Qatar

1825 (April 1, Wednesday): Establishment of Al Thani rule over Qatar

1868 (November 21, Saturday): Treaty of Uqair establishes Qatar’s borders with the Ottoman Empire and Saudi Arabia

1916 (November 29, Wednesday): Qatar becomes a British protectorate

1971 (September 3, Friday): Qatar gains independence from Britain

1995 (June 27, Tuesday): Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani seizes power in a peaceful coup

2006 (December 2, Saturday): Qatar becomes a major hub for international diplomatic and sports events

2010 (December 2, Thursday): Qatar is awarded the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Arab country to host the event

2017 (June 5, Monday): Gulf blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt

2022 (November 20, Sunday): FIFA World Cup 2022: Qatar hosts the first-ever World Cup in November and December

2020 (March 14, Saturday): COVID-19 Pandemic: Qatar imposes strict lockdown measures

2023 (January 12, Thursday): Severe flooding in Doha and surrounding areas due to heavy rains

2024 (August 11, Monday): Record heatwave causes power outages and water shortages

Continent: Asia
Location: Middle East, on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf
Capital: Doha
Language: Arabic (official), English widely spoken
Currency: Qatari riyal (QAR)
Population: ~2.9 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST)

Borders: Saudi Arabia, Persian Gulf
Landscape: Desert terrain with flat, arid plains and a small mountainous region
Major Rivers: None
Major Mountains: None
Deserts: Qatar Desert
Lakes: None
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Qurayn Abu al Bawl (103 m / 338 ft)
Lowest Point: Persian Gulf (sea level)
Climate: Hot desert climate with long, hot summers and mild winters
Geological Features: Mostly flat and low-lying with few rocky areas

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Qatari (12%), with large expatriate communities from India, Nepal, the Philippines, and other countries
Religion: Islam (predominantly Sunni, with a small Shi’a minority)
Urban Population: ~99% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~3% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Oil and gas wealth, modern architecture, traditional Bedouin culture, and hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022
Cuisine: Machboos, harees, shawarma, hummus, dates, Arabic coffee
Arts: Islamic art, calligraphy, pearl diving history
Sports: Football (soccer), camel racing, motorsports, handball

Economy Type: High-income, oil and gas-based economy
GDP: Approx. $200 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Oil, natural gas, petrochemicals, construction, real estate, and finance
Key Exports: Petroleum, natural gas, petrochemicals, aluminum
Unemployment Rate: ~0.1% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Doha (capital and economic center), Al Rayyan (industrial area)

Government Type: Absolute monarchy
Head of State: Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Advisory Council
Constitution: In effect since 2005

Doha: Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, The Pearl-Qatar, Aspire Park
Al Zubara Fort: UNESCO World Heritage site, ancient archaeological site
Khor Al Adaid: Inland sea, desert and water meeting in a unique natural area
Katara Cultural Village: Art and cultural center with theaters, galleries, and performance spaces
Fuwairit Beach: Popular for watersports and beach activities