Where is Qatar located? What continent is Qatar on? Qatar: What the inhabitants of the richest country in the world lack

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The desert occupies most of the country.

In the north of the country, the desert is flat, with rare oases and moving (eolian) sands. The middle part is rocky, with patches of solonchaks. And in the south - with high sandy hills.

The State of Qatar is located on the Qatari Peninsula. Borders with Saudi Arabia. But, since there is a disputed territory between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, some maps show that Qatar also borders the UAE.

State symbols

Flag- consists of a vertical white stripe on the left side and a brown stripe on the right. Both fields are separated by nine triangles forming a zigzag. The flag was approved on July 9, 1971.

Coat of arms- two crossed white sabers in a yellow circle. Between the swords is a sailing ship (dhow), sailing on blue and white waves near an island with two palm trees. The circle is surrounded by a donut-shaped round object that is split horizontally. In the white section, the name of the state "Qatar" is written in brown Kufi script, and in the brown section, the English translation is written in white script. The coat of arms and middle circle are sometimes yellow, and the saber swords are sometimes brown (instead of white). The coat of arms was adopted in 1976.

State structure

Form of government- absolute monarchy.
head of state- Emir.
Head of the government The prime minister is appointed by the emir.
Capital- Doha.
The largest city- Doha.
Territory- 11,586 km².
Population– 1,699,435 people Arabs make up 40% of the population. People from Pakistan (18%), India (18%), Iran (10%), and other countries (14%) also live in the country. The urban population is 96%. 70% of Qatar's population lives in Doha.

Official language- Arabic, English is widely spoken.

Currency- Qatari rial.
Economy- mainly based on oil and gas production. Prior to this, the inhabitants of Qatar were mainly engaged in pearl mining, cattle breeding and fishing. Oil and gas made Qatar the first country in the world in terms of GDP per capita. The oil refining, petrochemical, chemical, and metallurgical industries are developed (a large steel-smelting complex in Umm Said works on imported raw materials). In the northern part of Qatar, there is a giant North oil and gas condensate field.
Agriculture poorly developed. Farming is possible only in oases (date palm, vegetable growing and gardening). Livestock is occupied by nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes who breed camels, sheep and goats.
Export – liquefied gas, petroleum products, fertilizers, steel. Import- cars and equipment, vehicles, food, chemical products.
Administrative division The country is divided into 7 municipalities.
Sport– Qatar is the organizer of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Since 1984, Qatar has consistently taken part in the Olympic Games (during this time, 4 bronze medals have been won).

Nasser Al-Attiyah (b. 1970)

Qatari racing driver (classic rally, rally-raids, SpeedCar) and shooter, performing in the skit. A participant in five consecutive Summer Olympics, he was in the final six three times. Winner of the 2008 World Cup in rally raids. Winner of the rally-marathon "Dakar-2011" in the off-road category.
Education- The country has a three-stage system of education, which can be obtained in modern public and private schools. Education at all levels is free. 83% of the population over the age of 15 can read and write. There are public and private primary and secondary schools. Education for boys and girls is separate. Many Qataris are pursuing their higher education abroad, mostly in the US. The 12-grade schools offer international, comprehensive academic programs. The Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Social Development has created branches of eight international universities, a kind of Education City.

University of Qatar

Armed forces- Army, Air Force, Navy. The total number of armed forces is about 15 thousand people.
State religion- Islam. It is practiced by 95% of the population. Most Qataris are followers of the Sunni trend in Islam.
Climate- subtropical.

Nature

The country has big problems with fresh water. drinking water(and for irrigation) are taken from artesian wells or wells. But most fresh water is produced from sea water by desalination. In the northern regions, where groundwater comes close to the surface or comes out on it, small areas of soils suitable for agriculture have formed.

Only during the period of winter rains does a cover of hard-leaved grasses appear, leaves and flowers bloom on xerophilous shrubs. The deserts of Qatar are characterized by wormwood, camel thorn, kermek, astragalus, acacia, comb (tamarix). In some places, oases are common in conditions of shallow groundwater.

Astragalus

The animal world is poor. Reptiles (lizards, agamas, snakes, roundheads, geckos) and rodents (gerbils, jerboas) predominate. There are jackals, foxes, hyenas, very rarely - gazelles. Birds: large predators(eagles, kites), sparrows, sea gulls, flamingos, herons, geese are found on the coast.

Jerboa

There are arachnids: scorpions, phalanges, spiders. Due to the heat, many animals are nocturnal or only active in the morning.
More than 70 species of commercial fish, crustaceans (including shrimp), mollusks (including pearl mussels), and sponges are found in the waters of the Persian Gulf. There are sea turtles.

Contemporary culture of Qatar

The country has modern means of communication. Own satellite system allows receiving radio and TV programs from abroad, there is an automatic system of international telex communication. There are 12 radio stations and 1 television station (Qatar Television Service). The Internet service has about 70 thousand users.
Several daily and weekly newspapers are published, mostly in Arabic.

Days of Qatari Culture in Minsk

Women in Qatar feel much freer compared to neighboring Arab countries - they are allowed to drive a car, engage in state public activities.

Tourism

The best time to visit Qatar is September-January and March-May. Equipped with sandy beaches. On many beaches, the pools are interconnected, equipped with water slides. The Persian Gulf is considered an excellent place for diving. One of the most popular activities offered to tourists in Qatar is a safari.

Safari in Qatar

The safari here is more extreme and resembles a rollercoaster ride. After the race, tourists are waiting for a barbecue on the shores of the Persian Gulf under the canopy of a picturesque tent.
Doha- the largest commercial center, the capital of the country. Here is one of the most beautiful promenades in the region - the Corniche.

Architecture in the capital various styles: Oriental, Arabic and modern.
Tourism in Qatar is actively developing. The most interesting is the Desert Safari tour. There is a wonderful opportunity for water sports and scuba diving, parasailing, fishing, dhow cruise (a traditional fishing boat converted for tourism purposes), as well as pearl hunting. For those who are interested in the historical direction, there is the possibility of visiting archaeological sites, forts and museums.

Parasailing

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Qatar

Al Zubara

The walled city of Al-Zubara is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf. It was founded around the ninth century. n. e. and flourished in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. as a center for pearling and trade. The city was founded by merchants from Kuwait, it was connected with trade relations with countries indian ocean, Arabian Peninsula and East Asia. In 1811 the city was destroyed and then completely abandoned. desert covered ancient city sand drifts, but under them the ruins of palaces, mosques, streets, fishermen's huts, port and double defensive walls, a canal and cemeteries have been preserved.
At the moment, excavations are carried out only on a small part of the territory of the site, but the discovered finds testify to the development of urban trade and the skill of pearl mining here.

Sights of Qatar

Museum of Islamic Art (Doha)

The museum has a unique design. This is the first museum of its kind in the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, having large collection Islamic art, research and library.

"Pearl" of Qatar

This artificial island covering almost 4 million m². It is planned to create a residential complex of 31 towers with 4,700 apartments here. The name is figurative - it is assumed that after the completion of the "Pearl" will resemble a string of pearls.

Villaggio Mall (Doha)

Huge shopping center, where the goods of many well-known brands of the USA, Great Britain, Italy, etc. Western countries. Inside the building there is a cinema and even an ice rink.

Golf Club (Doha)

This is one of the first Golf Clubs (18 holes) in the Middle East. It has 8 artificial lakes, 65 giant cacti brought from the deserts of Arizona, over 10,000 green trees and shrubs, numerous limestone formations, and many lush and long fairways to provide a stunning contrast to the desert that surrounds this green golf club.

