Qatars

Qatars is a term occasionally used to refer collectively to the state of Qatar and its people. Standard usage, however, distinguishes the country as Qatar and its citizens as Qatari. In most reference works, Qatars is not a formal demonym and is encountered only in limited or contextual uses.

Geographically, Qatar is a small peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, projecting into the Persian Gulf. It covers about 11,600 square kilometers. The capital and largest city is Doha. The population is composed largely of expatriates, with citizens forming a minority.

Government: Qatar is an emirate ruled by a hereditary emir. A constitution adopted in 2003 provides for a consultative assembly, but executive power remains concentrated in the emir and his government. The country maintains formal diplomatic relations with many states and pursues an active foreign policy.

Economy: Qatar has one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world, driven by substantial natural gas and oil resources. Liquefied natural gas exports, petrochemicals, and financial services are major sectors. The state uses the Qatar Investment Authority to manage wealth and fund diversification under a long-term development plan.

Culture and society: Arabic is the official language; English is widely used in business and education. Islam is the predominant religion. Qatar emphasizes education and sport, and hosts international events, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup.