Qatar

Qatar

Qatar

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Qatar
State of Qatar - دولة قطر
Dawlat Qaṭar
-  -
Flag - Coat of arms
National Anthem :As Salam al Amiri
Capital
(and largest city) - Doha
Map Latitude : 25°18′N - Longitude : 51°31′E - 25.3°N 51.517°E - 25.3;51.517 - -
Official language(s) : Arabic
People : - Qatari
Government : - Emirate / Absolute monarchy
Emir - H.H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Prime Minister : - Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani
Independence :
current ruling family came to power -
December 18, 1878
Termination of special treaty with the United Kingdom -
September 3, 1971
Area Total : 11,437 km (164th)
4,416 (sq mi)
Water (%) - negligible
Population estimate in 2009 : 1,409,000 - 1,309,000 from the same ref under "Population"
2004 census - 744,029 - (150th - Density : 123.2/km (123rd)
319.1/sq mi
GDP = Purchasing power parity PPP : estimate in 2009 : Total : $102.147 billion - Per capita : $83,840
GDP (nominal) - estimate in 2009 : Total : $83.910 billion - Per capita : $68,871
HDI (2007) - - 0.910 - (very high - ) (>33rd
Currency : - Riyal (QAR)
Time zone : - AST (UTC) +3) -
Summer (DST) - (not observed) (UTC) +3
Drives on the - right
Internet domain name for the country (TLD) - .qa
Calling code + 974
Qatar (Standard Arabic :ˈqɑtˁɑr - ;English pronunciation:/kəˈtɑr/ - kə- TAR - ; - - 6 ] - - local pronunciation :ɡitˁar - - 7 ] - - ), also known as the State of Qatar or locally Dawlat Qaṭar - , is an Arab emirate in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south;otherwise the Persian Gulf surrounds the state. A strait of the Persian Gulf separates Qatar from the nearby island nation of Bahrain.
Qatar is an oil- and gas-rich nation, with the third largest gas reserves, and the first or second - 10 ] - - highest GDP per capita in the world. An absolute monarchy, Qatar has been ruled by the al-Thani family since the mid-1800s and has since transformed itself from a British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues.
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari economy was crippled by a continuous siphoning off of petroleum revenues by the Emir, who had ruled the country since 1972. His son, the current Amir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, overthrew him in a bloodless coup in 1995. In 2001, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
2.1 - 20th and 21st century -
4 - Political Alliances -
5 - Administrative divisions -
6 - Economy -
7 - Transportation -
8 - Climate -
9 - Environmental issues -
10 - Geography -
11 - Religion -
12 - Population -
13 - Culture -
14 - Qatari law -
15 - Education -
16 - Health care -
17 - Communications -
18 - Human rights -
19 - International Rankings -
20 - See also -
21 - References -
22 -
- Etymology
The name may derive from "Qatara", believed to refer to the Qatari town of Zubara, an important trading port and town in the region in ancient times.
In Standard Arabic the name is pronounced ˈqɑtˁɑr - , while in the local dialect it is ɡitˁar -. - 7 ] - - In English-language broadcast media within Qatar—for example, television commercials for Qatar Airways and advertisements concerning economic development in Qatar—the name is pronounced "KA-tar", with a distinct differentiation between the syllables from the forming of the 't' sound.
- History -
History of Qatar
Zubara fort
Recent discoveries on the edge of an island in the West of Qatar indicate early human presence in pre-historic Qatar. Discovery of a 6th millennium BC site at Shagra, in the South-east of Qatar revealed the key role the sea (Persian Gulf) played in the lives of Shagra’s inhabitants. Excavation at Al-Khore in the North-east of Qatar, Bir Zekrit and Ras Abaruk, and the discovery there of pottery, flint, flint-scraper tools, and painted ceramic vessels there indicates Qatar’s connection with the Al-Ubaid civilization which flourished in the land between the Tigris and the Euphrates during the period of 5th - 4th millennium BC. There had also been a barter-based trading system between the settlements at Qatar and the Ubaid Mesopotamia, in which the exchanged commodities were mainly pottery and dried fish.
Islam conquered the entire Arabian region in the 7th century in a string of wide spread conflicts resulting in the Islamization of the native Arabian pagans. With the spread of Islam in Qatar, Muhammad sent his first military envoy Al Ala Al-Hadrami to Al-Mundhir Ibn Sawa Al-Tamimi, the ruler of Bahrain, which extended from the coast of Kuwait to the south of Qatar, including al-Hasa and Bahrain Islands, in the year 628, inviting him to accept Islam as he had invited other kingdoms and empires of his time such as Byzantium and Persia. Mundhir, responding Muhammad, announced his conversion to Islam, and all the inhabitants of Qatar became Muslim, heralding the beginning of the Islamic era in Qatar.
In medieval times, Qatar was more often than not independent and a participant in the great Persian Gulf - Indian Ocean commerce. Many races and ideas were introduced into the peninsula from Africa, South and Southeast Asia, as well as the Malay archipelago. Today, the traces of these early interactions with the oceanic world of the Indian Ocean survive in the small minorities of races, peoples, languages and religions, such as the presence of Africans and Shihus. It is often believed that Qatar was the birthplace of cheese. In ancient times, nomadic hunters made cheese from the teats of their cows. They produced local cheeses which are still used today most famously, Al-Jizzab Cheddar (a hard cheese that was previously used to stone adulterers) and Al-Messi Brie.
Although the peninsular land mass that makes up Qatar has sustained humans for thousands of years, for the bulk of its history the arid climate fostered only short-term settlements by nomadic tribes.
The British initially sought out Qatar and the Persian Gulf as an intermediary vantage point en route to their colonial interests in India, although the discovery of oil and other hydrocarbons in the early twentieth century would re-invigorate their interest. During the nineteenth century, the time of Britain’s formative ventures into the region, the Al Khalifa clan reigned over the Northern Qatari peninsula from the nearby island of Bahrain to the west.
Although Qatar had the legal status of a dependency, resentment festered against the Bahraini Al Khalifas along the eastern seaboard of the Qatari peninsula. In 1867, the Al Khalifas launched a successful effort to squash the Qatari rebels, sending a massive naval force to Al Wakrah. However, the Bahraini aggression was in violation on the 1820 Anglo-Bahraini Treaty. The diplomatic response of the British to this violation set into motion the political forces that would eventuate in the founding of the state of Qatar on December 18, 1878 (for this reason the date of December 18 is celebrated each year as the National Day of Qatar). In addition to censuring Bahrain for its breach of agreement, the British Protectorate (per Colonel Lewis Pelly) asked to negotiate with a representative from Qatar.
The request carried with it a tacit recognition of Qatar’s status as distinct from Bahrain. The Qataris chose as their negotiator the respected entrepreneur and long-time resident of Doha, Muhammed bin Thani. His clan, the Al Thanis, had taken relatively little part in Persian Gulf politics, but the diplomatic foray ensured their participation in the movement towards independence and their hegemony as the future ruling family, a dynasty that continues to this day. The results of the negotiations left Qatar with a new-found sense of political selfhood, although it did not gain official standing as a British protectorate until 1916.
- 20th and 21st century -
Diwan Al-Emiri
The reach of the British Empire diminished after the Second World War, especially following Indian independence in 1947. Pressure for a British withdrawal from the Arab emirates in the Persian Gulf increased during the 1950s, and the British welcomed Kuwait's declaration of independence in 1961. When Britain officially announced in 1968 that it would disengage politically (though not economically) from the Persian Gulf in three years' time, Qatar joined Bahra - seven other Trucial States in a federation. Regional disputes, however, quickly compelled Qatar to resign and declare independence from the coalition that would evolve into the seven- emirate United Arab Emirates. On September 3, 1971, Qatar became an independent sovereign state.
In 1991, Qatar played a significant role in the Persian Gulf War, particularly during the Battle of Khafji in which Qatari tanks rolled through the streets of the town providing fire support for Saudi Arabian National Guard units which were fighting against units of the Iraqi Army. Qatar also allowed Coalition troops from Canada to use the country as an airbase to launch aircraft on CAP duty.
Since 1995update - , Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has ruled Qatar, seizing control of the country from his father Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani while the latter vacationed in Switzerland. Under Emir Hamad, Qatar has experienced a notable amount of sociopolitical liberalization, including the endorsement of women's suffrage or right to vote, drafting a new constitution, and the launch of Al Jazeera, a leading English and Arabic news source which operates a website and satellite television news channel.
The International Monetary Fund states that Qatar has the highest GDP per capita in the world, followed by Liechtenstein. The World Factbook ranks Qatar at second, following Liechtenstein.
Qatar served as the headquarters and one of the main launching sites of the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.
In March 2005, a suicide-bombing killed a British teacher at the Doha Players Theatre, shocking for a country that had not previously experienced acts of terrorism. The bombing was carried out by Omar Ahmed Abdullah Ali, an Egyptian residing in Qatar, who had suspected ties to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
- Government and politics -
Politics of Qatar
Qatar has an emirate government type. - 10 ] - - Based on Islamic and civil law codes;discretionary system of law controlled by the Amir, although civil codes are being implemented;Islamic law dominates family and personal matters;the country has not accepted compulsory International Court of Justice jurisdiction. - 10 ] - -
- Political Alliances
February 24, 2010, Qatar and Iran signed a defense cooperation agreement in which the two countries stressed the need to expand their defense cooperation. - 15 ] - -
Iran and Qatar will
exchange specialized and technical committees
expand cooperation in training
conduct joint campaigns against terrorism and insecurity in the region
March 10, 2010. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani has given his support to Iran’s right to nuclear technology, and considers Iran’s nuclear project to be for peaceful nuclear energy purposes. -
- Administrative divisions -
Municipalities of Qatar
Municipalities of Qatar.svg
Before 2004, Qatar was divided into ten municipalities (Arabic:baladiyah ), also occasionally or rarely translated as governorates or provinces :

