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The ruling Al Thani family continued to hold power following the declaration of independence in 1971. The head of state is the Emir, and the right to rule Qatar is passed on within the Al Thani family. Politically, Qatar is evolving from a traditional society and government departments have been established to meet the requirements of social and economic...
Oil formed the cornerstone of Qatar's economy well into the 1990s and still accounts for more than 70% of total government revenue. In 1973, oil production and revenues increased sizably, moving Qatar out of the ranks of the world's poorest countries and providing it with one of the highest per capita incomes. Despite a marked decline in levels of oil...
The concepts of family and of honour are very important in Arab culture and society. To offend a member of a tribe is to offend the tribe as a whole. This has often led to inter-tribal wars in the past, but is not the case today, although the family will usually band together on principle over issues of conflict. Unlike in Western society, it is deemed...
Qatar has been inhabited for millennia. In the 19th century, the Bahraini Al Khalifa family dominated until 1868 when, at the request of Qatari nobles, the British negotiated the termination of the Bahraini claim, except for the payment of tribute. The tribute ended with the occupation of Qatar by the Ottoman Turks in 1872. When the Turks left, at the...
Location: Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia Map references: Middle East Area: total area: 11,437 sq km (4,427 sq.mi.) comparative area: slightly smaller than Connecticut Land boundaries: total 60 km, Saudi Arabia 60 km Coastline: 563 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial...
Natives of the Arabian Peninsula, most Qataris are descended from a number of migratory tribes that came to Qatar in the 18th century to escape the harsh conditions of the neighboring areas of Nejd and Al-Hasa. Some are descended from Omani tribes. Qatar has 744,000 people, the majority of whom live in Doha, the capital. Foreign workers with temporary...
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