A Brief Description Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that the Qatar Peninsula, jutting north into the Persian Gulf from Saudi Arabia, was initially inhabited during the Middle East Stone Age. The Islamic history of this strategic land was influenced over many centuries by the British, Ottomans and Portuguese, as well as by a long series of nomadic Arab tribes. In the early 20th century, it was a relatively poor Middle East sheikhdom, with pearl production and fishing being its major revenue sources. Then, in 1939, the discovery of oil and gas transformed it into an influential and rich land for both its current ruling clan (the Al Thani family), and for all of its people. In 1995, the ruling Amir, Sheikh Khalifa, was removed by his son, the current Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani. This event helped move Qatar into the most desirable position of having one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, and helped propel Qatar into a progressive Middle East state. As a by-product, jobs are guaranteed in Qatar, and college education is free. There is no income tax here; all public services are gratis, and all health care is provided by the government. Wow! When does the next plane leave? And speaking of planes, tourism in Qatar (mostly to Doha) has increased rather dramatically; sparkling new hotels (Las Vegas-like) stand along the lengthy waterfront, and the traveling-world has finally learned about Qatar's beautiful beaches, and of course, the duty-free shopping. Read more about the Qatar here! Stylish, modern buildings in Qatar! Travel the World through Poster Art! Facts and Figures Name Qatar (long form) State of Qatar Population 863,100 Population & Density (all countries) here Capital City Doha (721,000) Currency Qatari Rial (QAR) Currency Converter here Languages Arabic (official), English commonly used Flag here National Day September 3 Religions Muslim (95%) Geographic Coordinates Latitude/Longitude (Capital City) 25º 15' N, 51º 36' E Relative Location Qatar is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. This country (peninsula) extends north from the Saudi Arabian landmass into the Persian Gulf, and is directly bordered only by Saudi Arabia. Land Statistics Coastline 350 miles (563 km) Land Areas (land) 4,416 sq miles (11,437 sq km) (water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km) (TOTAL) 4,416 sq miles (11,437 sq km) Land Area (all countries) here Landforms Most of Qatar is a flat and rocky, sandy plain. Low hills punctuate the landscape, west and central, with massive sand dunes in the southeast. A few salt pans (shining white in the desert sun) line the western coastal areas, and within Qatar there are no perennial rivers or lakes. The Hawar islands serve as a loading terminal for oil from the western oil fields. Highest Point Qurayn Abu al Bawl - 338 ft (103 m) Lowest Point Persian Gulf - (0 ft.) (0 m) Land Divisions 10 municipalities, including: Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Jarayan al Batinah, Madinat ash Shamal, Umm Sa'id and Umm Salal

Maps Qatar (large color) Map here Qatar Outline Map here Qatar CIA version here Qatar Maps at UT here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Asia Continent (printable) here Asia Outline Map here Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Indian Subcontinent Map here Middle East Landforms here Middle East Map here Middle East Outline Map here Middle East Rivers here Ring of Fire Map here Tsunami Map (December 2004) here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - World Outline Maps (printable) here World Time Zone Map here Recommended Links Qatar (Complete) info on the (GDP) economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here! Qatar Airways here! Qatar Embassy (Washington DC) here! Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs (great site) here! Qatar Photos at TrekEarth.com here Qatar Tourism here Aljazeera (Middle East news source) here Desert camels and sand dunes in Qatar! Travel the World through Poster Art! Time and Weather Time Zone (UTC +3) Note that UTC is also known as GMT, or Greenwich Mean Time. Conversion details and additional info: here Climate Summers/early fall (June - September) are very hot, with temperatures exceeding 120° F. very common. Fall (September - October) continues on the hot side, with daily highs averaging in the mid to upper 80s. From winter through spring (November - May) temperatures do moderate to as low as 62° F, which is somewhat cool for its location near the Tropic of Cancer. Rainfall is a rare occurrence, and confined to the winter. Out-of-the-blue dust storms do occur on occasion, and severe ones literally blot out the sun. Traveler Info Attractions For starters, the growing capital city of Doha and its national aquarium and musuem, historic Doha Fort, the stunning Grand Mosque and Entertainment City. To the south, Al Rayyan, home of the Qatar Equestrian Federation and its annual Arabian horse show and horse races; and along the coastal areas the Khor Al Udaid Beach; Sealine Beach Resort and Palm Tree Island - to name but a few. Country Dialing Code 974 Electricity Qatar uses 240 volts AC (50 Hz) Electrical adapters, products and tips here Travel Warnings here Visa Information here

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Banknote reference numbers obtained from the Standard Catalogs of World Paper Money published by Krause Publications

Patrick Kennedy's World Currency Homepage
This page created by: Patrick Kennedy
Creation date: March 2007
Last update: 18 November 2009
URL: http://www.patricksworldcurrency.com/countries/qatar.html