Country
Countries A-Z
Qatar
State of Qatar
Dawlat Qatar
Political Status: Traditional sheikhdom; proclaimed fully independent September 1, 1971. The country's first permanent constitution was approved by voters on April 29, 2003 (see Current Issues, below) and officially went into effect on June 9, 2005.
Area: 4,247 sq. mi. (11,000 sq. km.).
Population: 579,200 (2000C, provisional); 660,000 (2004E), including nonnationals, who constitute more than two-thirds of the resident population.
Major Urban Centers (1999E): DOHA (al-Dawhah, 509,000), Rayyan (214,000).
Official Language: Arabic.
Monetary Unit: Qatar Riyal (official rate July 1, 2005: 3.64 riyals =$1US).
Sovereign (Emir): Sheikh Hamad ibn Khalifa Al THANI; assumed supreme power June 27, 1995, deposing his father Sheikh Khalifa ibn Hamad Al THANI; also served as Prime Minister July 11, 1995–October 28, 1996.
Heir to the Throne: Crown Prince Sheikh Tamin ibn Hamad Al THANI, ...