Ad Dawhah
Al Ghuwariyah
Al Jumaliyah
Al Khawr
Al Wakrah
Ar Rayyan
Jariyan al Batnah
Ash Shamal
Umm Salal
Mesaieed

Since 2004, Qatar has been divided into seven municipalities. - A new municipality, Al Daayen, was created under Resolution No. 13, - formed from parts of Umm Salal and Al Khawr;at the same time, Al Ghuwariyah was merged with Al Khawr;Al Jumaliyah was merged with Ar Rayyan;and Jarayan al Batnah was split between Ar Rayyan and Al Wakrah.

- Economy -
Economy of Qatar
List of tallest buildings in Doha, Qatar
Qatar's capital, Doha.
Qatar has experienced rapid economic growth over the last several years on the back of high oil prices, and in 2008 posted its eighth consecutive budget surplus. Economic policy is focused on developing Qatar's nonassociated natural gas reserves and increasing private and foreign investment in non-energy sectors, but oil and gas still account for more than 50% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings, and 70% of government revenues.
Oil and gas have made Qatar the second highest per-capita income country - following Liechtenstein - and one of the world's fastest growing. Proved oil reserves of 15 billion barrels should enable continued output at current levels for 37 years. Qatar's proved reserves of natural gas are nearly 26 trillion cubic meters, about 14% of the world total and third largest in the world.
Before the discovery of oil, the economy of the Qatari region focused on fishing and pearl hunting. 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 reserves of 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 80 trillion cubic feet (2,300 km) to 800 trillion cubic feet (23,000 km) (1 trillion cubic feet is equivalent to about 80 million barrels (13,000,000 m) 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) - and the second highest GDP per capita in the world according to the CIA World Factbook. - 10 ] - - With no income tax, Qatar, along with Bahrain, is one of the countries with the lowest tax rates in the world.

Aspire Tower, built for the 2006 Asian Games and located in the Aspire Zone, is visible across Doha
West Bay
While oil and gas will probably remain the backbone of Qatar’s economy for some time to come, the country seeks to stimulate the private sector and develop a “knowledge economy”. In 2004, it established the Qatar Science and Technology Park to attract and serve technology -based companies and entrepreneurs, from overseas and within Qatar. Qatar also established Education City, which consists of international colleges. For the 15th Asian Games in Doha, it established Doha Sports City, consisting of Khalifa stadium, the Aspire Sports Academy, aquatic centres, exhibition centres and many other sports related buildings and centres. Following the success of the Asian Games, Doha kicked off an official bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics in October 2007. - Qatar also plans to build an "entertainment city" in the future.
Qatar aims to become a role model for economic and social transformation in the region. Large scale investment in all social and economic sectors will also lead to the development of a strong financial market.
The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) provides financial institutions with world class services in investment, marg - no-interest loans, and capital support. These platforms are situated in an economy founded on the development of its hydrocarbons resources, specifically its exportation of petroleum. It has been created with a long term perspective to support the development of Qatar and the wider region, develop local and regional markets, and strengthen the links between the energy based economies and global financial markets.
Apart from Qatar itself, which needs to raise capital to finance projects of more than $130 billion, the QFC also provides a conduit for financial institutions to access nearly $1.0 trillion of investments which stretch across the GCC (Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf) as a whole over the next decade.
The new town of Lusail, the largest project ever in Qatar, is under construction.
- Transportation
The primary means of transportation in Qatar is by road, due to the very cheap price of petroleum. The country as a result has an advanced road system undergoing vast upgrades in response to the country's rapidly rising population, with several highways undergoing upgrades and new expressways within Doha under construction. A large bus network connects Doha with other towns in the country, and is the primary means of public transportation in the city.
The Salwa International Highway currently connects Doha to the border with Saudi Arabia, and a causeway with both road and rail links to Bahrain at Zubarah is due to begin construction shortly. The causeway will become the largest in the world, and will be the second to connect Bahrain to the Arabian Peninsula.
Currently, no rail networks exist in the country. In November 2009, however, its government signed a $26 billion contract with the German company Deutsche Bahn to construct a railroad system over the next 20 years. The network will connect the country itself, and will include an international link with neighbouring states as part of a larger rail network being constructed across the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. A railway link is also under construction between Qatar and Bahrain as part of the Qatar Bahrain Causeway.
Qatar's main airport is the Doha International Airport, which served almost 15,000,000 passengers in 2007. In comparison, the airport served only 2,000,000 passengers in 1998. As a result of the much larger volumes of passengers flying into an through the country today, the New Doha International Airport is currently under construction, and will replace the existing airport in 2011.
- Climate -
Climate of Qatar
Climate data for Qatar
Month - Jan - Feb - Mar - Apr - May - Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep - Oct - Nov - Dec Year
Average high °F (°C) 72
(22) -
73
(23) -
81
(27) -
90
(32) -
100
(38) -
106
(41) -
106
(41) -
106
(41) -
100
(38) -
95
(35) -
84
(29) -
75
(24) -
90.7
(32.6)
Average low °F (°C) 55
(13) -
55
(13) -
63
(17) -
70
(21) -
77
(25) -
81
(27) -
84
(29) -
84
(29) -
79
(26) -
73
(23) -
66
(19) -
59
(15) -
70.6
(21.4)
Precipitation inches (mm) 0.5
(12.7) -
0.701
(17.8) -
0.598
(15.2) -
0.299
(7.6) -
0.098
(2.5) -
0
(0) -
0
(0) -
0
(0) -
0
(0) -
0
(0) -
0.098
(2.5) -
0.5
(12.7) -
2.795
(71)
Source:weather.com - 2009-10-26
- Environmental issues
Qatar has the highest per-capita carbon dioxide emissions, at 55.5 metric tons per person in 2005. - This is almost double the next highest per-capita emitting country, which is Kuwait at 30.7 metric tons (2005) and they are three times those of the United States. Qatar has had the highest per-capita carbon dioxide emissions for the past 18 years. These emissions are largely due to high rates of energy use in Qatar. Major uses of energy in Qatar include natural gas processing, water desalination and electricity production. Between 1995 and 2011 the electricity generating capacity of Qatar will have increased to six times the previous level. The fact that Qataris do not have to pay for either their water or electricity supplies is thought to contribute to their high rate of energy use. Despite being a desert state they are also one of the highest consumers of water per capita per day, using around 400 litres. - 23 ] - -
- Geography -
Geography of Qatar
Desert landscape in Qatar
Map of Qatar
The Qatari peninsula juts 100 miles (161 km) north into the Persian Gulf from Saudi Arabia and is slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut, USA. Much of the country consists of a low, barren plain, covered with sand. To the southeast lies the spectacular Khor al Adaid (“Inland Sea”), an area of rolling sand dunes surrounding an inlet of the Persian Gulf. There are mild winters and very hot, humid summers.
The highest point in Qatar is Qurayn Abu al Bawl at 103 metres (338 ft) - 10 ] - - in the Jebel Dukhan to the west, a range of low limestone outcroppings running north-south from Zikrit through Umm Bab to the southern border. The Jebel Dukhan area also contains Qatar’s main onshore oil deposits, while the natural gas fields lie offshore, to the northwest of the peninsula.
- Religion
Islam is the predominant religion, as Muslims constitute 87.6% of the population. - 10 ] - -
Sunni Muslims account for 99% percent of the Muslim population. The majority of non-citizens are from South and Southeast Asian and Arab countries working on temporary employment contracts, accompanied by family members in some cases. Most non-citizens are Sunni or Shi'a Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, or Bahá'ís. Most foreign workers and their families live near the major employment centers of Doha, Al Khor, Mesaieed, and Dukhan.
The Hindu community is almost exclusively Indian, while Buddhists include South, Southeast, and East Asians. Most Bahá'ís in Qatar come from Iran. Religion is not a criterion for citizenship, according to the Nationality Law. However, nearly all Qatari citizens are either Sunni or Shi'a Muslims, except for at least one Christian, a few Bahá'ís, and their respective families who were granted citizenship. ]
No foreign missionary groups operate openly in the country, - 24 ] - - but in 2008 the government allowed some churches to conduct Mass. In March 2008 the first Roman Catholic Church “Our Lady of the Rosary” was consecrated in Doha. Besides Roman Catholics, there are also some Protestant sects like the Seventh-day Adventist Church. - 25 ] - -
- Population -
Demographics of Qatar
Besides ethnic Arabs, much of the population is made up of expatriates taking up employment in various sectors of the Qatari economy. Arabic serves as the official language. However, English as well as many other languages like Hindi, Pashto, Malayalam, Punjabi, Urdu, Sindhi, Balochi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Tagalog, and Persian are widely spoken in Qatar.
Expatriates form the majority of Qatar’s residents. The petrochemical industry has attracted people from all around the world. Most of the expatriates come from South Asia and from non-oil-rich Arab states. Because a large percentage of the expatriates are male, Qatar has a heavily skewed sex ratio, with 3.46 males per female. - 26 ] - -
In July 2007, the country had a growing population of approximately 907,229 people, - 10 ] - - of whom approximately 350,000 were believed to be citizens. - 27 ] - - Qatari citizens follow the dominant Hanbali branch of Islam practiced in neighboring Saudi Arabia, therefore it is considered to be that among the Persian Gulf states closest to Saudi Arabia culturally.
The majority of the estimated 550,000 non-citizens are individuals from South and South East Asian and Arab countries working on temporary employment contracts in most cases without their accompanying family members. Most foreign workers and their families live near the major employment centers of Doha, Al Khor, Mesaieed, and Dukhan.
Year - Population
1908 est. - 22,000 - 28 ] - -
1939 est. - 28,000 - 28 ] - -
late 1960s - 70,000 - 29 ] - -
1986 - 369,079
1997 - 522,023 - 30 ] - -
2000 - 744,483
2001 - 769,152
2002 - 793,341
2003 - 817,052
2004 - 840,290
2005 - 863,051
2006 - 885,359
2007 - 1,207,229
2008 - 1,524,789 - 10 ] - -
2009 - 1,309,000 -
- Culture -
Music of Qatar
Qatari culture (music, art, dress, and cuisine) is extremely similar to that of other Arab countries of the Persian Gulf;see Culture of the Arab States of the Persian Gulf. Arab tribes from Saudi Arabia migrated to Qatar and other places in the gulf;therefore, the culture in the Persian Gulf region varies little from country to country.
Qatar explicitly uses Sharia law as the basis of its government, and the vast majority of its citizens follow Hanbali Madhhab. Hanbali (Arabic:حنبلى ) is one of the four schools (Madhhabs) of Fiqh or religious law within Sunni Islam (The other three are Hanafi, Maliki and Shafii). Sunni Muslims believe that all four schools have "correct guidance", and the differences between them lie not in the fundamentals of faith, but in finer judgments and jurisprudence, which are a result of the independent reasoning of the imams and the scholars who followed them. Because their individual methodologies of interpretation and extraction from the primary sources (rusul) were different, they came to different judgments on particular matters. Shi'as comprise around 2% of the Muslim population in Qatar(including foreigners).
- Qatari law
When contrasted with other Arab states such as Saudi Arabia, for instance, Qatar has comparatively liberal laws, but is still not as liberal as some other Arab states of the Persian Gulf like UAE or Bahrain. Qatar is a civil law jurisdiction. However, Shari'a or Islamic law is applied to aspects of family law, inheritance and certain criminal acts. Women can legally drive in Qatar and there is a strong emphasis in equality and human rights brought by Qatar's National Human Rights Committee. Qatar also has the largest fines in the world in terms of traffic violation as per the recent change in 2010.
The country has undergone a period of liberalization and modernisation during the reign of the current Emir, Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who came to power in 1995. The laws of Qatar tolerate alcohol to a certain extent. However, the few bars and nightclubs in Qatar operate only in expensive hotels and clubs, much like in the UAE. Also like in the UAE, Muslims are banned from drinking alcohol. Expatriate residents in Qatar are eligible to receive liquor permits permitting them to purchase alcohol for personal use through Qatar Distribution Company, the only importer and retailer for alcohol in Qatar. Under Qatar's Sharia, it is illegal to show alcohol or be drunk in public.
During the month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public is strictly banned from dawn to sunset. This also is applied in the UAE.
In common with other Persian Gulf Arab countries, sponsorship laws exist in Qatar. These laws have been widely described as akin to modern-day slavery. The Sponsorship system (Kafeel or Kafala) exists throughout the GCC and means that a worker (not a tourist) may not enter the country without having a kafeel, cannot leave without the kafeel's permission (an Exit Permit must first be awarded by the sponsor, or kafeel), and the sponsor has the right to ban the employee from entering Qatar within 2 - 5 years of his first departure. Many sponsors do not allow the transfer of one employee to another sponsor. This does not apply to special sponsorship of a Qatar Financial Centre sponsored worker where it is encouraged and regulated that sponsorship should be unhibited and assistance should be given to allow for such transfers of sponsorship.
- Education -
Education in Qatar
Cornell University's Weill Medical College in Qatar
In recent years Qatar has placed great emphasis on education. Citizens are required to attend government provided education from kindergarten through high school. Qatar University was founded in 1973. More recently, with the support of the Qatar Foundation, some major American universities have opened branch campuses in Education City, Qatar. These include
Carnegie Mellon University
Georgetown University School of Foreign Service
Texas A&M University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Cornell University’s Weill Cornell Medical College
Northwestern University
In 2004, Qatar established the Qatar Science and Technology Park at Education City to link those universities with industry. Education City is also home to a fully accredited International Baccalaureate school, Qatar Academy. Two Canadian institutions, the College of the North Atlantic and the University of Calgary, also operate campuses in Doha. Other for-profit universities have also established campuses in the city. - 33 ] - -
In 2009, the Qatar Foundation launched the World Innovation Summit for Education - WISE - a global forum that brought together education stakeholders, opinion leaders and decision makers from all over the world to discuss educational issues. The first edition was held in Doha, Qatar from 16 to 18 November 2009.
Moreover, in 2007 the American Brookings Institution announced that it was opening the Brookings Doha Center to undertake research and programming on the socio-economic and geo-political issues facing the region.
In November 2002, the Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani created the Supreme Education Council. - 34 ] - - The Council directs and controls education for all ages from the pre-school level through the university level, including the “Education for a New Era” - 35 ] - - reform initiative.
The Emir’s second wife, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, has been instrumental in new education initiatives in Qatar. She chairs the Qatar Foundation, sits on the board of Qatar’s Supreme Education Council, and is a major driving force behind the importation of Western expertise into the education system, particularly at the college level.
There are currently a total of 567 schools in operation within Qatar, both in the public and the private sector. A large number of new schools are also under construction, particularly public schools, in order to meet increased demand which arose as a result of the large increase in population that the country has seen of late. The number of universities operating in the country are 9, serving 12,480 students.
- Health care
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) -affiliated with Cornell University - is the premier non-profit health care provider in Doha, Qatar. Established by the Emiri decree in 1979, HMC manages four highly specialised hospitals:Hamad General Hospital, Rumailah Hospital, Women’s Hospital, Psychiatric Hospital and the Primary Health Care Centres. These hospitals are quite sophisticated by the standards of the region, with most hosting advanced fMRI and other scanning machines. Most of them have many patients affected by Down syndrome and other mental illnesses caused by the high rate of cousin marriage in the country. Qatar has among the highest rates in the world for obesity, diabetes and genetic disorders. - 36 ] - - Some big clans don’t allow marriage outside their family. - 36 ] - -
- Communications -
Communications in Qatar
Qatar has a modern telecommunication system centered in Doha. Tropospheric scatter to Bahrain;microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and UAE;submarine cable to Bahra - UAE;satellite earth stations - two Intelsat (one Atlantic Ocean and one Indian Ocean) and one Arabsat. Callers can call Qatar using submarine cable, satellite or VoIP. However, Qtel has interfered with VoIP systems in the past, and Skype's website has been blocked before. Following complaints from individuals, the website has been unblocked, and Paltalk has previously been blocked.
Qtel’s ISP branch, Internet Qatar, uses SmartFilter to block websites they deem inappropriate to Qatari interests and morality.
In Qatar, ictQATAR (Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology) is the government agency regulating telecommunication.
Vodafone Qatar, in partnership with the Qatar Foundation, received the second public mobile networks and services license in Qatar on 28 June 2008 and switched on their mobile network on 1 March 2009. They launched 07/07/09, opening their online store first followed by retail and third party distribution locations throughout Doha.
Al Jazeera (Arabic:الجزيرة‎ al-ğazīrä aldʒaˈziːra - , “The Peninsula”) is a television network headquartered in Doha, Qatar. Al Jazeera initially launched as an Arabic news and current affairs satellite TV channel of the same name, but has since expanded into a network of several specialty TV channels. Print media is going through expansion, with over three English dailies and Arabic titles. Qatar Today is the only monthly business magazine in the country. It is published by Oryx Advertising, which is the largest magazine publisher in Qatar. The group also publishes several titles such as Qatar Al Youm , the only monthly business magazine in Qatar in Arabic language, Woman Today , the only magazine for working women, and GLAM , - 37 ] - - the only fashion magazine. In December 2009 Oryx launched T Qatar :The New York Times Style Magazine, - 38 ] - - which marks the entry of an international magazine into Qatar.
- Human rights -
Human rights in Qatar
Qatar is a destination country for men and women from South and Southeast Asia who migrate willingly, but are subsequently trafficked into involuntary servitude as domestic workers and laborers, and, to a lesser extent, commercial sexual exploitation;the most common offence was forcing workers to accept worse contract terms than those under which they were recruited;other conditions include bonded labor, withholding of pay, restrictions on movement, arbitrary detention, and physical, mental, and sexual abuse. - 10 ] - -
According to the Trafficking in Persons Report by the US State Department, men and women who are lured into Qatar by promises of high wages are often forced into underpaid labor. Many of these people are commonly known as peasants. The report states that Qatari laws against forced labour are rarely enforced and that labour laws often result in the detention of victims in deportation centres, pending the completion of legal proceedings. The report places Qatar at tier 3, as one of the countries that neither satisfies the minimum standards nor demonstrates significant efforts to come into compliance. - 39 ] - - - 40 ] - -
The government maintains that it is setting the benchmark when it comes to human rights - 41 ] - - and treatment of labourers.
Qatari contracting agency Barwa is constructing a residential area for laborers known as Barwa Al Baraha, also called Workers City. The project was launched after a recent scandal in Dubai's Labor camps. The project aims to provide a reasonable standard of living as defined by the new Human Rights Legislation. - 42 ] - - The Barwa Al Baraha will cost around $1.1 billion and will be a completely integrated city in the industrial area in Doha. Along with 4.25 square meters of living space per person, the residential project will provide parks, recreational areas, malls, and shops for labourers. Phase one of the project was set to be completed at the end of 2008, and the project itself will be completed by the middle of 2010.
- International Rankings -
International rankings of Qatar
Organization - Survey - Ranking
Institute for Economics and Peace 4 - Global Peace Index - 44 ] - - 16 out of 144
United Nations Development Programme - Human Development Index - 33 out of 182
Transparency International - Corruption Perceptions Index - 22 out of 180
World Economic Forum - Global Competitiveness Report - 22 out of 133
- See also -
Outline of Qatar
North Dome Gas Field
Natural Gas in Qatar
2006 Asian Games in Doha
Al Jazeera television
Communications in Qatar
Foreign relations of Qatar
List of cities in Qatar
List of Qatar-related topics
Military of Qatar
Public holidays in Qatar
Scouting and Guiding
Transport in Qatar
Politics of Qatar
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Al Nuaim
General Secretariat for Development Planning
Permanent Population Committee
- References
This article incorporates public domain material from the CIA World Factbook document Qatar.

