Qatar:

Country Guide

Qatar - general country guide

Contents

Map

Source: CIA World Factbook

Summary Data

summary data  
Total Area (km2) 11,437  
Land (km2)  11,437
Water (km2)  0 
Population 928,635 
Population Density (/km2) 81
Capital Doha
Religion (%) Muslim 77.5%
Christian 8.5%
Other 14%
Time  GMT+3
Climate Qatar's climate is very arid and although Winters
are relatively mild the summer months are very
hot and humid. 
Source: CIA World Factbook

Geography

Qatar is a country which is rich in oil; it is situated in the Middle East and borders Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. The northern part, particularly in the west mainly consists of hills whereas the rest of the country is made up of sand dunes and salt flats. Doha is the capital city and situated along the central eastern coast.

Government

Qatar gained independence from the UK in 1971 and the government is Emirate. The head of state is currently Prince Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and the head of government is Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jasim. Qatar's national holiday is Independence Day which is celebrated on 3rd September.  The legal system is based on Islamic and Civil laws code.

Language

Arabic is the official language in Qatar although some English is spoken throughout the country, mainly in popular tourist areas or major cities such as Doha.

Electricity

240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Plugs are of the three pin style.

Passports/Visa

A passport valid for a minimum of six months after the return date from Qatar is required by all nationals.

Visas

All Nationals require a visa to enter Qatar, Some nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at Qatar although this should be checked with the Qatar embassy before travelling.

Passport/Visa Information

Qatar Embassy

1 South Audley Street,

London

W1K 1NB.

Telephone: (020) 7492 2200  

Fax:  (020) 7493 2661

Airports and Airlines

Doha International Airport (DOH)

  • Location: The airport is situated a few kilometres southeast of the city centre.
  • Time: GMT + 3
  • Contacts: PO Box 22550 Doha, Qatar
  • Tel: 462 2999
  • Fax: 462 2044
  • Website: www.dohaairport.com
  • Terminals: 2
  • Transfer to the city: There are taxis available into the city center from outside the airport. The metered taxis are orange and white vehicles.
  • Car rental: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and Thrifty all have service desks at the airport.
  • Facilities: The airport offers many restaurants and bars, shops which include duty free shopping, ATMs, currency exchange services and a post office. The airport also has a medical clinic, lost luggage desk and a male only mosque.
  • Parking: Short and long term parking is available

Standard of Living

Qatar is constantly developing and all the while the country is enjoying a higher standard of living with better education and health care systems. With less strict property ownership, foreign expatriates can comfortably live in the country with a well paid job and a higher standard of living.

Principal commercial centers and towns

Qatar consists of many cities and towns although Doha is the most populated and developed city.

population by city/town 2007  
Doha 339,847
Ar Rayyan 272,583
Al Wakrah 31,009
Al Khawr 31,547
Al Jumaliyah 13,085
Source: Wikipedia Top

Qatar Country Guide

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