Khalifa International Tennis Complex (Doha)

Opened in 1992. Contains 27 hard courts. Capacity - 4106 spectators. The center is owned and operated by the Qatar Tennis Federation.

History

Ancient history

The peninsula, on which modern Qatar is located, was inhabited as early as the III-II millennium BC. e. In ancient Qatar, the Ubaid culture, which came from Mesopotamia, was widespread. The first written mention of the country belongs to the Roman writer Pliny the Elder and refers to the 1st century BC. n. e. Information about Qatar is found in the manuscripts of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. He mentions the tribes inhabiting Qatar, skilled navigators.

Rock paintings in Qatar dated to the 4th century BC. BC e.

IN III millennium BC e. Qatar was part of the state of Dilmun with its center on the island of Bahrain. Dilmun at that time was a rich and prosperous state. The neighboring kingdom of Magan, presumably located in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bmodern Oman, also had a strong influence on Qatar.
The inhabitants were mainly engaged in the cultivation of grain crops and the smelting of copper, and also traded with the Sumerians, with the ancient city of Akkad, Babylonia and Assyria.
Later, the Phoenicians entrenched themselves on the territory of Qatar, they were soon replaced by the Iranians. Then Qatar for several centuries was part of the empire of Alexander the Great and the state of the Seleucids. Repeatedly, Qatar was conquered by the Iranian Sassanid dynasty, which ruled in the III-VII centuries. in the Near and Middle East.
In the 7th century Qatar becomes an Islamic state within the Arab Caliphate. After the collapse of the Caliphate in the X century. The history of Qatar is connected with Bahrain - at first, Qatar was part of the Qarmatian state ruled from Bahrain, and in the 11th century. it ceased to exist, and Qatar receives the conditions for the formation of a developed state.
Gradually, the country has experienced economic growth associated with the pearl trade to neighboring countries and shrimp fishing. But for a prosperous peninsula, a struggle broke out between the Baghdad Caliphate and Oman, this led to the ruin of the Qatari territories. In 1320, Qatar was captured by the sheikh of the Hormuz state. From the 13th to the 14th centuries The population of Qatar lived under the rule of the emirs of Bahrain. In the 1470s, the country regained de facto independence, but at the same time, Qatar was obliged to pay tribute to the Ottoman Empire.
In the 1510s, Qatar, along with Bahrain, was occupied by the Portuguese, then by the Turks. Qatar, like many other countries in the region, is part of the Ottoman Empire.

English protectorate

Since the 17th century Iran, Turkey, the leaders of various Arab tribes, the rulers of Oman and the Saudis begin to claim the territory of Qatar. Then England and Holland tried to intervene in the struggle for power in the region. The joint Anglo-Persian forces in 1623 removed the Portuguese from Qatar and the Hormuz state, and then from the entire territory of the Persian Gulf. But the Persians were driven out by the Omanis. Oman ruled Qatar during the 17th and 18th centuries.
In 1818-1820. Britain managed to approve a permanent presence in the country. But in the second half of the XIX century. internecine wars began between the rulers of Qatar and Bahrain, Great Britain intervened in the conflict in 1868 and imposed an unequal treaty on Qatar.
In 1871, the Ottoman Empire again conquered Qatar and established a regime here under which the rule was carried out by the Turkish governor (Pasha).
In 1878, Sheikh Qassem bin Mohammed Al Thani came to power. He united the warring tribes and for this he began to be considered the founder of the principality of Qatar.

Pearl in a clam

He ruled until 1913, pursuing a relatively independent policy towards Turkey.

At the beginning of the XX century. The Wahhabist state of Najd began to pose a threat to Qatar, the threat of an invasion of Qatar was only repelled thanks to the help of Great Britain.
In 1913, Great Britain forced the Ottoman Empire to renounce its claims to Qatar. On November 3, 1916, a British protectorate was proclaimed in Qatar. Great Britain not only had military control over Qatar, but also conducted international negotiations on behalf of the country, established external relations and benefited from the mining of sponges and pearls.
Sponges have long been used by humans as household abrasives.

National Liberation Movement

Oil production in Qatar began in 1940. After that, the rise of the national liberation movement began. The protests were attended by the poorest urban strata, small traders and artisans, the poorest part of the tribes, as well as immigrants who arrived at the oil fields. Until 1952, when slavery was officially abolished, slaves also took part in mass demonstrations.
Since 1964, an underground Organization of National Struggle began to operate in Qatar, and in the early 1970s, representatives of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman and the Arabian Gulf appeared in the country. In 1966, a trade union was created in Qatar for the first time.

Independence of Qatar

On April 2, 1970, Qatar receives an interim constitution, and on May 29, 1970, the country's first government was formed. September 1, 1971 Qatar became an independent state. Was imprisoned new treaty with Great Britain on friendship, which spoke of the preservation of "traditional ties" between the two countries.
In 1971, the giant North oil and gas condensate field was discovered. In 1974, oil refining began in the country. The government of the country created the state General Oil Corporation. In 1975, the entire capital of oil producing and oil refining firms in Qatar was bought out by the government of the country.
Since then, the entire internal policy of the state has been carried out by the emir and the ruling dynasty.
In foreign policy, Qatar mainly focuses on cooperation with neighboring states and countries of the Persian region. Qatar has become one of the most "open" and liberal Arab states.

Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani meeting with George Bush

Doha is the capital of Qatar

The landscapes of Qatar are not very bright. The north of the country is a low sandy plain covered with moving dunes; the middle part of the peninsula is a rocky desert covered with pebbles and salt marshes in some places; in the south - high sandy hills. The climate of Qatar is continental and tropical. In summer, the temperature often rises to 50 ° C, a relatively cool season lasts from December to early March. The rainy season starts in November and ends in May. The average annual rainfall in the south is 55 mm, in the north - 125 mm per year.

The peninsula is poor in water. Oases are very rare and small. Land suitable for agricultural use is approximately 10% and is located mainly in the north of the country, where there are underground sources of fresh water. The presence of water makes it possible to cultivate date and coconut palms, millet, corn, sorghum, and vegetables. Livestock is occupied by nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes who breed camels, sheep and goats. coastal waters Qatar are rich in fish and shrimp, which play an essential role in the nutrition of the population and are used as feed for livestock and poultry. The basis of the economy of modern Qatar is determined by the oil industry, with the center of oil production in the city of Dukhan. 80% of the country's population lives in cities.

The capital, the main port of the country, an important industrial, cultural and commercial center is the city of Doha (956 thousand inhabitants). Other relatively large cities are the oil and trade port of Umm Said and Zikrit, a shallow water port on the west coast. From the 7th century Qatar was an integral part of the Arab Caliphate. In the XI-XIV centuries. under the rule of the emirs of Bahrain; at the beginning of the 16th century. - Portuguese, then - the Ottoman Empire. From 1916-1971, Qatar was under British protectorate.

Nature

Almost the entire territory of the country is a desert. In the north - a low sandy plain with rare oases, covered with moving (eolian) sands; in the middle part of the peninsula - a rocky desert with patches of solonchaks; in the south - high sandy hills. The climate is continental tropical, dry. In summer, the temperature often rises to 50 °C. The peninsula is poor in water. There are no permanent rivers, most of the water has to be obtained by desalination of the sea. Underground sources of fresh water and oases are located mainly in the north of the country. The animal world is poor, reptiles and rodents predominate.

Economy

The basis of the economy of Qatar is the extraction and refining of oil (65 thousand tons per day in 1997). Oil revenues account for 75% of the value of exports. The PPP per capita GDP is about $32,000 (2005). The structure of GDP is dominated by the service sector (50%) and industry (49%). The oil refining, petrochemical, chemical, and metallurgical industries are developed (a large steel-smelting complex in Umm Said works on imported raw materials). Agriculture is poorly developed and satisfies only 10% of the country's food needs. Agriculture is concentrated in oases (date palm, vegetable growing and horticulture). Livestock is occupied by nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes who breed camels, sheep and goats.

History

The peninsula, on which modern Qatar is located, was inhabited as early as the 3rd-2nd millennium BC. e. The results of numerous excavations carried out in the country indicate the spread of the Ubaid culture in ancient Qatar, which came from Mesopotamia. The first written mention of the country belongs to the Roman writer Pliny the Elder and it refers to the 1st century AD. Also, some information about Qatar is found in the manuscripts of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. In particular, Herodotus mentions the tribes inhabiting Qatar, who were skilled seafarers.

According to the results of archaeological excavations in the region, in the III millennium BC. Qatar was part of the state of Dilmun with its center on the island of Bahrain. Dilmun at that time was a rich and prosperous state due to its location on a busy trade route between India and Mesopotamia. The neighboring kingdom of Magan, presumably located in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bmodern Oman, also had a strong influence on Qatar. The inhabitants of the peninsular state were mainly engaged in the cultivation of crops and the smelting of copper, and also traded with the Sumerians, with the ancient city of Akkad, Babylonia and Assyria.

Then the Phoenicians entrenched themselves on the territory of Qatar, who were soon replaced by the Iranians. Then Qatar for several centuries was part of the empire of Alexander the Great and the state of the Seleucids. Repeatedly, Qatar was conquered by the Iranian Sassanid dynasty, which ruled in the 3rd-7th centuries in the Near and Middle East.

In the 7th century, Qatar became an Islamic state within the Arab Caliphate. After the collapse of the Caliphate in the 10th century, the history of Qatar is inextricably linked with Bahrain. At first, Qatar is part of the state of the Qarmatians ruled from Bahrain, who were adherents of one of the two branches of the Muslim Shiite Ismaili sect. The state of the Karmatians ceased to exist already in the 11th century, and Qatar receives all the conditions for the formation of a developed state. Gradually, the country is experiencing economic growth associated with the trade of pearls to neighboring countries. In addition to pearls, the inhabitants of the Qatari settlements were also engaged in catching shrimp. But the economic well-being of the country soon came to an end. Prosperous territories attracted attention neighboring countries, in connection with which a struggle broke out for the peninsula between the Baghdad Caliphate and Oman, which led to the ruin of the Qatari territories. In the 13th century In Qatar, internecine wars began between the Arab rulers, which made the country undefended. This was used by the sheikh of the Ormuz state, who captured Qatar in 1320. And already from the 13th to the 14th centuries, the population of Qatar lived under the rule of the emirs of the same Bahrain. In the 1470s, the country regained de facto independence, but at the same time, Qatar pledged to pay tribute to the Ottoman Empire. And in the 1510s, Qatar, along with Bahrain, was occupied by the Portuguese, who soon came under military attack from Turkey. After some time, the Ottoman Turks begin to dominate the country and Qatar, like many other countries in the region, is part of the Ottoman Empire. Despite the domination of the Ottomans, local sheikhs had fairly broad powers of authority.

Since the 17th century, the territory of Qatar has become the object of hostility from several sides at once. Iran, Turkey, the leaders of various Arab tribes, the rulers of Oman and the Saudis begin to claim it. For a long time, the Qatar Peninsula did not appear on European maps, so this territory was unknown to many powers of the old world. But soon England and Holland tried to intervene in the struggle for power in the region. The joint Anglo-Persian forces in 1623 forced the Portuguese to withdraw from Qatar and the Ormuz state, and then from the entire territory of the Persian Gulf. But the Persians were forced out of the country by the army of Oman, who ruled Qatar throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

At the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, Qatar was seized by tribes ruled who were later able to conquer Bahrain. Subsequently, the Al-Khalifa dynasty ceded Qatar to representatives of the Al-Thani dynasty from the At-Tanim tribe. Under the leadership of the Tani dynasty, the territory of Qatar acquired its modern shape by the end of the 19th century. An important point in the history of the country is that the members of the Tani dynasty decided to adopt a new radical version of Islam - Wahhabism. The peninsular state was dominated by feudal relations, which at the same time were closely intertwined with the remnants of slavery and the remnants of the tribal economy.

The spread of Wahhabism in Arabia prompted Great Britain and the Ottoman Empire to again intervene in the political affairs of the Middle East and Qatar, as well. In 1818–1820, Great Britain was able to establish its permanent presence in the region. In the second half of the 19th century, a series of internecine wars arose between the rulers of Qatar and Bahrain, which Britain took advantage of in 1868, intervening in the conflict and imposing an unequal treaty on Qatar. In 1871, the Ottoman Empire again conquered Qatar and established a regime here under which the rule was carried out by the Turkish governor (Pasha).

Sheikh Qassem bin Mohammed Al Thani, who came to power in 1878, united the warring tribes, for which he was considered the founder of the principality of Qatar. Until the end of his reign (1913), he pursued a relatively independent policy towards Turkey. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Wahhabist state of Najd began to pose a threat to Qatar, the threat of invasion of which into Qatar was repelled only thanks to the help of Great Britain. In July 1913, Great Britain forced the Ottoman Empire to renounce its claims to Qatar. In 1914, Turkey officially ceased to claim the territory of Qatar and ceded this right to Great Britain, which imposed on Qatar an agreement of November 3, 1916, which proclaimed a British protectorate over this country. This treaty was renewed in 1934. Great Britain not only had military control over Qatar, but also conducted international negotiations on behalf of the country, established external relations and benefited from the mining of sponges and pearls.

Large oil fields in the country were discovered in the late 30s. In general, oil production in Qatar began in 1940, but it was stopped due to the war. In 1935, the Anglo-French-American-Dutch company "Petroleum Development of Qatar" received a concession for the exploration, development and production of oil in Qatar for a period of 75 years, although the oil production itself by this company began only in 1947, i.e. after the end of World War II. Since 1952, oil production in the country has been carried out by its subsidiary Qatar Petroleum Company. In 1960, the development of offshore oil fields in Qatar began by the British company Shell-Kata, which had a long-term concession in the territorial waters of the country.

The population of Qatar did not want to put up with the power of the British colonialists and local ruling circles, who pursued a rather tough policy towards the inhabitants of the country, and in the 30s. this resulted in protest demonstrations in large settlements and in uprisings of individual tribes in the interior of Qatar. The liberation movement began with renewed vigor after World War II. Particularly significant were the actions in 1956 in defense of Egypt, when the Anglo-French-Israeli troops launched an aggression against this country, which had the goal of establishing British and French domination over the Arab East.

The main force of the national liberation movements in the country, with an extremely low level socio-economic development at that time, were the poor. Mostly the poorest urban strata, small traders and artisans, the poorest part of the tribes, as well as immigrants who arrived at the oil fields took part in the national liberation actions. Until 1952, when slavery was officially abolished, slaves also took part in mass demonstrations.

In 1960, massive popular demonstrations swept through the capital of Qatar, the result of which was the removal from the leading post of Emir Abdallah ibn Qasem Al Thani, who pursued a reactionary despotic policy. He was replaced by Sheikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani.

In an effort to change the situation, Great Britain in 1961 transferred a third of the concession area owned by the Qatar Petroleum Company to the ruler of the country, Sheikh Ahmed Al Thani (1960–1971). In the middle of 1963, another strike of workers and employees took place, demanding equality before the law of the entire population, removal of foreign representatives from government posts, agrarian reform, democratization of the regime. Since 1964, an underground Organization of National Struggle began to operate in Qatar, and in the early 1970s, representatives of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman and the Arabian Gulf appeared in the country. In 1966, a trade union was created in Qatar for the first time, uniting the interests of oil workers. Taking into account the growing pace of the liberation democratic movement every year, the government of Qatar began to implement some reforms, among which were measures to create health care systems, education, etc.

Back in the 60s. began to emerge in the country political organizations who advocated strengthening ties with other countries of the Arab East. Soon, Qatar began to advocate Arab solidarity and sharply condemned the Israeli aggression of 1967 against the Arab countries, allocating material and financial resources to the fund to help the inhabitants of Palestine. And a year later, under the influence of Great Britain, Qatar, together with Bahrain and the principalities of Trucial Oman, tried to organize a Federation of Arab Principalities of the Persian Gulf. However, negotiations between the parties in 1968-1969 led to serious disagreements between Qatar and the territories of the modern UAE.

On April 2, 1970, Qatar receives an interim constitution, and on May 29, 1970, the country's first government was formed, consisting of ten ministers, seven of whom were members of the Tani dynasty. On September 1, 1971, Qatar became an independent state, in connection with which a new friendship agreement was concluded with Great Britain, which spoke of maintaining "traditional ties" between the two countries. At the same time, Qatar was officially recognized by most countries of the world, including the USSR (September 8, 1971). In the same year, Qatar was admitted to the UN and the League of Arab States. Sheikh Ahmed, who ruled from 1971 to 1972, became the first Emir of Qatar. A year later, in February 1972, as a result of a bloodless coup, power over the country passed to his cousin, Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, who ruled until 1995.

In 1974, oil refining began in the country. In the same year, the country's government created the state-owned General Oil Corporation, which carried out oil production and controlled the activities of foreign oil producing and oil refining companies operating in Qatar. In 1975, the entire capital of oil producing and oil refining firms in Qatar was bought out by the government of the country.

Since then, the entire internal policy of the state has been carried out by the emir and the ruling dynasty. In foreign policy, Qatar has predominantly focused and is oriented towards cooperation with neighboring states and the countries of the Persian region, mainly Saudi Arabia. During the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-1988, the country supported Iraq, but already during the Persian Gulf War in 1990-1991, when Iraq occupied the territories of Kuwait, Qatar took an active part in the actions of the coalition led by the United States. Thus, Canadian and French attack aircraft were located at the Doha airbase, and the Qatari Air Force was accompanied by allied attack aircraft during the shelling of Iraqi targets in Kuwait. After many conflicts in the Middle East, Qatar constantly organizes meetings within the framework of the Arab-Israeli peace process, thus playing an important role in expanding the Arab-Israeli economic and political ties. In this regard, Qatar has become one of the most "open" and liberal Arab states.

As a result of another bloodless coup in June 1995, Emir Khalifa was replaced by his son Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. The new ruler retained the old policy in the country, but some of its components were transformed by him. In particular, he increased the staff of the Advisory Council and organized a commission to create a permanent constitution. A year later, the post of prime minister was established in the country, and in March 1999 and April 2003, popular elections were held in Qatar for the Central Municipal Council with advisory functions, which should carry out activities to improve governance at the regional level.

In 2001, Qatar settled territorial disputes with Bahrain over the maritime boundary. In addition, Qatar, together with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, came to a unified decision on the ownership of the island of Hawar, which, by decision International Court of Justice in The Hague went to Bahrain. On April 29, 2003, a referendum was held in Qatar to adopt a draft permanent constitution for the country, in which 96.6% of voters supported the draft new constitution. Under this constitution, Qatar became an absolute monarchy. According to the constitution, the head of state and government is the Emir, who appoints the members of the Council of Ministers and the Advisory Council. His power is limited only by the Shariah.

Qatar for last years repeatedly accused by various experts, the media and politicians various countries in sponsoring and supporting Islamist terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda, the Muslim Brotherhood, the Taliban, Hamas, the Islamic State and Jabhat Fatah al-Sham.

On June 5, 2017, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE announced the severance of relations with Qatar due to Qatar's ties with terrorist organizations, interference in the internal affairs of the states of the region and the spread of the ideology of Al-Qaeda, the Muslim Brotherhood and ISIS. The UAE, KSA demanded that Qatari citizens leave the territories of their states and, in turn, demanded that their citizens leave Qatar within 14 days. The UAE has closed the air and maritime traffic with Qatar. It also canceled Qatar's participation in the operation against the Houthis in the Civil War in Yemen.

The official name is the State of Qatar (Daulyat Qatar, State of Qatar). It is located in Southwest Asia, in the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, extended far into the Persian Gulf. The territory of the country includes the Qatar Peninsula and a number of small adjacent islands with a total area of ​​11,437 thousand km2. The population of St. 800 thousand people (2003 estimate). The official language is Arabic. The capital is Doha (313 thousand people, 1998). Public Holiday- Independence Day September 3 (since 1971). The monetary unit is the Qatari rial (contains 100 dirhams).

Member of the UN (since 1971), Arab League (since 1971), IMF, IBRD, OPEC, OIC, OAPEC, GCC (since 1981), etc.

Sights of Qatar

Geography of Qatar

Located between 50°45' and 51°35' E and 24°45' and 26°10' northern latitude. From the north, west and east it is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf. The coast is a rugged coastline with a length of 563 km. A large number of coral reefs (sometimes up to 4 km wide) makes it difficult to access. Qatar borders on the south with Saudi Arabia, on the sea - with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (Emirate of Abu Dhabi). The relief of the territory is simple and is located on the low desert plateau of the Arabian Peninsula descending to the sea. Deposits of minerals - oil and natural gas- have global importance. Soils are mostly sandy and limestone. Nature is distinguished by a hot and arid climate, the absence of constantly flowing rivers and natural reservoirs. During the rainy season (December - January), water accumulates in dry channels (wadis), the largest of which is the Mashrib near the capital. In summer (May-October), the temperature at noon rises to 45 ° C with an air humidity of 85-90%. At this time, sandstorms are frequent. Winter (December-March) is moderately warm, +15–25°С during the day, up to +10°С at night. Due to the difficult climatic conditions, the flora and fauna of Qatar is extremely scarce. Locust distribution centers are located in this area. More than 70 species of commercial fish are found in the waters of Qatar: tuna, horse mackerel, mackerel, sardine. Pearls have been mined in the area of ​​coral reefs for a long time.

Population of Qatar

Before the discovery of oil fields, the number of inhabitants did not exceed 20 thousand people. Birth rate 15.6%, mortality 4.43%, infant mortality 20 people. per 1000 newborns, life expectancy 73.14 years (women 75.76, men 70.65 years) (2003). Age structure of the population: 0-14 years old - 24.7% of all residents of the country, 15-64 years old - 72.4%, 65 years and older - 2.9%. The bulk of the population (more than 90%) is concentrated in the capital and other large cities.

The demographic situation of Qatar is characterized by a small proportion of the indigenous population (1/6) in the total mass of people who arrived from other countries as hired labor and service personnel. This creates many problems in terms of providing national security and the preservation of Qatari identity. The ethnic composition of the country is very heterogeneous: Arabs 40%, Pakistanis 18%, Indians 18%, Iranians 10%, others - 14%. Languages: Arabic, English as a second language.

The state religion of China is Islam, which was adopted in 628. Its canons permeate the entire life of the local population. The indigenous inhabitants of Kazakhstan profess the Sunnism of the Hanbali "madhhab" - the religious and legal school, which is considered the most rigid. Some of them are followers of the teachings of Sheikh Ibn Al-Wahhab (Hanbalism in its extreme form). A small part of the population are Shiites. Currently, due to the influx of foreign workers, about half of the country's population adheres to Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity.

History of Qatar

The lands of modern Qatar have been inhabited since ancient times. The earliest archaeological finds date back to the end of the 4th millennium BC. e. and confirm the existence of a developed and prosperous civilization here. After the adoption in the 7th c. Islam, along with the rest of the inhabitants of the Persian Gulf, the territory of Qatar became part of the Arab Caliphate - the Umayyads, later the Abassids. In the beginning. 16th century the first European colonialists appeared on the shores of the Persian Gulf, among which Portugal and especially Great Britain turned out to be the most active. After a long resistance, the Sheikh of Qatar in 1868 was forced to conclude a "Treaty of Perpetual Peace" with Great Britain, which actually consolidated her colonial rule. Since 1871, Qatar was again occupied by the Ottoman Empire, which appointed its own governor there. But in reality, the country was ruled by Sheikh Qasem bin Mohammed, who founded the dynasty of the Al Thani family (since 1878), now ruling in Qatar. According to official data, the Al Thani family came from the Tamim tribe (modern Saudi Arabia) and emigrated to the peninsula in the beginning. 18th century Taking advantage of World War I, Great Britain forced Turkey to give up its claims to Qatar, and in 1916 the new ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Abdullah ibn Qasem Al Thani, signed an agreement establishing an English protectorate. In 1935, the rulers of Qatar were forced to conclude a concession agreement with the British Petroleum Development of Qatar, which gave it practically unlimited and uncontrolled rights to explore, produce and sell oil and gas, build industrial facilities, and import foreign workers for 75 years. The entire traditional way of the country's economy that had been developing for centuries was disrupted, which led to a sharp impoverishment of the local population. To con. 1960s the crisis of the British colonial policy became obvious. Its attempt to maintain its influence in the region by creating a federation of nine emirates: Bahrain, Qatar and the seven emirates of Trucial Oman failed. The countries could not agree among themselves and, following Bahrain, on September 3, 1971, Qatar declared its independence. The next step for the already independent Qatar was the entry in September 1971 into the Arab League and the UN. On February 22, 1972, the Prime Minister of the country, Sheikh Khalifa, with the consent of the Council of Elders, appointed himself Emir of Qatar, declaring the ruling Sheikh Ahmed, who was abroad, deposed. The new government continued the initiated reforms, paying special attention to the modernization of the economy. In 1995, the throne was inherited by the son of Emir Khalifa - Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The young emir managed to resolve years of border disputes with neighboring Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The aggravation of relations with Bahrain occurred in March 1982 due to the territorial affiliation of the Khawar Islands and the Fasht ad-Dibal region. After hearings in the Hague court in March 2001, a verdict was adopted, according to which the Khawar Islands were ceded to Bahrain, and the Fasht ad-Dibal shoals were transferred to Qatar. In 1992, due to events in the border area, a conflict arose between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. After a lengthy settlement, Qatar in March 2001 signed maps with a demarcation line between the two countries, where the delimitation of sea and land borders was finally approved.

State structure and political system of Qatar

Officially, Qatar is a sovereign Arab state with an absolute monarchy. The country has a provisional Constitution adopted on April 2, 1970. All power in the country belongs to the emirs from the Al Thani dynasty and can only be inherited by sheikhs from this family. According to the administrative division, the country consists of 10 municipalities (baladiyat): Ad-Dawwa, Al-Juwariya, Al-Jumaliya, Al-Khor, Al-Wakra, Ar-Rayan, Jarayan al-Batna, Ash-Shamal, Umm Said, Umm Salal . All state institutions and departments are subordinated to the head of the municipality on its territory, and its functions include the conduct of all administrative affairs. The ruler of Qatar is Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (since June 1995). executive power in the country is the Council of Ministers (17 people since September 1992), which is also headed by the Emir. He appoints and removes the ministers who are personally responsible to him for the policy of the state and the work of the ministries. In addition, the emir is the supreme commander of the country. In 1972, the emir Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, in accordance with the adopted provisional Constitution, created a special Consultative Council (Shura). Since 1988, this body has been composed of 35 people, elected for a term of 4 years and appointed by the Emir from among the representatives chosen under limited suffrage. According to the Constitution, they have the right to discuss and make recommendations on the adoption of laws developed by the Council of Ministers, to request ministries on foreign and domestic political issues, including draft budgets. Their functions include consideration of state and civil cases, after which they are submitted for the approval of the ministers and the emir. However, by law, the Advisory Council cannot have real or legislative power.

In March 1999, Qatar held elections for the first time for 29 members to the Central Municipal Council, the next elections were held in April 2003. In July 1999, the emir created a special committee of 32 people to draft a permanent constitution for the country. In July 2002, the project was submitted to the emir for consideration, after which it was fully approved in a referendum in April 2003. The country banned the activities of any political parties and trade unions. Discrimination on racial, ethnic or religious grounds is also prohibited and punishable by law. The highest court of the country is the Court of Appeal, whose decisions are approved by the Emir and are not subject to revision.

Leading business organizations include the largest banks and industrial companies in the country: Qatar oil company(QP), Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO), QATARGAS, Qatar Steel Company (QASCO), Qatar Industrial Company (QIMCO), etc. Currently domestic politics The country is aimed at diversifying the industrial base, using local natural resources, reducing dependence on imported goods, and increasing the types of export products. The nationalization of the oil industry in 1973, after which the country's income increased sharply, allowed the government to carry out a number of significant changes in the social sphere as well. Reforms were carried out in the field of healthcare, housing construction, in the field of utilities, pensions and benefits. In the beginning. 1980s a new major program was implemented to improve the social life of the population, all services for medical care and education became free. In May 1989, at the direction of the emir, a Planning Council was formed to improve the coordination of plans for the socio-economic development of Qatar. The goal was announced - to reduce dependence on the oil sector, but even now the economy of Qatar remains completely focused on the export of oil and natural gas.

In the field of foreign policy, Qatar adheres to the principles of the non-aligned movement, of which it has been a member since 1971. Qatar stands for dialogue between countries based on the principles of mutual trust and non-interference in affairs sovereign states. Of great importance for the foreign policy of Qatar are its relations with the Arab countries. Qatar has the closest ties with neighboring Saudi Arabia. In 1992, Qatar signed a defense pact with the United States. A similar agreement was concluded with the UK (1993) and France (1994). The ever-strengthening ties of Qatar with the United States and France show the desire of the authorities to gain broad military support from the leading world powers. During the 2nd Gulf War (March-April 2003), Qatar provided the United States with its military bases and took a pro-American position.

The ever-increasing political tension in the region forced the government of China to pay close attention to the creation effective system self defense. The armed forces of the country consist of the army, naval and air forces. Their total number as of August 2001 is 12.33 thousand people. The country has compulsory military service for all men between the ages of 18 and 35. The term of military service is 12-24 months. In 2000/01, defense spending increased to $723 million, representing 10% of GDP. The main supplier of weapons to Qatar is France (tanks, aircraft), the UK has a smaller share (warships).

Qatar has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1988).

Economy of Qatar

The oil found in Qatar (1939) and its industrial production (since 1949) radically changed the situation in the country, making it possible to achieve unprecedented rates of economic growth. Today, oil accounts for more than 55% of GDP, 85% of export earnings and 70% of all government revenue. Proved oil reserves 14.5 billion barrels. (2002). Thanks to oil production, GDP per capita in Qatar is comparable to the leading Western industrial countries. In addition to oil, the production and export of natural gas is becoming increasingly important, the reserves of which, according to various estimates, exceed 21 trillion m3 (2nd place in the world in terms of volume after the Russian Federation). The reserves found in the giant North Field field will allow the gas industry to continue to grow at an accelerated pace and provide the necessary amount of gas to pass through the planned gas pipelines to Kuwait and the United United Arab Emirates. Gas production in Qatar increased from 19.6 bcm in 1998 to 32.5 bcm in 2001.

In 2000, Qatar's foreign trade surplus amounted to $7 billion. This was mainly due to high world oil prices and a gradual increase in gas exports. This surplus remained in 2001.

Qatar has maintained a high rate of GDP growth since the day it declared its independence. On average, they are 8-10% per year. Qatar's GDP increased from $510 million (1972) to $7.17 billion (1995), i.e. more than 14 times. The dynamics of GDP growth depends entirely on the state of the world energy market and oil prices. For Qatar, the period of a general recession in the world economy and, as a result, a noticeable reduction in oil consumption coincided with a fall in the volume of GDP within the country (4930 million US dollars in 1985 against 5773 million US dollars in 1979). Similarly, GDP fluctuated in the growth of national income per capita: in 1982 it reached 19 thousand US dollars, which allowed the country to take one of the first places in the world in this indicator; in 1995, due to a downturn in the fuel market, it was $12,000. As of 2002, the GDP is 17.2 billion US dollars, the GDP growth rate is 3.4%; GDP per capita 21.5 thousand US dollars. Inflation 1.9% (2002), unemployment 2.7% (2001).

Sectoral structure of the economy: by contribution to GDP (%, 1996): agriculture 1, industry 49, services 50. GDP structure by employment (%, 2000): agriculture 0.4, industry 67.6, services 32.

In addition to the oil and gas industry, which is the basis of the country's economic well-being, the energy industry has been widely developed. The total capacity of power plants was estimated at 1863 MW (2000), electricity generation amounted to 9.264 billion kWh (2001). Qatar provides electricity for the domestic needs of its citizens free of charge. For Qatar, desalination is a major challenge (over 113 million gallons per day in 2000). The construction business, the production of building materials and cement are successfully developing. There are three industrial zones in Qatar: Umm Said (oil refining and petrochemicals, in Lately also metallurgical and gas industry); Doha (small and medium business, repair shops, household service, food production); new zone in Ras Laffan (gas processing and transportation).

Unfavorable climatic conditions and the presence in the country of only desert and semi-desert lands led to a very limited use of the agro-industrial complex.

The total area of ​​cultivated land is approx. 7.6 thousand hectares, or 3% of the total area, the share of absolutely unsuitable land is 91.6% of the entire territory of the country. According to the FAO, in 2000 Qatar produced 4,100 tons of barley, 1,800 tons of corn, 53,400 tons of vegetables and gourds, 18,000 tons of fruits and dates; in animal husbandry: 35,900 tons of milk, 4,100 tons of poultry meat, 7,400 tons of lamb meat. The most traditional and successful industry Agriculture is fishing - 4207 tons (2000).

There are no railways in Qatar. The total length of highways is 1230 km, of which 1107 km are paved. The total length of pipelines is more than 892 km (1997), incl. St. 187 km - for pumping oil and more than 700 km - for gas supply. Maritime transport plays a dominant role in the transport of goods, accounting for over 70% of import cargo and 100% of oil and gas exports. Commercial shipping has only 25 large vessels with a total tonnage of 679,081, including 10 bulk carriers, 6 oil tankers, 7 container ships, 2 oil and ore carriers (2002). The main port of the country is Doha (in the mid-1990s, the total length of the berths was 1699 m) and the port of Umm Said, which has undergone a complete reconstruction. Qatar has 4 airports. The largest international airport is located near the capital (in 2000 it received 2.6 million passengers), the rest are used only for domestic transportation. In 2001, Qatar Airways had 15 aircraft. The Qatari authorities plan to increase the volume of cargo transportation and bring the number of aircraft to 22 (2006). In 1998 the country was visited by approx. 451 thousand tourists, but the industry itself is small due to underdeveloped infrastructure.

In Qatar, along with traditional communication systems, in addition to ordinary telephone (167,400 users, 2001), mobile communications (178,800, 2001) and the Internet (40,000 users in 2001) have been successfully developing recently. Qatari radio has existed since 1968, the number of radio receivers in 1997 was 256,000 - one of the first figures in the Arab East. National television appeared in 1970, broadcasts its programs on 3 channels and has 520,000 viewers (2000). The country has its own satellite communications, the Al-Jazeera satellite TV channel is well known.

Features of the modern economy of Qatar - the availability of cheap energy, large investments and a shortage of local labor resources. This makes Qatar's economy energy- and capital-intensive, but labor-saving. The country is narrowly focused on petrochemistry, oil refining, the development of the gas sector, and banking. Since Qatar is an absolute monarchy, the emir, together with advisers and the cabinet of ministers, is personally involved in the state regulation of the main proportions of economic development, stimulates the development of the private sector, and monitors the participation of the state in industrial and financial activities. In the field of social policy, Qatar provides its citizens with a number of privileges and material benefits, the right to free education, health care, vocational training, etc.

National financial system originated in 1971 immediately after Qatar declared its independence. Prior to this, all financial activities were controlled English banks. Currently, 16 banks and 8 insurance companies are successfully operating in the country. The Qatari Central Bank controls all economic and financial activities in the country, regulates money turnover, issues new banknotes. The bank has existed since 1966 (the capital is 1.14 billion cat. rials). Other major banks include the National Bank of Qatar (founded in 1965) with a capital of 1.038 billion kat. rials. The exchange rate of the Qatari rial against the US dollar has been stable over the past years and is equal to 3.64.

The budget of Qatar is closely linked to the level of oil prices and the level of production. The sharp rise in oil revenues in the 1970s caused a large budget surplus, allowing Qatar to launch significant industrial programs and new infrastructure projects. In 2001/02 the budget provided a revenue of 18.057 billion cat. rials, expenditure of 17.560 billion, surplus of 497 million cat. Rials (with an average oil price of $16.5 per barrel).

Qatar's external debt is due to loans to cover the state budget deficit. To con. In 2001, external debt rose to $13.223 billion, of which $7.305 billion was directly government debt. According to Western estimates, debt repayment should rise to $1.435 billion in 2002 (twice as much as in 1998), but a gradual decrease to $380 million by 2005 is planned.

The standard of living of the people of Qatar has increased immeasurably in recent years thanks to the increase in the growth of oil and gas exports. Total industrial wages in 2000 were $240 million. The average wage of an industrial worker, respectively, was $7,571 a year.

