Qatar is a peninsula, just northward into the Arabian Gulf with sea borders except its South where it shares a boarder with Saudi Arabia. Its area covers 11,521 square Kilometres. The country has a number of islands, such as Halool, Shira'aw, Al-Ishat, Saflia and Alia. Most of the country is covered with rocky flat surface and some limestone outcrops in Dukhan area in the west and Fuwairit area in the north. The surface is full with characteristic depressions called Rawdat,particularly in the north and central plants.

Qatar is principally an energy economy and is one of the world's wealthiest countries. Its GDP per capita of US$23,369 in 2000 is likely to increase to US$123,000 by 2002 as revenue from LNG exports kick in. Qatar has estimated reserves of over 900 trillion cubic feet of LNG (equivalent to 240 billion barrels of oil). Qatar's recoverable oil reserves are modest (3.2 billion barrels or about 520 years at planned extraction rates). Inflation is running at just under 3%.

Location:
Qatar is a peninsula situated halfway along the West Coast of the Arabian Gulf. It has a number of islands, the most important of which are Halool, Shira'aw, Al-Ashat and others. Its topography consists of a rocky flat surface with some limestone outcrops in Dukhan area in the west and Fuwairit area in the north. The surface is full with characteristic depressions called Rawdat, particularly in the north and central plants.

Land Area:
The total land area of Qatar is approximately 11,521 square kilometres.

Population:
Qatar's population is about 522,000, half of whom live in the capital city of Doha.

Capital City:
Doha

Official Language:
Arabic is the official language in Qatar, but English is widely spoken.

Religion:
Islam is the official religion of the country, and the Shariah (Islamic Law) is the principal source of legislation in the country.

Climate:
Qatar has a moderate desert climate with long hot summers and short mild winters and little rain in winter.

Summertime in Qatar, from June to September, is characterised by intense heat with alternating dryness and humidity with everyday temperatures usually exceeding 40°C. From October to May temperatures are moderate. Mid-winter temperatures may fall to around 15°C, which is relatively cool for the latitude. Rainfall is negligible, averaging 100 millimetres per year and is confined to the winter months, falling in brief, sometimes heavy storms that often flood the small ravines and the usually dry wadis.

Major Towns:
Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Dukhan, Al Shamal, Mesaieed and others.

Currency:
The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR), which is divided into 100 dirhams. The Exchange parity has been set at the fixed rate of US $ = 3.65QR's.

Government:
Qatar is a traditional monarchy and has been ruled by the Al-Thani family since the middle of the 19th Century. Qatar is currently ruled by the Emir, H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

Independence:
Qatar gained independence on September 3rd 1971.

June 27th 1995:
On this date His Highness, the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani assumed power.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
Independence Day: 3rd September.
Eid Al-Fitr: 1st to 4th of Shawwal of Al-Hijrah.
Eid Al- Adha: 10th to 15th of Zilhijjah of Al-Hijrah.

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.