Geography
The Qatari peninsula juts 100 miles (161 km) north into the Persian Gulf from Saudi Arabia and is covered with sand. To the southeast lies the spectacular Khor al Adaid (“Inland Sea”), an area of rolling sand dunes surrounding an inlet of the Persian Gulf. Winters are mild and summers very hot and humid . Overview 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. Following Ottoman rule it became a British protectorate in the early 20th century until gaining independence in 1971. In 1995, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani came to power. The Emir moved steadily to democratize the nation’s government and institute elections. In 2003 voters approved a constitution establishing a largely elected advisory council with the power to pass laws, subject to the Emir’s approval; women have the right to vote and hold office. The constitution was endorsed by the Emir in 2004 and came into force in 2005. |
In mid-2013, Sheikh Hamad transferred power to his 33 year-old son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad. Sheikh Tamim has prioritized improving the domestic welfare of Qataris, including establishing advanced healthcare and education systems and expanding the country's infrastructure in anticipation of Doha's hosting of the 2022 World Cup.
Qatar has the most conservative society in the GCC after Saudi Arabia. Qatar has the world's third largest natural gas reserves and oil reserves in excess of 25 billion barrels, which have fueled Qatar to become the world's richest country per capita and achieve the highest human development in the Arab World and 36th highest globally; it is recognized as a high income economy by the World Bank and also the 19th most peaceful country in the world. Qatar is currently undergoing transformation under the National Vision 2030, in which it expects to achieve an advanced, sustainable, and diversified economy. In order to promote tourism, Qatar has invested billions into improving infrastructure. It held the 2006 Asian Games and will be the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Arab country to host either of the events. Sources: 2003 Columbia University Press Wikipedia.org |