Qatar

World Book Index

Introduction

Background
Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar within the last 60 years transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. Leadership changes in 1995 ushered in wide-sweeping political and media reforms, unprecedented economic investment, and a growing Qatari regional leadership role.

Geography

Area
total : 11,586 sq km
land: 11,586 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Natural resources
petroleum, fish, natural gas

People and Society

Population
total: 2,552,088 (2024 est.)

Ethnic groups
non-Qatari 88.4%, Qatari 11.6% (2015 est.)

Languages
Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language

Religions
Muslim 65.2%, Christian 13.7%, Hindu 15.9%, Buddhist 3.8%, folk religion <0.1%, Jewish <0.1%, other <1%, unaffiliated <1% (2020 est.)

Population growth rate
0.71% (2024 est.)

Government

Government type
absolute monarchy

Capital
name: Doha

Executive branch
chief of state: Amir TAMIM bin Hamad Al Thani (since 25 June 2013)
head of government: Prime Minister and Foreign Minister MUHAMMAD bin Abd al-Rahman Al Thani (since 7 March 2023)

Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Meshal bin Hamad AL THANI (since 24 April 2017)

Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Stefanie ALTMAN-WINANS (since June 2025)

Economy

Economic overview
high-income, oil-and-gas-based Middle Eastern economy; implementing “National Vision 2030” government strategy for economic development, diversification, and favorable business conditions to boost investment and employment; expansion of LNG sector expected to boost growth; Islamic finance leader

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$317.064 billion (2024 est.)
$308.522 billion (2023 est.)
$304.903 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$110,900 (2024 est.)
$116,200 (2023 est.)
$114,700 (2022 est.)

Exports
$125.216 billion (2024 est.)
$128.709 billion (2023 est.)
$161.693 billion (2022 est.)

Exports - partners
China 18%, India 11%, S. Korea 10%, Japan 7%, Pakistan 6% (2023)

Exports - commodities
natural gas, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, plastics, fertilizers (2023)

Imports
$69.692 billion (2024 est.)
$72.174 billion (2023 est.)
$74.52 billion (2022 est.)

Imports - partners
USA 12%, China 12%, UAE 9%, UK 7%, India 5% (2023)

Imports - commodities
gas turbines, cars, aircraft, iron pipes, ships (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.886, ranking it 43rd out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 38th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 6.374. (more information)