Qatar is a sovereign country located in Western Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and the Persian Gulf to the east. The country’s strategic location has made it a key player in regional politics and economics.
Geography
Climate
Qatar has a desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Summers are extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), while winters are relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Rainfall is scarce, and the country experiences low humidity throughout the year.
Fauna
Qatar’s desert environment supports a variety of fauna adapted to arid conditions. Common species include Arabian oryx, Arabian gazelle, sand gazelle, desert fox, and various reptiles such as lizards and snakes. Birdlife is also abundant, with species like falcons, sandgrouse, and hoopoes found in the desert and coastal areas.
Longest Rivers
Qatar is a desert country with no permanent rivers. The intermittent streams that flow during rare rain events are usually dry for most of the year. However, the country has a network of drainage channels known as wadis, which help manage occasional flash floods.
Highest Mountains
Qatar is largely flat, with no significant mountain ranges. The highest point in the country is Qurayn Abu al Bawl, also known as Jebel Dukhan, which rises to only about 103 meters (338 feet) above sea level. Despite its modest elevation, Jebel Dukhan is considered Qatar’s highest “mountain.”
History
Prehistory
The area now known as Qatar has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Stone Age. Nomadic tribes such as the Bedouins and the Al Khalifa tribe have inhabited the region for centuries, relying on fishing, pearl diving, and nomadic herding for sustenance.
Early Civilizations
Throughout history, Qatar was part of various ancient civilizations, including the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. It was also under the influence of the Persian Empire and later the Islamic Caliphates. The region was known for its strategic location along trade routes, connecting the Arabian Peninsula with Mesopotamia and the Levant.
Ottoman and British Influence
In the 19th century, Qatar came under the influence of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled the region indirectly through local sheikhs. In the early 20th century, Qatar became a British protectorate, with the signing of several treaties granting Britain control over Qatar’s foreign affairs and defense. Qatar’s pearling industry flourished during this period, attracting migrant workers from across the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent.
Independence and Modernization
Qatar gained independence from Britain in 1971 and became a sovereign state. Since then, the country has undergone rapid modernization and development, fueled by its vast oil and natural gas reserves. Qatar has become one of the wealthiest nations in the world, with a high standard of living and a modern infrastructure. The country has also emerged as a regional and global player, hosting major international events and investing in various sectors, including finance, tourism, and education.
Demographics
Population
As of the latest available data, Qatar has a population of approximately 2.8 million people, the majority of whom are expatriates. Qataris constitute a minority of the population, making up around 12% of the total population. The country has experienced rapid population growth in recent decades, driven by immigration and natural increase.
Ethnicity and Language
The population of Qatar is diverse, with the majority of residents being expatriates from various countries. Qatari nationals are predominantly of Arab descent, with significant South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Western expatriate communities. Arabic is the official language of Qatar, although English is widely spoken, especially in business and education.
Religion
Islam is the predominant religion in Qatar, with the majority of the population adhering to the Sunni branch of Islam. The country’s legal system is based on Islamic Sharia law, and Islamic traditions and customs play a significant role in Qatari society. Non-Muslims are free to practice their faith in Qatar, and there are small Christian, Hindu, and Sikh communities in the country.
Administrative Divisions and Population
Qatar is divided into eight municipalities, which are further subdivided into districts and zones. The following is a list of Qatar’s administrative divisions along with their populations:
- Doha Municipality – Population: 2.5 million
- Al Rayyan Municipality – Population: 800,000
- Al Wakrah Municipality – Population: 300,000
- Al Khor Municipality – Population: 200,000
- Al Daayen Municipality – Population: 150,000
- Umm Salal Municipality – Population: 100,000
- Al Shamal Municipality – Population: 50,000
- Al Shahaniya Municipality – Population: 50,000
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Doha
- Al Rayyan
- Al Wakrah
- Al Khor
- Al Daayen
- Umm Salal
- Al Shamal
- Al Shahaniya
Education Systems
Education in Qatar is free and compulsory for all children from kindergarten through to secondary school. The education system is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Qatar has made significant investments in education, with the goal of developing a knowledge-based economy and preparing its citizens for the challenges of the future.
Qatar has several top universities and educational institutions, including:
- Qatar University: The country’s premier public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.
- Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU): A multidisciplinary institution known for its research and innovation in fields such as energy, environment, and computing.
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q): A branch of Cornell University’s medical school offering medical education and research programs.
In addition to these institutions, Qatar also hosts branch campuses of several prestigious international universities, including Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University, and Northwestern University.
Transportation
Airports
Qatar has several airports, with Hamad International Airport in Doha being the main gateway to the country. It is one of the busiest airports in the Middle East and serves as the hub for Qatar Airways, the national carrier. Other airports in Qatar include Doha International Airport (formerly the main airport) and airports in Al Khor, Al Wakrah, and Al Udeid.
Railways
Qatar is currently developing a modern railway network known as the Qatar Integrated Railway Project. Once completed, it will include passenger and freight lines connecting major cities and industrial areas. The total length of the railway network is expected to be around 350 kilometers (217 miles).
Highways
Qatar has a well-maintained network of highways and roads, with the main artery being the Qatar Expressway. The country is continuously expanding and upgrading its road infrastructure to accommodate the growing population and economy. The total length of the highway network is approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles).
Ports
Qatar has several major ports along its coastline, facilitating trade and maritime transportation. The Port of Hamad (formerly known as Doha Port) is the country’s main seaport and handles the majority of Qatar’s imports and exports. Other major ports include the Port of Ras Laffan, which specializes in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, and the Port of Mesaieed, which handles industrial cargo and petrochemicals.
Country Facts
- Population: 2.8 million
- Capital: Doha
- Official Language: Arabic
- Religion: Islam (predominantly Sunni)
- Race: Arab (predominantly Qatari), South Asian, Western expatriates
- Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR)
- ISO Country Code: QA
- International Calling Code: +974
- Top-Level Domain: .qa