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Communications

Internet country code [time series]

.qa

Internet users (Internet hosts) [time series]

722 (2009) country comparison to the world: 166

Internet users [time series]

436,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 111

Broadcast media (Radio broadcast stations) [time series]

AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1 (1998)

Telecommunication systems (Telephone system) [time series]

general assessment: modern system centered in Doha domestic: combined fixed and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership exceeds 200 telephones per 100 persons international: country code - 974; landing point for the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and the US; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and the UAE; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat (2008)

Telephones - fixed lines (Telephones - main lines in use) [time series]

263,400 (2008) country comparison to the world: 117

Telephones - mobile cellular [time series]

1.683 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 128

Broadcast media (Television broadcast stations) [time series]

1 (plus 3 repeaters) (2001)

Economy

Agricultural products (Agriculture - products) [time series]

fruits, vegetables; poultry, dairy products, beef; fish

Budget [time series]

revenues: $36.59 billion expenditures: $27.14 billion (2008 est.)

Central bank discount rate [time series]

5.5% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 79 5.5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate [time series]

6.84% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 115 7.43% (31 December 2007)

Current account balance [time series]

$15.07 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $10.45 billion (2007 est.)

Debt - external [time series]

$57.37 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $33.09 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Economic overview (Economy - overview) [time series]

Qatar has experienced rapid economic growth over the last several years on the back of high oil prices, and in 2008 posted its eighth consecutive budget surplus. Economic policy is focused on developing Qatar's nonassociated natural gas reserves and increasing private and foreign investment in non-energy sectors, but oil and gas still account for more than 50% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings, and 70% of government revenues. Oil and gas have made Qatar the second highest per-capita income country - following Liechtenstein - and one of the world's fastest growing. Proved oil reserves of 15 billion barrels should enable continued output at current levels for 37 years. Qatar's proved reserves of natural gas are nearly 26 trillion cubic meters, about 14% of the world total and third largest in the world. The drop in oil prices in late 2008 and the global financial crisis will reduce Qatar's budget surplus and may slow the pace of investment and development projects in 2009.

Electricity - consumption [time series]

13.73 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Electricity - exports [time series]

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports [time series]

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - production [time series]

15.11 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Exchange rates [time series]

Qatari rials (QAR) per US dollar - 3.64 (2008 est.), 3.64 (2007), 3.64 (2006), 3.64 (2005), 3.64 (2004)

Exports [time series]

$55.73 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $42.02 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities [time series]

liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers, steel

Exports - partners [time series]

Japan 38.5%, South Korea 20.9%, Singapore 11.1%, India 4.5%, Thailand 4.4% (2008)

GDP (official exchange rate) [time series]

$102.3 billion (2008 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) (GDP (purchasing power parity)) [time series]

$91.55 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $80.73 billion (2007 est.) $68.82 billion (2006 est.) note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition, by sector of origin (GDP - composition by sector) [time series]

agriculture: 0.1% industry: 74.9% services: 25.1% (2008 est.)

Real GDP per capita (GDP - per capita (PPP)) [time series]

$111,000 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $99,100 (2007 est.) $85,800 (2006 est.) note: data are in 2008 US dollars

Real GDP growth rate (GDP - real growth rate) [time series]

13.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 17.3% (2007 est.) 12.2% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share [time series]

lowest 10%: NA% highest 10%: NA%

Imports [time series]

$25.11 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $19.82 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities [time series]

machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals

Imports - partners [time series]

US 12.1%, Germany 9%, Italy 8.9%, Japan 8%, South Korea 7.5%, France 6.2%, UAE 5.5%, UK 4.9%, Saudi Arabia 4.6%, Turkey 4.2%, China 4.2% (2008)

Industrial production growth rate [time series]

13% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Industries [time series]

crude oil production and refining, ammonia, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement, commercial ship repair

Inflation rate (consumer prices) [time series]

15.2% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191 13.7% (2007 est.)

