MAJOR CITIES

ABOUT QATAR

THE STATE OF QATAR

Geography

Qatar, situated midway along the western coast of the Arabian Gulf, is one of the smaller Arab Gulf States. A limestone peninsula covering approximately 11,437 square kilometers of flat, desert terrain, it projects northwards for 160 kilometers into the Gulf. Surrounded by 550 kilometers of coastline to the west, north and east, the Southern border is shared with Saudi Arabia.

Climate

Temperatures vary from 7C in January to 46C in July/August. There is very little rainfall, averaging 80 millimeters a year

Population and Language

The last census carried out in 1997 cited the population of Qatar at 522,000, although a more up to date figure is 650,000, 90% of which resides in Doha, the capital city. Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken. The official religion is Islam and the Islamic Sharia is the principal source of legislation.

Government and Political System

Qatar is an hereditary Emirate which has been ruled by the Al Thani family since the 19th century. The constitution decrees that the Emir, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is the Head of State and holds legislative and executive authority. HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is the Heir Apparent, HH Sheikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Thani is the Prime Minister.