  • a b Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Division (2009) (PDF). World Population Prospects, Table A.1 . 2008 revision. United Nations. -
  • 1 dead link ] -
  • a b c d Qatar. International Monetary Fund. http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2010/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2007&ey=2010&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=453&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a=&pr.x=72&pr.y=0 -
  • CMU Pronouncing Dictionary. Speech.cs.cmu.edu. http://www.speech.cs.cmu.edu/cgi-bin/cmudict?stress=-s&in=QATAR -
    Koerner, Brendan I (Dec. 3, 2002). How Do You Pronounce "Qatar"?. Slate . http://www.slate.com/id/2074824/ - . -
  • a b Johnstone, T.M. "Ķaṭar - ." Encyclopaedia of Islam. Edited by:P. Bearman , Th. Bianquis , C.E. Bosworth , E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2008. Brill Online. 04 April 2009 www.brillonline.nl
  • cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2179rank.html
    World Economic Outlook Database-April 2010, International Monetary Fund. Accessed on April 21, 2010.
  • a b c d e f g h i Middle East ::Qatar. CIA World Factbook . Central Intelligence Agency. cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/qa.html -
  • Qatar (01/10). State.gov. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5437.htm -
    Coman, Julian (March 21, 2005). "Egyptian Suicide Bomber Blamed for Attack in Qatar". The Independent. -
    The Advent of Terrorism in Qatar. Forbes. March 25, 2005. http://www.forbes.com/2005/03/25/cz_0325oxan_qatarattack.html - . -
    Qatar and Iran sign defense agreement 2
    Tehran Times 3
    Municipalities of Qatar, Statoids.com
    AlDaayen Municipality. Baladiya.gov.qa. http://www.baladiya.gov.qa/portal/page?_pageid=135,231041&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&subTabIndex=5500&branchIndex=0&tabIndex=8000 -
    Doha 2016 bid brings wind of change. aljazeera.net (Doha :Al Jazeera). 2007-10-26. http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/5CB341CF-C302-41B2-B376-FE6A4103A3D8.htm?FRAMELESS=true&NRNODEGUID=%7b5CB341CF-C302-41B2-B376-FE6A4103A3D8%7d -
  • ^ Monthly Averages for Doha, Qatar. weather.com . The Weather Channel. http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/QAXX0003?from=36hr_bottomnav_business -
  • Qatar to use biofuels? What about the country's energy consumption? Fred Pearce guardian.co.uk Thursday 14 January 2010
    CIA The World Fact Book. State.gov. 2006-06-29. http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2007/90219.htm -
    First Catholic Church Opens In Qatar Fox News, Friday, March 14, 2008
    Population in Qatar. Statistics Authority. http://www.qsa.gov.qa/Eng/population_census/2009/population_census_March.htm -
  • a b John Lockerbie (1998-06-06). The population of Qatar. Catnaps.org. http://www.catnaps.org/islamic/population.html -
  • Qatar - Country overview, Location and size, Population, Industry, Mining, Manufacturing, Services, Tourism. Nationsencyclopedia.com. http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Qatar.html -
    United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (2008-06-04). Refworld - Trafficking in Persons Report 2008 - Qatar. UNHCR. http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,,,QAT,4562d8cf2,484f9a3732,0.html -
    Qatar constitution. http://english.mofa.gov.qa/details.cfm?id=80 - . -
    Stenden University Qatar. http://www.stenden.com -
    Education for a New Era. Supreme Education Council. http://www.english.education.gov.qa -
  • a b SLACKMAN, MICHAEL (April 26, 2010). Privilege Pulls Qatar Toward Unhealthy Choices. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/27/world/middleeast/27qatar.html?ref=global-home - . -
  • Oryx Publishing launches GLAM
    T Qatar launched
    Country Narratives -- Countries Q through Z. Trafficking in Persons Report . Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, United States Department of State. 2007-06-12. http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2007/82807.htm -
    Qatar:National Human Rights Committee report. Qatar National Human Rights Committee. 2006-05-03. http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20060503034405 -
    Qatar:National Human Rights Committee Support Expats. The Peninsula via iLoveQatar.net. 2008-06-18. http://www.iloveqatar.net/forum/read.php?28,2540,2540 -
    QATAR'S NATURAL GAS:THE FOREIGN-POLICY DRIVER-Justin Dargin
    Ministry of Foreign Affairs
    Qatar Statistics Authority
    Coins, Rulers and brief history of Qatar
    Qatar, Amnesty International Report 2009
    Qatar at UCB Libraries GovPubs
    Termination of treaty with the UK (PDF)
    Wikimedia Atlas of Qatar
    Other topics - History (timeline) - - List of conflicts - - Etiquette
    General Information and Updated References Qatar General Information and Updated References
    Phones and Dial Codes

    Ooredoo


    Company : Ooredoo
    Website :  Ooredoo

    Phone : (+974) 44200700 / 111 / From abroad: 44380000
    Social Networks Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube

    Ooredoo Qatar: Revolutionizing Telecommunications and Connectivity

    Ooredoo stands as a premier telecommunications provider in Qatar, renowned for its innovative services and transformative impact on the country's communication landscape. Through a range of cutting-edge services, Ooredoo has become synonymous with seamless connectivity and advanced digital solutions, catering to the diverse needs of its users.

    Driving Innovation:

    • Ooredoo is a trailblazer in Qatar's telecommunications industry, known for its commitment to innovation. The company continuously introduces new technologies and services, pushing the boundaries to enhance connectivity and provide groundbreaking solutions to its customers.

    Transforming Connectivity:

    • Ooredoo's influence in Qatar's communication landscape is undeniable. With its extensive network infrastructure, the company ensures seamless connectivity across the nation, empowering individuals and businesses to stay connected efficiently.

    Digital Solutions:

    • The array of digital solutions offered by Ooredoo has transformed how Qatar experiences telecom services. From cutting-edge mobile plans to innovative digital platforms, Ooredoo provides users with a suite of solutions tailored to modern connectivity needs.

    Phones with Ooredoo Qatar:

    • Discover a world of telecom solutions with Ooredoo Qatar. As your trusted telecom provider, Ooredoo offers a diverse range of phones and services, ensuring that users find the perfect match for their connectivity needs, empowering them to stay connected, informed, and engaged.

    In summary, Ooredoo stands as a pioneering force in Qatar's telecommunications arena, championing innovation, seamless connectivity, and digital advancement. With its commitment to transformative solutions and enhancing connectivity experiences, Ooredoo continues to redefine the telecom landscape in Qatar, offering users a range of top-tier services to stay connected and thrive in the digital age.


    Plans :
    Shahry+ Active: Price: Starting at QR 100 per month. Local data: 10 GB + 5 GB bonus for 6 months. Local minutes and SMS: 500. International minutes: Up to 200 minutes. WhatsApp data: Included. Entertainment Benefits: 2 benefits included, which may include Starzplay, Shahid, OSN, Viu, Anghami, or others.


    Shahry+ Max: Price: Starting at QR 110 per month. Local data: 28 GB + 14 GB bonus for 6 months. Local minutes and SMS: 700. International minutes: Up to 300 minutes. WhatsApp data: Included. Entertainment Benefits: 2 benefits included, which may include Starzplay, Shahid, OSN, Viu, Anghami, or others.
    Prepaid :
    Order your SIM card through the online store and you will receive the card the same day. Recharge according to your needs. Recharge online now. Top up and pay your way using a credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Easy Transfer.


    Easy e-SIM activation: Order your e-SIM, scan the QR code you received by email and install it on your mobile device in less than a minute. Learn how to activate your e-SIM [here](link to instructions).

    Vodafone


    Company : Vodafone
    Website :  Vodafone

    Phone : (+974) 800 7111 / From abroad: + (974) 7700 7111 WhatsApp: +974 7110 7110
    Social Networks Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube

    Vodafone Qatar: Elevating Communication with Reliable Services

    Vodafone, a trusted name in Qatar's telecommunications industry, holds a strong presence in the country with its commitment to quality services and customer-centric solutions. Renowned for its reliability, Vodafone offers a range of mobile and broadband services aimed at enhancing communication experiences across Qatar.

