Middle
East. Area 11,437 sq km (4416 sq
miles). Population 618,000 (official
estimate 2002). Population
Density 54.0 per sq
km. Capital Doha. Population: 264,009
(1997).
Flag
Government Emirate
since 1971. Gained independence from the UK in 1971.
Qatar is an oil-rich peninsula jutting out into the
Gulf between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. There
are hills in the northwest, but the rest of the country
consists of sand dunes and salt flats, with scattered
vegetation towards the
north. Language Arabic is the official
language. Some English is
spoken. Religion Islam. Time GMT
+ 3. Social Conventions The visitor should
be fully aware of Muslim religious laws and customs.
Women should always dress modestly. It is also worth
noting that, while it is acceptable to cross legs,
showing the sole of the foot or unknowingly pointing it
at a person is considered an insult. At business and
social functions, the traditional Qatari coffee, in tiny
handleless cups, will invariably be served. This is a
ritual of welcome with strict rules: guests are served
in order of seniority – a few drops at first, then,
after three or four others have been served, the server
returns to fill the first cup; always hold the cup in
the right hand; two cups are polite, but never take only
one or more than three. For more information, see the
World of Islam
appendix. Electricity 220-240 volts AC,
50Hz. Head of Government Prime Minister
Sheikh Abdallah bin Khalifa al-Thani since
1996. Head of State Crown Prince Sheikh
Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani since 1995.
