Qatar
Qatar is an Arab country located in the Middle East and southwestern Asia. It borders the Persian Gulf and juts out from the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Qatar is comprised of 4,489 square miles (11,627 sq km) of mostly stony, sandy, and barren land. This includes salt flats, dune deserts, and arid plains. The population of Qatar is estimated to be 3.2 million people in 2023, the majority of whom are Arabs with South Asian and Iranian minorities commonly employed as migrant workers. Arabic is the official language of Qatar, with English also spoken in certain areas. Islam is the official religion, while Christianity and Hinduism are also practiced.
The currency of Qatar is the Qatari riyal, with 1 USD equal to 3.640 Qatari riyals. Qatar is a constitutional emirate with one advisory body, and its basis of legislation is Islamic Law. The head of state and government is the Emir, assisted by the Prime Minister.
As of 2020, Qatar has one of the highest gross national products per capita in the world due largely to the country’s petroleum and natural gas exports. The government owns all of the agricultural land and generates most of the economic activity. Private sector involvement is limited to trade and contracting. Qatar’s life expectancy at birth is 77 years for males and 81.3 years for females. Literacy rates are 93% for males and 95% for females. In 2020, Qatar had a GNI of 161,944 U.S. dollars and a GNI per capita of 56,210 U.S. dollars.
Useful resources
- Souq Waqif - ancient outdoor market with a labyrinth of alleys featuring souvenirs, fabric, spices, cafes and more.
- Museum of Islamic Art - landmark Pei-designed museum opened in 2008, with displays tracing 1400 years of Islamic art.
- Katara Cultural Village - waterfront area with an amphitheater, museum and convention center, plus shops, eateries and a beach.
- Aspire Park - ample, tree-studded green space with a lake, fountains, playgrounds and nearby eateries.
- Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art - contemporary museum with thousands of works by Arab artists, plus temporary exhibitions and events.
- Qatar Museums Authority - qatar Museums is a Qatari government entity that oversees the Museum of Islamic Art, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, MIA Park, QM Gallery at Katara, ALRIWAQ DOHA
- Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque - imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque is the national mosque of Qatar. It is named after Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab