About Qatar

Location:
The State of Qatar is located in the middle of the western coast of the Arabian Gulf, east of the Arabian Peninsula, between latitudes (27-24 and 10-26 north) and longitudes (45-50 and 40-51 east of Greenwich), and it is a peninsula that extends towards Shamlab in the Gulf waters. On an area of 11,521 square kilometers, it is followed by a number of islands, the most important of which are the islands of Halul, Shira`awa, Al-Ashhat, and others.

Landforms:
The lands consist of a flat rocky surface in general with some plateaus and limestone hills scattered in the (Dukhan) area to the west, which are 40 meters above sea level. Qatar’s surface is also characterized by many geographical phenomena. Including the abundance of lagoons and bays spread on the shores of the different countries, in addition to the basins and depressions that are mostly present in the north and central regions. The northern and central lands in the country are among the most fertile sites where natural plants abound.

Climate:
Qatar is dominated by a desert climate. Its summers are hot, with annual averages ranging between (30 – 50) degrees Celsius during the summer months, and its winters are warm between (8 – 22).

Population:
The population of Qatar is about 2.9 million people, with an expected annual increase of 10%. 90% of the population lives in the capital, Doha, and its suburbs, and in industrial areas.

Language:
Arabic is the official language of the country and English is widely spoken.

Religion:
Islam is the official religion of the State of Qatar, and Islamic Sharia is a main source of legislation in the country.

Flag of the State of Qatar:
The national flag of the State of Qatar has a bright red color (Support) pierced by a white color, and it has nine heads that penetrate the burgundy part.

The most important cities:
Doha, Al Wakra, Al Khor, Dukhan, Al Shamal, Mesaieed, Ras Laffan and others.

Currency:
Qatari Riyal, 1 Qatari Riyal = 100 dirhams. One US dollar = QR 3.65 (fixed rate).

National occasions:
National Day: On the 18th of December.
– The third of September: The State of Qatar attained its national independence on the third of September 1971.
On June 27, 1995, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani took over the reins of government in the country.
– The Blessed Eid Al-Fitr: On the first day of the month of Shawwal (the first day of Shawwal) of the Hijri year, and its duration is four days.
– Eid Al-Adha: On the tenth of the month of Dhu Al-Hijjah of the Hijri year, and its duration is five days.

Local time:
Adding three hours to Greenwich Mean Time.