    Commitment to Quality:

    • Vodafone is committed to providing top-quality services to its users in Qatar. The company prioritizes reliability and consistency, ensuring that customers experience seamless connectivity and superior services.

    Customer-Centric Solutions:

    • With a focus on the needs of its users, Vodafone delivers customer-centric solutions tailored to enhance communication experiences. The company's services are designed to meet the diverse demands of individuals and businesses in Qatar.

    Reliable Mobile and Broadband Services:

    • Vodafone Qatar offers a wide array of reliable mobile and broadband services. From high-speed internet connections to dependable mobile plans, Vodafone ensures that users have access to connectivity that they can rely on.

    Phones at Vodafone Qatar:

    • Explore a range of phones and telecom solutions at Vodafone Qatar. As a trusted telecom provider, Vodafone offers an assortment of phones and services, ensuring users find the perfect fit for their connectivity needs, enabling them to stay connected and engaged.

    In summary, Vodafone stands as a leading telecom provider in Qatar, known for its commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. With its focus on customer-centric solutions and reliable services, Vodafone continues to elevate communication experiences, offering users in Qatar top-tier connectivity solutions to stay connected effortlessly.


    Plans :
    Unlimited: Price: QR 225 per month for 6 months (before QR 300). Save QR 75 per month. Unlimited calls, SMS and local data. 100 international minutes to selected countries. Free Star number with a value of up to QR 5,000. Extra 25GB of data for 6 months.
    Unlimited Premium: Price: QR 350 per month for 6 months (before QR 450). Save QR 100 per month. Unlimited calls, SMS and local data. 100 international minutes to selected countries. Free Star number with a value of up to QR 10,000. Unlimited data and GCC Roaming minutes. 15GB of Roaming data. Roaming in flight. 100 minutes of Roaming. Valet Parking Service. Extra 100GB of data for 6 months.
    Unlimited VIP: Price: QR 650 per month for 6 months (before QR 750). Save QR 100 per month. Unlimited calls, SMS and local data. 500 international minutes to selected countries. Free Star number with a value of up to QR 20,000. Unlimited data and GCC Roaming minutes. 100GB of Roaming data. Roaming in flight. 200 minutes of Roaming. VIP Valet Parking Service. Extra 250GB of data for 6 months.
    Prepaid :
    New Prepaid SIM with Combo 30: Price: QR 30. Validity: 30 days. Valid for 30 days. 3 GB of Data. 120 Local Minutes. Unlimited Internet at 128 Kbps.


    New Prepaid SIM with Combo 60: Price: QR 60. Validity: 30 days. Valid for 30 days. 8 GB of Data. 240 Local Minutes Unlimited Internet at 256 Kbps.


    New Prepaid SIM with Flex 100: Price: QR 100. Validity: 30 days. Valid for 30 days. 1000 Flex with a validity of 30 days 2.2 GB of Data with a validity of 8 days. Unlimited Internet at 256 Kbps

    CRA


    Company : CRA
    Website :  CRA

    Phone : 103 / +974 4499 5535
    Social Networks Twitter LinkedIn

    Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA): Empowering Qatar's Telecommunications

    The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) is at the forefront of shaping Qatar's telecommunications landscape. With a focus on regulation and development, CRA plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient communication services across the country.

    Regulation and Development:

    • CRA plays a pivotal role in regulating and developing Qatar's telecommunications sector. Through policies and oversight, CRA fosters a fair and competitive market while ensuring high-quality and accessible communication services.

    Empowering Connectivity:

    • With a mission to empower connectivity, CRA facilitates an environment that encourages innovation and expansion within the telecom industry. The authority's initiatives aim to bridge the digital divide and promote universal access to communication services.

    Phones with CRA - Telecommunications Authority:

    • Discover telecom solutions with the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA). As the leading telecommunications authority in Qatar, CRA ensures that users have access to a diverse range of phones and telecom services, promoting a connected society.

    In summary, the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) stands as Qatar's leading telecommunications authority, dedicated to regulation, development, and empowering connectivity. Through its efforts in fostering a competitive market and ensuring access to communication services, CRA continues to play a crucial role in shaping Qatar's telecommunications landscape.


    Phones in Qatar


    Phones in Qatar . (974) Find the best mobile phone companies in Qatar. Search smartphones and unlimited plans. QA List by company, city, name, number, website and packages with internet services.
    Qatar : Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwariyah, Al Jumaliyah, Al Khawr, Al Wakrah Municipality, Ar Rayyan, Madinat ach Shamal, Umm Salal, Al Wakrah, Jariyan al Batnah, Umm Said

    Mobile Phone Companies


    List of cell phone companies in Qatar :

    Ooredoo

    Vodafone

    CRA

    What is the best mobile phone company in Qatar?
    Compare the best options in list of mobile phone companies in Qatar.
    These companies offer various plans, including unlimited data, family plans, international plans, and prepaid plans.
    Mobile phone companies in Qatar offer a wide range of services and plans to meet the needs of consumers. Whether you need unlimited data, a family plan, an international plan or a prepaid plan, there is a mobile phone company that can meet your needs. It is important to compare the different options available to find the plan that is right for you.
    Qatar 974 - Reverse lookup is a service to find the company or customer by phone number. Find dial codes, country code and mobile phones by company and city.
    Yellow Pages
    Qatar find cell phone numbers in mobile phone companies and stores.
    QA Find telephone numbers in the phone book and yellow pages.
    White Pages
    Qatar Find address and telephones numbers.
    974 Country code for international phone calls, whatsapp and text messages. QAT
    Search in Qatar :

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