Qatar

Qatar

Qatar, a former pearl-fishing centre and once a poor British protectorate, is now transformed itself into a rich country, due to the exploitation of vast large oil and gas fields.

The Al-Thani family ruled for almost 150 years. The country declared its independence in 1971. It followed Bahrain by not joining the United Arab Emirates. The Qatari economy suffered serious setbacks thanks to continuous siphoning off of petroleum revenues by the amir, who was deposed by his son Crown Prince Hamad bin Khalifa in 1995. The current amir has initiated some liberal reforms including press freedom. The Qatari satellite TV station Al Jazeera has become one of the most famous broadcasters in the world.
Elections to 29-member municipal council in 1999 witnessed the participation of Qatari women for the first time.

Travel overview
The rapidly modernizing country in the Middle East, Qatar is known for its modern cities, distinctive architecture, ancient rock carvings, sand dunes and beaches. Travellers who make it down to the capital city of Doha are surprised by its modern skyscrapers co-existing with the traditional style Grand Mosque and the Abu Bakir al-Siddiq Mosque.

Other tourist attractions that make travel in Qatar an intense and rewarding experience are the forts of Umm Salal Mohammed Fort and Al Zubra Fort Al Jassasiya, known for the ancient stone carvings. The Burzan Tower, Khor Al-Adaid Lake, and Entertainment City (the Kingdom of Aladdin) are other places of interest in the country.

Qatar is really an ideal place for independent travel, providing a wide range of watersports activities. The beaches of Gharya, Umm Bab, Dukhan, Khor Al Udaid, Fuwairit and Salwah are worth visiting.

Capital: Doha
Location: Middle East
Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Total Area: 11,437 sq km
Total Population: 907,229
Population Growth Rate: 2.386%
Sex Ratio: 1.852 male(s)/female
Literacy: 89%
Ethnic Groups: Arab, Indian, Pakistani, Iranian
Irrigated land: 130 sq km
Languages: Arabic, English
Time Zone: UTC+3
Currency: Qatari rial (QAR))
Type of govt.: emirate
Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Hamad bin Jasim bin Jabir al-Thani
Major Political Parties: none
Participation in International Organizations: ABEDA, AMF, FAO, ACC, AFESD, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, G-77, GCC, IAEA, ICRM, IDB, IMF, IMO, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMSO, Interpol, ITSO, ITU, LAS, IOC, IPU, ISO, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, PCA, UN, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, UNCTAD, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, UNESCO, UNIDO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Major Agricultural Products: fruits, dairy products, vegetables; poultry, beef; fish
Industry & Transport: crude oil production and refining, steel reinforcing bars, ammonia, fertilizers, petrochemicals, cement, commercial ship repair
Airports: 5
Roadways: 1,230 km
Major Trade Partners: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, France, US, Italy, Germany, UK, Saudi Arabia
Exports: $33.25 billion
Imports: $12.36 billion