Location
Qatar is a peninsula located halfway down the west coast of the Arabian Gulf. Its territory includes a number of islands: Halul, Sheraouh, Al-Ashat and others.
Land area
The total land area of Qatar is approximately 11,521km2.
Population
The population of Qatar was 1,642,000 according to a survey from the Qatar Statistics Authority published on 30/9/2010.
The total population of Doha is approximately 415,051 (83%). The densest part of Doha is the inner core area of Al Najada, which accommodates the highest population. The population density across the greater region of Doha ranges from 20,000 people per km2 to 25-50 people per km2.
Capital city
Doha
Administration of Doha
A series of municipality boundary areas define the Doha Metropolitan region ranging from the inner city Doha to Al Rayyan, which is located further to the west, Umm Salal to the north and Al Wakra to the south.
Official language
Arabic is the official language in Qatar. English is widely spoken.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of the country.
Law
Shariah (Islamic Law) is the main source of Qatari legislations.
Climate
Qatar has a moderate desert climate with long hot summers, short mild winters and minimal rain fall in winter.
Major towns
Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Dukhan, Al Shamal, Mesaieed, Ras Lafan.
National Day
18th of December in commemoration of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammad Bin Thani the founder of the State of Qatar.
Public holidays
• National Day – 18th of December
• Eid Al-Fitr Holiday – Starts from the 28th day of Ramadan until the 4th day of Shawwal
• Eid Al- Adha Holiday – starts on 9th day of Zilhijjah until the 13th day of Zilhijjah
National flag
The national flag is maroon colour with a broad vertical white stripe at the pole, the two colours being separated with a nine-point serrated line.
The meaning of the flag
The white colour reflects the internationally recognised symbol of peace. The maroon colour symbolises the bloodshed during the several wars Qatar had undergone, particularly in the second half of the 19th century. The nine-point serrated line indicates that Qatar is the 9th member of the ‘reconciled Emirates’ of the Arabian Gulf in the wake of concluding the Qatari-British treaty in 1916.
This information on design and colour of Qatar flag was mentioned in the Archives of the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1931.
Local Time
GMT + 3hrs
Important historic dates
1971 – Qatar became an independent state.
1973 – Qatar University established.
1995 – The current Emir came to power with a mandate to modernize the country, and for the last 15 years economic development has been rapid.