Islamic countries

Islamic countries

STATE OF QATAR
DAWLAT QATAR

General Information

Total Land Area:	11,520 km²
Land boundaries:	60 km
Coastline:	563 km
Capital:	Doha
Other Large Cities:	Ar-Rayyan, Al- Wakrah
Official Language:	Arabic
National Currency Unit:	Qatari Riyal (QAR)
National Day:	September 3

Location and Geography

Qatar is located on the Western shore of the Arabian Gulf. It is surrounded by the sea on three sides and also has a number of offshore reefs and islands. Its nearest seaward neighbour is Bahrain in the North. In the South at the neck of the peninsula, it is bordered by Saudi Arabia. The channel that runs into the Gulf of Salwa separates Qatar from Bahrain. Natural vegetation is limited. Blown sand covers much of the South and the existing flora is confined to the North. The coastline is uneven and rises gently on both sides of the peninsula. The country has a moderate desert climate with mild winters and humid summers. Rainfall is limited.

Demography

Population:	0.60 million (2002)
Crude Birth Rate:	20 per thousand people (2001)
Crude Death Rate:	2 per thousand people (2001)
Infant Mortality Rate:	9 per thousand (2001)
Life Expectancy:	Male: 73 years, Female: 75 years (2001)
Urban Population:	100.0 percent (2001)
Adult Literacy:	81.70 percent (2001)

Economy

Qatar has large deposits of crude oil and natural gas with increased production levels and developing offshore oilfields. The country has one of the world’s largest oilfields and the third largest source of natural gas. However, there have been shifts in production from hydrocarbons industry to petrochemicals, fuel additives and oil distribution. The other industrial products are fertilisers, steel and cement. Tourism, banking and services sectors are also developing. Agricultural production is limited to fruits, vegetables, poultry, beef and fish and most food products are imported.

GDP at Current Market Prices:	17881 million US$ (2002)
Per Capita GDP:	29802 US$ (2002)
Share of Sectors in GDP:	0.4% Agriculture, 64.4% Industry, 35.2% Services, (2001)
Total Exports:	11812 million US$ (2002)
Total Imports:	4055 million US$ (2002)
Major Exports Items:	Petroleum products, natural gas, fertilizers and steel
Major Imports Items:	Machinery and equipment, manufactured goods, foodstuffs and chemicals
Major Trading Partners:	US, Japan, South Korea, Italy, UAE and UK