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Overview:
Qatar occupies a peninsula, which extends northward for about
180 kilometers (100 miles) into the Arabian Gulf from the
Arabian Peninsula. The country is bordered to the south by Saudi
Arabia for a stretch of 56 kilometres or 35 miles. The total
area of Qatar is 11,437 square kilometres or 4,260 square miles.
Doha, the capital city, is located on the east coast.
A traditional monarchy, the State of Qatar is ruled by the Al
Thani family. The Al Thani family arrived in Qatar in the early
part of the 18th century, originally settling in the northern
region of the country, and moving to Doha in the mid-19th
century. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has been emir since
early 1995. Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifah Al Thani is the prime
minister. In 1999 the country's first elections were held, to
elect a 29-member municipal council. Women were allowed to vote
and stand for office in this election.
The State of Qatar produces less than 1% of the world's oil
output. Crude oil and liquefied natural gas account for about
80% of the country's exports. The banking sector also plays an
important role in Qatar’s economy.
Population:
769,152 (official estimate 2002).
Capital:
Doha City.
Major Cities: Al Rayyan
Language:
Arabic, but English is widely
understood, especially in commerce and industry.
Religion:
95 per cent Muslim (mostly of the
Sonni sect), with Christian and other minorities.
Time:
GMT + 3.
Electricity:
220 volts AC, 50Hz; single phase.
UK-type flat three-pin plugs are used.
Communications:
Telephone:
Full IDD is available. Country
code: 974. Outgoing international code: 00.
Mobile telephone:
GSM 900 and 1800 networks.
Network operators include QTEL - (website:
www.qtel.com)
Fax:
Most hotels have facilities.
Internet:
Internet cafes throughout Qatar
provide public access to e-mail and Internet services. ISPs for
Qatar include QTEL (website:
www.qtel.com)
and Internet Qatar (Web Site:
www.qatar.net.qa)
Telegram:
Telegram services are available
24-hours at QTEL. Offices.
Post:
Airmail to Western Europe takes about
5 days.
Press:
The leading English-language newspaper
is Gulf Daily News.
Radio:
BBC World Service (website:
www.bbc.co.uk) and Voice of America (website:
www.voa.gov) can be
received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most
up-to-date can be found online. |
