Qatar

Dawlat al-Qatar

Political Status: Traditional sheikhdom; proclaimed fully independent September 1, 1971; first permanent constitution, approved in referendum of April 29, 2003, went into effect on June 8, 2004.

Area: 4,247 sq. mi. (11,000 sq. km.).

Population: 744,029 (2004C); 958,000 (2008E), including nonnationals, who constitute more than two-thirds of the resident population.

Major Urban Centers (2005E): DOHA (al-Dawhah, 353,000), Rayyan (276,000).

Official Language: Arabic.

Monetary Unit: Qatar Riyal (official rate December 1, 2009: 3.64 riyals = $1US).

Sovereign (Emir): Sheikh Hamad ibn Khalifa Al THANI; assumed supreme power June 27, 1995, deposing his father Sheikh Khalifaibn 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, designated August 5, 2003, replacing his brother, Sheikh Jassim ibn ...