest residential area outside of Doha.

Al Khor is a coastal city 57 kilometers north of Doha with a port for Municipality includes the emergent Industrial City of Ras Laffan.

Ras Laffan Industrial City: Strategically located on the north shore of the Qatari Peninsula and at the centre of the Arabian Gulf, and because of its proximity to the North Field (the largest natural gas field in the world), Ras Laffan Industrial City is the host of many hydrocarbon based industries including Qatargas and Rasgas.

Mesaieed is the major industrial city in Qatar. It has a large seaport as well as the principal terminal for the export of oil and other hydrocarbon products. The beaches at Mesaieed with their fine sand are considered to be among the most important tourist areas in Qatar.

Al Wakra is situated between Doha and Mesaieed, 15 kilometers from Doha, and has a small harbour for fishing boats.

Dukhan is the onshore oil production centre and is situated halfway along the western coastline of the Qatari Peninsula. It has developed since the exploitation of the country's oil reserves commenced in 1949.


Shopping

Many aspects of the inhabitants' needs in Qatar are heavily subsidised: water, electricity and petrol are generally inexpensive; some basic foods are subsidised; local telephone calls are free; there is no income tax payable on wages, and there are no property or municipal taxes; government housing is available in certain cases to Qataries at nominal rent.

Most foods and goods are imported into Qatar. The country is, however, self-sufficient in fish, and it also produces some of its own vegetables. There are also successful local dairy and poultry farms.

There are many modern shopping centres with a wide range of consumer and luxury goods featuring world-class brands. There are also many excellent supermarkets.


Media

Qatar has five daily newspapers - three in Arabic and two in English. Many international newspapers are available one or two days after publication. Local Arabic and English radio and TV channels exist. Cable TV is also available, and offers many international channels such as: BBC, CNN, ESPN, Star Movies etc. Satellite TV is also available. In addition, there are several modern movie theatres showing new releases. Cable TV and movies are censored.


Time

Qatar local time is GMT + 3 hours.


Business Hours

Government offices are open from 7.00 to 14.00 hours daily from Sunday to Thursday. Banks are open from 7.30 to 12.00 noon Sunday to Thursday. Commercial offices working hours vary considerably, but are normally open from 8.00 to 13.00 hours and from 15.30 to 18.30 hours. During Ramadan, the month of fasting, restricted business hours are observed.


Public Holidays

Friday is the Muslim day of rest and all offices and most large shops are closed. The major holidays observed in Qatar are as follows:
Eid Al Fitr - 4 days holiday
Eid Al Adha - 5 days holiday
Independence Day - 18 December


Transportation and Communication

Doha Port is the main seaport for Qatar. Doha Port handles general imports particularly consumer goods and container cargo. There are dedicated seaports at Mesaieed and Ras Laffan which are mostly used for hydrocarbon exports and major industrial imports.

Qatar is readily accessible by air through Doha International Airport. The airport is very close to the city centre and taxis fares are rather inexpensive. It is rather easy to get in and about in Qatar.

Qatar has a good telecommunication system, which gives immediate telephone, telex, facsimile and Internet access to the world.


Education

Education to Qatari nationals is free up to and including graduate and post-graduate levels. Qatar has a well-educated population, mostly in the west. The Ministry of Education operates the public schools, but there are many foreign language schools, including some foreign community schools, including American, French, Indian, Japanese, Norwegian and Pakistani.


Medical Services

In order to receive medical treatment from polyclinics and hospitals, it is necessary for foreign residents to obtain health cards issued by the Ministry of health for a nominal fee. There are many public health centres throughout Qatar. They provide medical and dental treatment to nationals for free, but charge a nominal fee to non-nationals. There are many doctors and dentists in private practice.


Housing

The Government run a major housing programme for nationals. Foreign nationals may not buy real estate in Qatar, but good quality housing is available for rent.


Electricity

Electric power is 240/220 volts, 50 cycles A/C.