A Closer Look at Qatar
Qatar Flag
Qatar Formation Date
September 3, 1971
Qatar Capital Name
The capital city of Qatar is Doha.
Qatar Neighbours
Exploring Qatar
Discovering Qatar: A Cultural Commentary and Travel Guide
Located on the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East, Qatar is a small but significant country with a rich history and a bright future. This oil-rich nation has been making headlines in recent years for its rapid development and global influence. As a cultural commentator and travel writer, I invite you to join me on a journey to explore the wonders of Qatar.Key Takeaways:
- Qatar is located on the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East.
- The country is known for its oil reserves and rapid development.
- The culture of Qatar is a blend of traditional Bedouin customs and modern influences.
- The official language is Arabic, and Islam is the dominant religion.
- Tourism is a growing industry in Qatar, with many attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
Geography:
Qatar is a small country, covering an area of just 11,586 square kilometers. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and the Persian Gulf to the east. The country's landscape is mostly flat, with some low-lying hills in the west. The most prominent physical feature of Qatar is its coastline, which stretches for over 560 kilometers. The natural resources of Qatar are primarily oil and natural gas, which have fueled the country's economic growth. The climate in Qatar is arid, with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature ranges from 17°C (63°F) in winter to 36°C (97°F) in summer. The country experiences occasional sandstorms due to its desert location.Origin and History:
Qatar has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations. It was once part of the Sumerian and Akkadian empires and was later ruled by the Persians, Ottomans, and British. In 1971, Qatar gained independence from Britain and became a sovereign state. In recent years, Qatar has become a global player in the fields of politics, economy, and sports. It hosted the 2006 Asian Games and is set to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making it the first Arab country to do so.Government and Politics:
Qatar is an absolute monarchy ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-19th century. The country is divided into eight municipalities, with Doha as its capital and largest city. Qatar has a strong presence in international affairs and maintains diplomatic relations with many countries. The country's foreign policy is based on maintaining good relations with neighboring countries and promoting peace in the region. Qatar is also a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations and the Arab League.Commerce and Economy:
Qatar's economy is primarily based on oil and gas exports, which account for over 70% of its GDP. However, the government has been actively diversifying its economy by investing in other sectors such as tourism, education, and healthcare. The country's currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR), which is pegged to the US dollar. Qatar has strong trade relations with countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.Demographics:
According to the latest census data, Qatar's population stands at around 2.8 million people, with expatriates making up the majority. The largest ethnic group is Arab (40%), followed by Indian (18%), Nepali (14%), Filipino (11%), and Bangladeshi (4%). The median age in Qatar is 31 years, and the population is relatively young.Culture:
Qatar's culture is a blend of traditional Bedouin customs and modern influences. The country's national dress for men is a long white robe called a thobe, while women wear an abaya (a long black dress) and a hijab (headscarf). Traditional Qatari cuisine includes dishes like machboos (rice with meat or fish) and harees (meat and wheat porridge). The arts and music scene in Qatar is thriving, with many museums, galleries, and cultural centers showcasing local and international talent. The country also celebrates various festivals and holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and National Day.Languages and Religion:
Arabic is the official language of Qatar, but English is widely spoken, especially in business and tourism. The country's dominant religion is Islam, with over 75% of the population being Muslim. Other religions practiced in Qatar include Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Islam plays a significant role in Qatari society, with many traditions and customs influenced by the religion. The call to prayer can be heard five times a day, and mosques are scattered throughout the country.Education and Healthcare Systems:
Education is highly valued in Qatar, with the government investing heavily in its education system. The literacy rate in Qatar is over 97%, one of the highest in the world. The country has several prestigious universities, including Qatar University and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar. The healthcare system in Qatar is also well-developed, with both public and private hospitals providing high-quality medical care. The government has implemented various public health initiatives to ensure the well-being of its citizens.Sports and Recreation:
Qatar has a strong sporting culture, with football being the most popular sport. The country's national team has had several successes, including winning the 2019 Asian Cup. Other popular sports in Qatar include cricket, basketball, and handball. For outdoor enthusiasts, Qatar offers a range of activities such as desert safaris, water sports, and dune bashing. The country also hosts various international sporting events, attracting visitors from around the world.Tourism:
Tourism is a growing industry in Qatar, with the government investing in infrastructure and attractions to attract visitors. Some popular tourist destinations include the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, and the Katara Cultural Village. The country also offers a range of activities like desert camping, shopping, and fine dining.Travel Information for Foreign Visitors:
If you are planning to visit Qatar, here are some essential travel information and tips: - All visitors to Qatar require a visa except for citizens of GCC countries. - It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. - Qatar has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption and public displays of affection. - The official currency is Qatari Riyal (QAR), and credit cards are widely accepted. - The tap water in Qatar is safe to drink. - Tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service. - The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. - The country has a low crime rate, but it is always advisable to take precautions. - The best time to visit Qatar is from November to April when the weather is pleasant.Quotes:
- "I am proud of my country. We have the World Cup in 2022 and I hope we will be ready." - Nasser Al-Khelaifi - "Qatar has a vision that focuses on human, social, economic and environmental development." - Sheikha Moza bint Nasser - "Qatar's success is not accidental, but it is the result of a clear vision and the hard work of its people." - Tamim bin Hamad Al ThaniConclusion:
Qatar is a fascinating country with a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern development. Its strategic location, rich history, and diverse culture make it an exciting destination for travelers. With its ambitious plans for the future and welcoming hospitality, Qatar is undoubtedly a country to watch out for in the years to come.Qatar Highest Point Name
Qatar's highest point is Jabal Al Dukhan, which stands at 103 meters above sea level.
Qatar Capital Longitude
Doha, Qatar is the capital city of Qatar and its exact longitude is 51.5310° N.
Qatar Capital Latitude
The capital of Qatar is Doha which is located at 25.2854473° latitude and 51.5310397° longitude.
Qatar Official Languages
Qatar's official language is Arabic.
Qatar Ethnic Groups
Qatar has a diverse population, with over 88% of the population being non-Qatari. The demographic is composed of various expats from other Middle Eastern and Asian countries, as well as Europeans. The Qataris are mainly of Arab descent, although there are people from African and Indian backgrounds. The expats are mainly from other Arab countries, including Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq. Other expats include Indians, Pakistanis, Iranians, Filipinos, Nepalese, Sri Lankans, and Bangladeshis.
Qatar Religions
Most of Qatar’s population are Sunni Muslims, constituting around 78% of the population. The remaining 22% are mostly Shia Muslims, with a small percentage of non-Muslims, including Christians and Hindus. The population in Qatar is also religiously diverse, including expatriates from all over the world. There is no official state religion in Qatar, but the constitution protects freedom of religion for the citizens of Qatar. The government respects all religious practices of different faiths. There are several places of worship available, including mosques, churches, Hindu temples and Bhajan Ashram. The Qatar government also encourages interfaith dialogue and understanding between its citizens and residents of different religious backgrounds.
Qatar Total Area
Qatar has an area of 11,586 square kilometers (4,473 square miles).
Qatar Land Area
Qatar's land area is 11,586 square kilometers (4,473 square miles).
Qatar Water Area
Qatar is a small country on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. The country covers an area of 11,537 square kilometers (4,466 square miles). The total area of Qatar is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Connecticut, and its land area is 11,286 km2 (4,366 sq mi). Water makes up 250 km2 (96 sq mi) of the country, mainly in the form of coastal lagoons
Qatar Total Population
As of 2020, the total population of Qatar is 2,768,049 according to World Population Review.
Qatar Currency Name
The official currency of Qatar is the Qatari riyal (QAR).
Qatar Currency Code
QAR
Qatar Currency Symbol
The currency symbol for the Qatari Riyal is QAR.
Qatar Calling Code
+974
Qatar Internet TLD
www.aveholidays.qa
How to Say "Qatar" In Different Languages?
- Pashto
- قطر (ps-AF)
- Albanian
- Katar (sq-AL)
- Arabic
- قطر (ar-DZ)
- Spanish
- Catar (es-AR)
- Belarusian
- Катар (be-BY)
- Dutch
- Qatar (nl-BE)
- Spanish
- Catar (es-BO)
- Portuguese
- Catar (pt-BR)
- Bulgarian
- Катар (bg-BG)
- English
- Qatar (en-CA)
- Chinese
- 卡塔尔 (zh-CN)
- Spanish
- Catar (es-CO)
- Croatian
- Katar (hr-HR)
- Danish
- Qatar (da-DK)
- Arabic
- قطر (ar-EG)
- French
- Qatar (fr-FR)
- German
- Katar (de-DE)
- Greek
- Κατάρ (el-GR)
- Hindi
- कतर (hi-IN)
- Persian
- قطر (fa-IR)
- Hebrew
- קטאר (he-IL)
- Italian
- Qatar (it-IT)
- Japanese
- カタール (ja-JP)
- Spanish
- Catar (es-MX)
- Arabic
- قطر (ar-MA)
- Dutch
- Qatar (nl-NL)
- Hausa
- Katãra (ha-NG)
- Urdu
- قطر (ur-PK)
- Polish
- Katar (pl-PL)
- Portuguese
- Catar (pt-PT)
- Russian
- Катар (ru-RU)
- Slovak
- Katar (sk-SK)
- Slovenian
- Katar (sl-SI)
- Spanish
- Catar (es-ES)
- Swedish
- Qatar (sv-SE)
- Thai
- กาตาร์ (th-TH)
- Turkish
- Katar (tr-TR)
- Ukrainian
- Катар (uk-UA)
- English
- Qatar (en-GB)
- English
- Qatar (en-US)
Qatar Popular Holidays
- Laylat al Isra wa'l Mi'raj (The Night Journey)
- 27 Rajab
- Israa and Mi'raj
- 27 Rajab
- Lailat al Isra wa al Miraj
- 27 Rajab
- Arafah Day
- 9 Dhul Hijjah
- Lailat al Bara'at
- 14 Sha'ban
- Shab al-Barat
- 14 Sha'ban
- Laylat al Qadr
- 27 Ramadan
- Lailat Al Miraj
- 27 Nisan
- The Prophet’s Ascension (Al Isra And Al Miraj)
- 27 Rajab
- Moulid Al Nabi
- 3 Rabi al-Awwal
- Ashura
- 10 Muharram
- Lailat al Miraj/Laddoo Day
- 27 Rajab
- Prophet Mohamed's Birthday
- 12 Rabi al-Awwal
- World Cancer Day
- 4 February
- Qatar Environment Day
- 5 February
- National Sport Day
- 11 February
- Qatar Revolution Day
- 22 February
- Revolution Day
- 22 February
- International Women's Day
- 8 March
- Environmental Health Day
- 14 March
- Mother's Day
- 21 March
- International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- 21 March
- World Water Day
- 22 March
- World Health Day
- 7 April
- World Health Day
- 7 April
- Divine Mercy Sunday
- 11 April
- Islamic New Year
- 14 April
- Ramadan
- 24 April (24 May)
- World Veterinary Day
- 30 April
- International Labour Day
- 1 May
- Labour Day
- 1 May
- World Red Cross Day
- 8 May
- International Day of Families
- 15 May
- National Day of Prayer
- 17 May
- Eid Al-Fitr
- 24 May (25 May)
- Global Day of Parents
- 1 June
- World Environment Day
- 5 June
- World Environmental Day
- 5 June
- Glucose Day
- 6 June
- World Oceans Day
- 8 June
- Summer Day
- 11 June
- Father's Day
- 21 June
- Qatar Animal Welfare Day
- 1 July
- Monday of the Souls
- 25 July
- Eid Al Adha
- 30 July (3 August)
- Laylat al Zuha (Eid al-Adha)
- 31 July
- International Youth Day
- 12 August
- Hijri New Year
- 20 August
- Youth Day
- 21 August
- Victory Day
- 21 August
- Creativity Day
- 27 August
- Eid Al Hijra
- 2 September
- Independence Day
- 3 September
- International First Aid Day
- 12 September
- International Day of Peace
- 21 September
- International Day of Older Persons
- 1 October
- World Animal Day
- 4 October
- International Day of the Girl Child
- 11 October
- Qatar Sports Day
- 14 October
- World Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty
- 17 October
- World Kindness Day
- 13 November
- World Diabetes Day
- 14 November
- International Day for Tolerance
- 16 November
- World AIDS Day
- 1 December
- International Day of People with Disabilities
- 3 December
- International Volunteer Day
- 5 December
- International Anti-Corruption Day
- 9 December
- Human Rights Day
- 10 December
- GCC Day
- 14 December
- Martyrs' Day
- 17 December
- Qatar National Day
- 18 December
- Qatar National Day Parade
- 18 December
- National Unity Day
- 18 December
- Eid Al Milad
- 20 December