Qatar's economy is almost entirely dependent on the state of its foreign trade. Qatar is forced to import almost the entire range of goods - from food, consumer goods to machinery and equipment. Despite the uneven growth of exports and imports, in 1972-95 Qatar's foreign trade turnover increased 8.1 times (exports grew 6 times, imports 17 times). Imports increased from $2.9 billion (2000) to $3.9 billion (2002). Main import partners: France (18%), Italy (9%), USA (9%), Japan (8%), UK (7%) (2001). Exports of 11.594 billion dollars, including 6.859 billion dollars from crude oil and 3.300 billion dollars from natural gas (2000), according to data for 2002, exports of 10.9 billion dollars. Qatar also exports chemical products, fertilizers, with the introduction of metallurgical enterprises - metal and metal structures. Main export partners: Japan (42%), South Korea (18%), Singapore (5%), United Arab Emirates (4%) (2001).

Science and culture of Qatar

At present, the authorities, concerned about the huge influx of foreign labor, pay much attention to education and the creation of their own national personnel. In 1995/96 there were 174 primary schools, in which 53.6 thousand students studied. The only university in Qatar was founded in 1977 in the capital city of Doha on the basis of the former teacher training college and has 7 faculties. Educational and research at the university is conducted under the patronage of the Emir of Qatar, who in 1980 issued a decree on the formation of a special Center for Scientific and applied research. In 1998, 8.5 thousand students studied at the university, of which 85% were native Qataris, the number of Qatari teachers accounted for 38% of all teaching rates. The state regularly sends young people to study in foreign universities. The total number of students in Qatar in the 1999/2000 academic year was 75 thousand people, the total number of teachers in the 1998/99 academic year was 13.1 thousand people. In the budget for 2002/03, the government provided 418 million kat. rials for education and social benefits for youth.

In the "pre-oil" period, the population was engaged in traditional crafts for the entire region: cattle breeding, pearl fishing, handicraft production, maritime trade, and, to a lesser extent, agriculture. Today, despite the competition from cheap industrial goods, the products of local jewelers, wood carvers, and manufacturers of national clothes are still popular among the people.

Among the most interesting cultural sites in Qatar are the archaeological excavations of mounds and mounds at Umm Salal Ali, which testify to the oldest period in the history of civilizations. The coastal town of Al-Khor is also of interest. The main part of the museums is concentrated in the capital of the country: the National Museum (founded in 1901) with a huge two-level aquarium, the Ethnographic Museum. The Museum of Weapons contains rare specimens of the ancient small arms, a collection of gold and silver swords and daggers, some of which date back to the 16th century. There is a famous nature reserve in the country, where a rare antelope lives in natural conditions - the oryx, the national animal of Qatar.

Among the cultural traditions of Qatar are camel racing, horse racing, hunting with the help of specially trained falcons and Arabian Saluki hounds. A small part of the richest residents of the country can afford to keep world-famous Arabian horses, which have long been bred in this region. Unique examples of this breed of horses are in the stables of the Emir. On special farms, race camels are grown, the cost of which reaches up to 250 thousand US dollars.

Despite the active intervention of the West, Sharia (Islamic law) is still mandatory for the inhabitants of the country and completely determines their culture and daily life.

Among all 252 independent states that exist in modern world, Qatar is a country that occupies a special position. This is a territory with a truly colorful history, which will be described in detail below.

General information

Qatar is a country (or emirate) in southwest Asia, located on the Qatar Peninsula (northeast of the Arabian Peninsula). From the north, east and west, the state is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf. And only in the south does hot Qatar have a land border with another state. The country of Saudi Arabia - that's what the territory extends to the south. In the northwest, there is a sea border with about. Bahrain, in the southeast - the sea border with the United Arab Emirates.

History

Qatar is a country with a long, centuries-old history. The peninsula, on which the state is actively and successfully developing today, was inhabited as early as the 2nd millennium of our era. In the 7th century already n. e. local tribes were excellent sailors, as well as artisans and farmers, that is, they were engaged in the development of absolutely any sphere of life.

During its existence, Qatar has repeatedly been under the influence of the invader states, in connection with which the traditions, culture and common path the entire state was often imprinted by the policy of one or another ruler. One period of time, Qatar was owned by the Phoenicians, and after that by the Iranians. Then the state for several centuries was part of the empire of Alexander the Great, and then - in the Arab Caliphate.

Around this period (7th century), Islam spread throughout the region. The XIII-XIV centuries become the time of the power of the emirs of Bahrain over the territory of present-day Qatar. In the XVI century. the Portuguese come here and seize dominance, who, for the right to possess these lands, waged numerous wars with the Ottoman Empire (later victorious and took control of the lands into their own hands), as well as England and Holland.

From about 1916 to 1971 (a total period of about 55 years), the country was ruled by the protectorate of Great Britain, which had to intervene earlier, because Wahhabism, a radical form of Islam, began to spread everywhere in the lands. England was in charge of the foreign relations of the territory, exercised military control over the country, and, of course, the British benefited from being in these lands - they mined sponge, pearls, and later oil.

However, since the 1930s, the internal self-consciousness of the disparate tribes of Qatar in certain areas has increasingly begun to assert itself. This was manifested in the anti-colonial sentiments of the local residents, in connection with which the country, not without difficulty, but still achieved independence by the end of the 20th century.

Climate and location

Qatar is a country with a continental tropical and dry climate. Peak summer temperatures can even reach 50 degrees Celsius! The average values ​​of summer temperatures are +23 ... +25 degrees, winter - about +16 degrees.

The whole territory of Qatar is a desert: in the north it is a sandy plain with few sources of water, which is covered with aeolian sands (moving). The middle part of the lands is a rocky desert with saline patches, and the southern part is high sandstones.

Population

The population of Qatar is about 2.17 million people (for comparison, in Russia this figure is 146.8 million inhabitants). Of these, approximately 40% are Arabs. Pakistanis, Indians, Iranians and people from other Arab states also live in the country. More than 90% of the total population lives in the capital or nearby areas.

The number of inhabitants is increasing regularly, which is associated not only with natural growth, but also with the immigration flow. Many come here to earn money: they are engaged in oil-producing areas or economic spheres.

Islam, the state religion of Qatar, is practiced by 77.5% of the total population. Along with this, Christianity and other local religions are represented here, but on a much smaller scale.

The official language of the country is Arabic, with which English is also widely spoken.

Currency

Release Money What currency does Qatar deal with? The country recognizes as the official unit the Qatari rial (QR), unfamiliar to a person from Russia, Europe or the USA. 1 Qatari riyal equals 100 dirhams (the currency of the UAE). In turn, one dirham is equal to approximately 15 Russian rubles.

Qatar is a rich country. What about the standard of living?

To the question “Qatar - what kind of country is it in general? Will a person be able to live peacefully and happily here? you can no doubt get the answer: “Yes!” Indeed, everything here is done for people. The infrastructure can be comparable to European standards and samples.

This situation in the country is explained by the fact that, especially in recent years, the economic condition of the country has been continuously improving, which is associated with the establishment of trade and industrial relations with other states, primarily we are talking, of course, about the export of oil, the reserves of which are so rich in Qatar. Education and medical care for citizens of the country are completely free. Qatar is recognized as one of the safest countries in the world, because the crime rate here is minimal. The main task for the country is now the development of a free market economy, supporting the population in matters of capital investment, obtaining personal property and providing official, highly paid positions. Tourism is a profitable industry, because people from all over the world come to see the sights of this pearl of the Persian Gulf.

Capital and attractions

The main and most populated city of Qatar is Doha, formerly called Al-Bida and acquired the status of the capital only in 1850. Today it is the historical and cultural center of the entire state of Qatar. The city of which country can still boast of such grandeur and scale?! It has an international airport, a large number of first-class five-star hotels, large shopping and entertainment centers and small shops, leisure facilities, and a well-developed transport network. There is a system of museums here. One of the most famous among them, the ethnographic museum, tells about the history of the country, its formation and the life of the population in the context of continuously changing eras.

The capital of Qatar is especially famous for the "old city", the fort, snow-white mosques, the Government House and the Corniche. The country also has unique archaeological areas, such as Umm-Salal-Ali, where, according to legend, the burial places of the ancient Atlanteans are located. Other cities attract tourists with the ruins of preserved fortifications and a colorful history in general, because this state has come a truly long way.

Here it is - the life of an unusual Qatar! A country is where it is good and pleasant to be, especially for its citizen. And in this sense, Qatar is definitely the country of all countries!

Form of government absolute monarchy Area, km 2 11 586 Population, people 1 699 435 Population growth, per year 0,96% average life expectancy 74 Population density, person/km2 147 Official language Arab Currency Qatari rial International dialing code +974 Zone on the Internet .qa Time Zones +3

short info

More recently, Qatar was a forgotten country in the Persian Gulf. However, as it turned out, there are very large deposits of oil and gas in Katera, and therefore the country has been actively developing in recent decades, including in terms of tourism. Tourists in Qatar are waiting for a desert safari, Bedouin villages, rich markets, ancient mosques with minarets, camel races, and, of course, excellent long sandy beaches on the Persian Gulf.

Geography of Qatar

Qatar is located on the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. In the south, Qatar borders on Saudi Arabia (this is its only land border). A strait in the Persian Gulf separates Qatar from the neighboring island nation of Bahrain. The total area of ​​Qatar is 11,586 square meters. km., and the total length of the state land border is only 60 km.

Most of Qatar is desert. In the south of Qatar there are high hills, and in the north - a sandy plain with oases. The most high point countries - Qurayn Abu al Bawl (103 meters).

Capital

The capital of Qatar is Doha, which is now home to more than 600 thousand people. Doha was built in 1825 (then called Al Bida).

Official language

The official language of the population of Qatar is Arabic, belonging to the Semitic group of the Afroasian language family.

Religion

More than 77% of the population of Qatar are Muslims (72% are Sunnis, 5% are Shiites). Another 8.5% are Christians.

State structure

According to the current Constitution of 2003, Qatar is an absolute monarchy headed by the Emir of the al-Thani dynasty. By the way, the al-Thani dynasty has ruled Qatar since 1825, i.e. since the formation of this state.

The power of the Emir in Qatar is absolute, and he is guided by the principles of Sharia when governing the country. It is the Emir who appoints the Prime Minister, ministers and members of the Consultative Council (35 people), which has legislative power. All laws in Qatar are approved by the Emir.

Climate and weather

Winters in Qatar are mild and summers are very hot. In January, the air temperature drops to +7C, and in August it rises to +45C. The average annual rainfall is 80 mm. Best time to visit Qatar - from October to May.

Sea in Qatar

Qatar is bordered by the Persian Gulf on all sides except the south. The total coastline is 563 km. The coast in Qatar is sandy with numerous small islands, sandbars and reefs.

History

People on the territory of modern Qatar lived, according to archaeologists, even 7.5 thousand years ago. Around 178 BC. the inhabitants of Qatar traded with the ancient Greeks and Romans (they were intermediaries in the trade of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome with India).

In the 7th century AD. Islam began to spread on the territory of modern Qatar, and the country became part of the Arab Caliphate.

At the beginning of the 16th century, Portugal had a great influence in the Persian Gulf, including Qatar. Portuguese merchants buy gold, silver, silk, pearls and horses in the Persian Gulf countries.

In 1783, Qatar fell under the rule of Bahrain, and this continued until 1868. In 1871, Qatar became part of the Ottoman Empire. In 1916, Qatar left the Ottoman Empire, but fell under the protectorate of Great Britain.

Only in 1971 did Qatar gain independence from Great Britain.

Culture of Qatar

Culture and traditions in Qatar were formed under the influence of Islam, and daily life in this country complies with Sharia standards. There are two main religious holidays in Qatar - Eid al-Fitr, which lasts three days in honor of the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha (we know it as Eid al-Adha). Eid al-Adha is celebrated 70 days after Eid al-Fitra.

Kitchen

The traditional cuisine of Qatar was formed under strong influence immigrants from Iran and India, and more recently from North Africa.

Many traditional Qatari dishes are based on seafood (especially lobster, crab, shrimp, tuna, and snapper). All meat in Kater is “halal”, i.e. complies with Islamic law.

One of the most popular traditional dishes in Qatar is machbous, which is a stew with rice or seafood. Also in Qatar, tourists are recommended to try Hummus (chickpea puree with sesame seeds), Waraq enab (grape leaves stuffed with rice), Taboulleh (chopped wheat seasoned with parsley and mint), Koussa mahshi (stuffed zucchini), "Biriani" (rice with chicken or lamb), "Ghuzi" (lamb with rice and nuts).

As for desserts in Qatar, pistachio pudding, bread pudding with nuts and raisins, and cheesecake with cream should be highlighted.

Traditional soft drinks in Qatar are coffee, fruit waters and herbal teas. Coffee residents of this country prefer Arabic, seasoned with cardamom or slightly sweetened, or thickly brewed Turkish coffee. Sometimes sweet coffee "qahwa helw" (with saffron, cardamom and sugar) is served.

Fruit waters and herbal decoctions are sold right on the streets in all cities of Qatar.

You can drink alcohol only in restaurants and hotels that have a special license.

Sights of Qatar

Although Qatar has a very ancient history There are not many attractions in this country. This is explained geographic location Qatar, which has many deserts. However, the Top 10 best attractions in Qatar, in our opinion, may include the following:

1. Umm Salal Mohammed Fort
2. Mounds of Umm Salal Ali
3. Doha Weapons Museum
4. Fort at Al Zubar
5. Ancient fortifications in Al-Zubar
6. Fort Al-Waibah
7. Palace of Abdullah bin Mohammed
8. Government Mosque in Doha
9. Al Raqiyat Fort
10. Al Rayyan Mosque

Cities and resorts

The largest cities in Qatar are Doha, Ar Rayyan, Al Wakra, Al Khor and Umm Salal.

As we have already said, Qatar is washed by the Persian Gulf from all sides, except for the south. The total coastline is 563 km. The coast in Qatar is sandy with numerous small islands, sandbars and reefs. You can swim in the sea wherever you want, the main thing is not to leave garbage behind.

The best beaches (i.e. resorts) in Qatar, in our opinion, are as follows:

Al Ghariya Beach (80 km north of Doha)
- Dukhan (80 km west of Doha)
- Fuwairit Beach (80 km north of Doha)
- Khor Al Adaid (80 km south of Doha)
- Maroona (80 km north of Doha) - also known as French Beach
- Ras Abrouq (Bir Zekreet) (70 km west of Doha)

Souvenirs/Shopping

Tourists from Qatar usually bring handicrafts, Korans, gold jewelry, daggers, Dal-la coffee pot, bronze figurines, wooden boxes, henna, Arabic lamps, hookahs, rugs, scrolls with Arabic script, rosaries.

Office Hours

The working week in Qatar runs from Sunday to Thursday. Days off are Friday and Saturday. The official working day starts at 07:00 and ends at 15:30.

Banks:
Sun-Thu: 07:30-13:00 (some banks are open in the afternoon)