Qatar

Ruled by the al-Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari economy was crippled by a continuous siphoning off of petroleum revenues by the amir, who had ruled the country since 1972. His son, the current Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa al-Thani, overthrew him in a bloodless coup in 1995. In 2001, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Oil and natural gas revenues enable Qatar to have one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 907,229

Nationality (Noun): Qatari(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Qatari

Official Language(s): Arabic

Major Languages Spoken: Arabic, English

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): State of Qatar

Country Name (short form): Qatar

Country Name (local long form): Dawlat Qatar

Country Name (local short form): Qatar

Name of Capital: Doha

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Qatar: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain

Land Area: 11437 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Connecticut

Total Land Boundry: 60 km

Coastline: 563 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 3 September (1971)

International Phone Code: 974

Currency Code: Qatari rial (QAR)

Internet Country Code: .qa

US Embassy Location: Al-Luqta District, 22 February Road, Doha

US Embassy Mailing Address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha