Qatar Country Facts
Land of futuristic skylines, desert heritage, and one of the wealthiest nations by GDP per capita.
Quick Country Facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country Name | State of Qatar |
| Capital | Doha |
| Continent | Asia (Middle East) |
| Population | ~2.7 million (Rank: ~141st globally) |
| Official Language | Arabic |
| Currency | Qatari Riyal (QAR) |
| Time Zone | GMT +3 |
| Calling Code | +974 |
Short Fact: Qatar – A Desert Jewel of Wealth, Vision, and Innovation
Qatar is known for its immense wealth, modern architecture, and its role as a global hub for business, culture, and sports.
Long Fact: Qatar – Where Desert Roots Meet Global Vision and Economic Power
Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a small but extremely wealthy country located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia and surrounded by the Persian Gulf.
Despite its relatively small size and population of around 2.7 million, Qatar has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world, thanks largely to its vast reserves of natural gas and oil. It is the world’s second-largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The capital, Doha, is a gleaming metropolis filled with skyscrapers, luxury malls, cultural institutions, and five-star hotels. The Doha Corniche, Museum of Islamic Art, and Souq Waqif are major tourist attractions that blend modernism with tradition.
Qatar is ruled by the Al Thani family under an absolute monarchy. The current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has spearheaded modernization while maintaining Islamic cultural identity.
Qatar’s international profile skyrocketed with events like hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which made it the first Arab country to host the tournament. The event showcased Qatar’s hospitality, infrastructure, and global ambitions.
Despite being a desert country, Qatar invests heavily in green initiatives, education (Qatar Foundation), media (Al Jazeera), and smart cities like Lusail.
The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken due to the large expat population, which makes up over 85% of the total population.
Qatari cuisine features dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish), harees, and saloona, often enjoyed with Arabic coffee and dates.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Qatar
Q1. What is Qatar famous for?
Ans: Qatar is known for its natural gas wealth, modern architecture, and hosting global events like the FIFA World Cup.
Q2. What is the capital of Qatar?
Ans: The capital is Doha.
Q3. Is Qatar a safe country to visit?
Ans: Yes, Qatar is considered very safe for tourists and expats.
Q4. What is the religion of Qatar?
Ans: Islam is the official religion, and Sharia law is part of the legal system.
Q5. What currency is used in Qatar?
Ans: The Qatari Riyal (QAR) is the official currency.
Q6. What language is spoken in Qatar?
Ans: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
Q7. Did Qatar host the World Cup?
Ans: Yes, Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022, becoming the first Arab country to do so.
Q8. What food is traditional in Qatar?
Ans: Popular dishes include machboos, harees, and saloona.
Q9. How rich is Qatar?
Ans: Qatar has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world.
Q10. Can women travel alone in Qatar?
Ans: Yes, but they should dress modestly and respect local customs.