Investment (gross fixed) [time series]

32.1% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Labor force [time series]

1.119 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Market value of publicly traded shares [time series]

$76.31 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 49 $95.49 billion (31 December 2007) $61.56 billion (31 December 2006)

Natural gas - consumption [time series]

20.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Natural gas - exports [time series]

56.78 billion cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - imports [time series]

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - production [time series]

76.98 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Natural gas - proved reserves [time series]

25.26 trillion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Oil - consumption [time series]

129,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Oil - exports [time series]

1.043 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Oil - imports [time series]

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Oil - production [time series]

1.208 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Oil - proved reserves [time series]

15.21 billion bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Population below poverty line [time series]

NA%

Public debt [time series]

5.1% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 11% of GDP (2007 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold [time series]

$9.998 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $9.752 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad [time series]

$5.363 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $6.993 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home [time series]

$3.627 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $2.601 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of domestic credit [time series]

$59.43 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 45 $30.52 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money (Stock of money) [time series]

$13.98 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 41 $9.718 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money (Stock of quasi money) [time series]

$36.58 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 32 $22.6 billion (31 December 2007)

Unemployment rate [time series]

0.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 0.7% (2007 est.)

Geography

Area [time series]

total: 11,586 sq km country comparison to the world: 165 land: 11,586 sq km water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative [time series]

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Climate [time series]

arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Coastline [time series]

563 km

Elevation (Elevation extremes) [time series]

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: Qurayn Abu al Bawl 103 m

Environment - current issues [time series]

limited natural fresh water resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities

International environmental agreements (Environment - international agreements) [time series]

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Total water withdrawal (Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)) [time series]

total: 0.29 cu km/yr (24%/3%/72%) per capita: 358 cu m/yr (2000)

Geographic coordinates [time series]

25 30 N, 51 15 E

Geography - note [time series]

strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major petroleum deposits

Irrigated land [time series]

130 sq km (2002)

Land boundaries [time series]

total: 60 km border countries: Saudi Arabia 60 km

Land use [time series]

arable land: 1.64% permanent crops: 0.27% other: 98.09% (2005)

Location [time series]

Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia

Map references [time series]

Middle East

Maritime claims [time series]

territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: as determined by bilateral agreements or the median line

Natural hazards [time series]

haze, dust storms, sandstorms common

Natural resources [time series]

petroleum, natural gas, fish

Terrain [time series]

mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel

Total renewable water resources [time series]

0.1 cu km (1997)

Government

Administrative divisions [time series]

10 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Jarayan al Batinah, Madinat ash Shamal, Umm Sa'id, Umm Salal

Capital [time series]

name: Doha geographic coordinates: 25 17 N, 51 32 E time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution [time series]

ratified by public referendum on 29 April 2003, endorsed by the Amir on 8 June 2004, effective on 9 June 2005

Country name [time series]

conventional long form: State of Qatar conventional short form: Qatar local long form: Dawlat Qatar local short form: Qatar note: closest approximation of the native pronunciation falls between cutter and gutter, but not like guitar

Diplomatic representation from the US [time series]

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph E. LEBARON embassy: Al-Luqta District, 22 February Road, Doha mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha telephone: [974] 488 4161 FAX: [974] 488 4150

Diplomatic representation in the US [time series]

chief of mission: Ambassador Ali Fahad al-Shahwany al-HAJRI chancery: 2555 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 274-1600 and 274-1603 FAX: [1] (202) 237-0061 consulate(s) general: Houston

Executive branch [time series]

chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa al-Thani (since 27 June 1995 when, as heir apparent, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin Hamad al-Thani, in a bloodless coup); Heir Apparent TAMIM bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, fourth son of the monarch (selected Heir Apparent by the monarch on 5 August 2003); note - Amir HAMAD also holds the positions of Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces head of government: Prime Minister HAMAD bin Jasim bin Jabir al-Thani (since 3 April 2007); Deputy Prime Minister Abdallah bin Hamad al-ATIYAH (since 3 April 2007) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch elections: the monarch is hereditary note: in April 2007, Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-member Central Municipal Council (CMC), which has limited consultative powers aimed at improving the provision of municipal services; the first election for the CMC was held in March 1999

Flag (Flag description) [time series]

maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side

Government type [time series]

emirate

Independence [time series]

3 September 1971 (from the UK)

International organization participation [time series]

ABEDA, ACC, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch [time series]

Courts of First Instance, Appeal, and Cassation; an Administrative Court and a Constitutional Court were established in 2007; note - all judges are appointed by Amiri Decree based on the recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council for renewable three-year terms

