Population: 863,051 (July 2005 est.)

Capital: Doha

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

Religions: Muslim 95%

Government: traditional monarchy

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

Terrain: mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel

Geography: strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major petroleum deposits

Ethnic groups: Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

Economy: Oil and gas account for more than 60% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings, and 70% of government revenues. Oil and gas have given Qatar a per capita GDP about 80% of that of the leading West European industrial countries. Proved oil reserves of 16 billion barrels should ensure continued output at current levels for 23 years. Qatar's proved reserves of natural gas exceed 14 trillion cubic meters, more than 5% of the world total and third largest in the world. Qatar has permitted substantial foreign investment in the development of its gas fields during the last decade and is expected to become the world's top liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter by 2007. In recent years, Qatar has consistently posted trade surpluses largely because of high oil prices and increased natural gas exports, becoming one of the world's fastest growing and highest per-capita income countries.

GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $26,000 (2005 est.)

GDP real growth: 8.8% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate: 2.7% (2001)

Internet country code: .qa

Dial code: +974