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Country information: Qatar
| Official Name: | State of Qatar |
| Population: | 1,5 million (UN) |
| Capital: | Doha |
| Government: | Emirate |
| Leaders: | Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani |
| Religion: | Muslim 77,5%, Christian 8,5%, other 14% (2004 census) |
| Languages: | Arabic (official), English widely spoken |
| GDP: | $150.6 billion (CIA 2010 est.) |
| GDP/Capita: | $179,000 (CIA 2010 est.) |
| Main exports: | Liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers, steel |
| Time zone: | GMT + 3 |
| International dialing code: | +974 |
| Currency: | 1 Qatar Rial (QAR) = USD 0.2746 |
Country briefing
Once known for pearl fishing, this former British protectorate has gone from one of the poorest states in the Gulf to become one of the richest in the world. Ruled by the Al-Thani family since the mid 19thcentury, Qatar has pursued a more liberal route since Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani replaced his father in a bloodless coup in 1995. Women are now allowed to vote and stand for office, but ultimate power still lies with the Emir and his family.
Qatar achieved its wealth through oil and natural gas, and possesses the third largest natural gas reserves in the world. In 2010, Qatar had the world’s highest growth rate. And the country is small, with just 1,5 million citizens, thus laying the ground for an extensive welfare state. Foreigners outnumber native Qataris, but the government is creating incentives to give priority to the indigenous population, for example in the appointment of managerial positions.
The past years have seen a more assertive Qatar; hosting the Doha round, winning the battle for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as well as owning Al Jazeera – today one of the Arab world’s most important TV networks. A long-standing ally of the US, Qatar is home to the regional headquarters of the US Central Command.
