Economy [2]
Before the discovery of oil, the economy of the Qatari region focused on fishing and pearling. After
the introduction of the
Japanese cultured pearl onto
the world market in the 1920s and 1930s, Qatar's pearling industry faltered. However, the discovery of oil, beginning
in the 1940s, completely
transformed the
state's economy. Now the country has a high standard of living, with
many social services offered to its citizens and all the amenities of any modern state.
Qatar’s national income primarily derives from oil and natural gas exports. The
country has oil estimated at 15
billion barrels
(2.4 km³), while
gas reserves in the giant north
field (South Pars for Iran) which straddles the border with Iran and
are almost as large as the
peninsula itself
are estimated to be between 800 trillion cubic feet (23,000 km³) to 80 trillion cubic feet (2,300 km³) (1 trillion cubic foot is equivalent to about 80 million barrels (13,000,000 m³)
of oil). Qatar is
sometimes referred
to as
the Saudi Arabia of natural
gas. Qataris’
wealth and standard of living compare
well with those of
Western European states;
Qatar has the highest
GDP per
capita in the Arab World according
to the International Monetary Fund (2006) [4] and
the highest GDP per capita in the world according to the CIA, (2007) though
it was previously the
United Arab Emirates that
was the wealthiest Arab country according to the University of Pennsylvania. (2003) With
no
income tax, Qatar
is also one of the two least-taxed sovereign states in the world (the other is Bahrain(.
Geography
and Population [3]
Qatar is one of the smaller Arab Gulf states in terms of population
and geographical area. It is situated midway along the western coast of the Arabian Gulf. The country is approximately 11,850
square kilometers. The coastline is 550 kilometers long and bounds the country to the west north and east. Several islands
are included with the territory of the State of Qatar.
The landscape of Qatar is generally flat arid desert terrain. The desert areas are predominantly
low lying with the exception of scattered hill formations in the northwest and rolling sand dunes in the southeast areas.
The
climate is characterized by a mild winter and a hot summer. Rainfall in the winter is slight. Temperatures in summer can be
extreme. The weather is generally pleasant during the period from October until April.
The population of Qatar is
estimated at 650,000, most of whom (about 90%) reside in Doha, the capital city. The rest of the population lives in a number
of towns and villages, including Dukhan, Mesaieed, Al Wakra and Al Khor.
Religion and Language [3]
Islam
is the official religion and the Islamic Sharia is the principal source of legislation in the country.
Arabic is the official language, although English
is widely spoken. Correspondence with government organizations is normally in Arabic.
Major Cities
[2]
- Doha - is the capital city and seat of Government. It includes the country's
main sea port and international airport.
- Al Rayyan - is located 10 kilometers north of Doha. It is the largest residential
area outside of Doha.
- Al Khor - is a coastal city 57 kilometers north of Doha with a port for
Municipality includes the emergent Industrial City of Ras Laffan.
- Ras Laffan Industrial City - strategically located on the north shore of the Qatari Peninsula and at the centre
of the Arabian Gulf, and because of its proximity to the North Field (the largest natural gas field in the world), Ras Laffan
Industrial City is the host of many hydrocarbon based industries including Qatargas and Rasgas.
- Mesaieed - is the major industrial city in Qatar. It has a large seaport
as well as the principal terminal for the export of oil and other hydrocarbon products. The beaches at Mesaieed with their
fine sand are considered to be among the most important tourist areas in Qatar.
- Al Wakra - is situated between Doha and Mesaieed, 15 kilometers from Doha, and has a small harbour
for fishing boats.
- Dukhan - is the onshore oil production centre and is situated halfway along the
western coastline of the Qatari Peninsula.
Transportation & Telecommunication [3]
Doha Port is
the main seaport for Qatar. Doha Port handles general imports particularly consumer goods and container cargo.
Qatar
is readily accessible by air through Doha International Airport. The airport is very close to the city centre and taxis fares
are rather inexpensive. It is rather easy to get in and about in Qatar.
Qatar has a good telecommunication system, which
gives immediate telephone, telex, facsimile and Internet access to the world.
Many aspects of the inhabitants' needs in Qatar
are heavily subsidized: water, electricity and petrol are generally inexpensive; some basic foods are subsidized; local telephone
calls are free; there is no income tax payable on wages, and there is no property or municipal taxes; government housing is
available in certain cases to Qataris at nominal rent.
Education and Medical Services [3]
Education to
Qatari nationals is free up to and including graduate and post-graduate levels. Qatar has a well-educated population, mostly
in the west. The Ministry of Education operates the public schools, but there are many foreign language schools, including
some foreign community schools, including American, French, Indian, Japanese, Norwegian and Pakistani.
In order to receive
medical treatment from polyclinics and hospitals, it is necessary for foreign residents to obtain health cards issued by the
Ministry of health for a nominal fee. There are many public health centers throughout Qatar. They provide medical and dental
treatment to nationals for free, but charge a nominal fee to non-nationals. There are many doctors and dentists in private
practice.
Social Customs and Leisure [3]
Qatar is a Muslim state, and the heritage of Islam is deeply rooted in the Qatari character. Islamic customs govern the
general way of life: care must be taken to respect this, particularly in such matters as the dress code, and the observance
of the times of prayer and the fasting month of Ramadan, when food and drink may only be consumed between sunset and sunrise.
The importation and consumption of alcohol is strictly regulated. However, foreign employees in certain circumstances may
obtain liquor permits and the major hotels are allowed to serve alcohol to guests in restricted areas.
Western dress is acceptable as long as it is modest
and conservative. Women in particular should dress conservatively in public areas. Lightweight cotton clothing is advisable
during the hot and humid months between April and September. Medium-weight clothes are advisable for winter, particularly
in the evenings. Modest dress in public is recommended. Shorts for men and short-sleeved dresses for women are acceptable
for expatriates only in sports clubs or other leisure activities.
There are many modern shopping centers with a wide
range of consumer and luxury goods featuring world-class brands. There are also many excellent supermarkets.
[1] Source: http://www.diwan.gov.qa
[2] Source: http://www.wikipedia.com
[3] Source: http://www.qatarlaw.com