Legal system [time series]

based on Islamic and civil law codes; discretionary system of law controlled by the Amir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law dominates family and personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Legislative branch [time series]

unicameral Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (35 seats; members appointed) note: no legislative elections have been held since 1970 when there were partial elections to the body; Council members have had their terms extended every year since the new constitution came into force on 9 June 2005; the constitution provides for a new 45-member Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura; the public would elect two-thirds of the Majlis al-Shura; the Amir would appoint the remaining members; preparations are underway to conduct elections to the Majlis al-Shura

National holiday [time series]

Independence Day, 3 September (1971); also observed is National Day, 18 December

Political parties (Political parties and leaders) [time series]

none

Political parties (Political pressure groups and leaders) [time series]

none

Suffrage [time series]

18 years of age; universal

Introduction

Background [time series]

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. As of 2007, oil and natural gas revenues had enabled Qatar to attain the second-highest per capita income in the world.

Military

Manpower available for military service [time series]

males age 16-49: 320,383 females age 16-49: 167,475 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service [time series]

males age 16-49: 318,388 females age 16-49: 136,841 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually [time series]

male: 6,337 female: 5,059 (2009 est.)

Military and security forces (Military branches) [time series]

Qatari Amiri Land Force (QALF), Qatari Amiri Navy (QAN), Qatari Amiri Air Force (QAAF) (2009)

Military expenditures [time series]

10% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Military service age and obligation [time series]

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2008)

People

Age structure [time series]

0-14 years: 21.8% (male 93,805/female 88,040) 15-64 years: 76.8% (male 454,714/female 185,004) 65 years and over: 1.4% (male 6,792/female 4,930) (2009 est.)

Birth rate [time series]

15.61 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Death rate [time series]

2.46 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

Education expenditure (Education expenditures) [time series]

3.3% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 136

Ethnic groups [time series]

Arab 40%, Indian 18%, Pakistani 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate [time series]

0.09% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

HIV/AIDS - deaths [time series]

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS [time series]

Infant mortality rate [time series]

total: 12.66 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 140 male: 13.51 deaths/1,000 live births female: 11.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Languages [time series]

Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language

Life expectancy at birth [time series]

total population: 75.35 years country comparison to the world: 80 male: 73.66 years female: 77.14 years (2009 est.)

Literacy [time series]

definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 89% male: 89.1% female: 88.6% (2004 census)

Median age [time series]

total: 30.8 years male: 32.8 years female: 25.4 years (2009 est.)

Nationality [time series]

noun: Qatari(s) adjective: Qatari

Net migration rate [time series]

-3.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Population [time series]

833,285 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Population growth rate [time series]

0.957% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Religions [time series]

Muslim 77.5%, Christian 8.5%, other 14% (2004 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) [time series]

total: 13 years male: 13 years female: 14 years (2006)

Sex ratio [time series]

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 2.46 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.38 male(s)/female total population: 2 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate [time series]

2.45 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Urbanization [time series]

urban population: 96% of total population (2008) rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international [time series]

none

Trafficking in persons [time series]

current situation: Qatar is a destination country for men and women from South and Southeast Asia who migrate willingly, but are subsequently trafficked into involuntary servitude as domestic workers and laborers, and, to a lesser extent, commercial sexual exploitation; the most common offense was forcing workers to accept worse contract terms than those under which they were recruited; other conditions include bonded labor, withholding of pay, restrictions on movement, arbitrary detention, and physical, mental, and sexual abuse tier rating: Tier 3 - Qatar failed, for the second consecutive year, to enforce criminal laws against traffickers, or to provide an effective mechanism to identify and protect victims; it continues to detain and deport victims rather than providing them protection; the government made little progress to increase prosecutions for trafficking in a meaningful way in 2007; workers complaining of working conditions or non-payment of wages were sometimes penalized (2008)

Transportation

Airports [time series]

5 (2009) country comparison to the world: 178

Airports - with paved runways [time series]

total: 3 over 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways [time series]

total: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2009)

Heliports [time series]

1 (2009)

Merchant marine [time series]

total: 22 country comparison to the world: 96 by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, container 8, liquefied gas 4, petroleum tanker 4 foreign-owned: 7 (Kuwait 7) registered in other countries: 5 (Liberia 4, Panama 1) (2008)

Pipelines [time series]

condensate 145 km; condensate/gas 132 km; gas 978 km; liquid petroleum gas 90 km; oil 382 km (2008)

Ports (Ports and terminals) [time series]

Doha, Ra's Laffan

Roadways [time series]

total: 7,790 km (2006) country comparison to the world: 143