Capital: Doha
Continent: Asia
Currency: Riyal (QAR)
Dialling Code: +974
Driving Side: Right
Language: Arabic
Population: 2,545,603 (2016)
Religion: Islam
Time Zone: AST (UTC+3)
Once a British protectorate, the State of Qatar has been an independent sovereign state since 1971 and is one of the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Comprising an 11,500 sq. km peninsula extending northwards into the Arabian Gulf, it is regarded as one of the richest countries in the world (based on per capita income) and the booming oil and natural gas sector is the country’s major revenue source.
The country’s population stands at 2.3 million and its capital city is Doha. More than half of the population of the country live in and around here. Most of the attractions, malls, skyscrapers and manmade beaches are located in the capital, which is believed to be modelled after Dubai. Other cities in the country include - Doha, Al-Khor, Rayyan and Wakra.
The dominant religion in Qatar is Islam and the official language is Arabic. Amidst claims of irregularities and controversies, the country is billed to host the biggest event in Football calendar – the FIFA World Cup in 2022.