Country's Full Name: State of Qatar; Dawlat Qatar

Brief History:
Signs of early civilization dates back to 4000 BC. Finding its strategic position many navigators settled here for fishing and pearl trading. The population got converted to Islam in 7th century AD and they also propagated it to other areas. First European influence was found in early 16th century by the arrival of Portuguese in the region. However, Ottomans managed to drive out them ruling for almost four centuries. Qatar was British protectorate and became independent from them on 3 September 1971. The al-Thany family which is a branch of the Arab tribe “Beni Tameem” rules over this peninsular nation since mid 18th century.

What is the country known for:
It is the world’s least taxed country.
Besides oil and natural gas country is also known for pearls.

Main Industries:
Crude oil production and refining, ammonia, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement, commercial ship repair

Main Trading Partners:
Exports: $55.06 billion (2008 est.)
Exports - commodities: liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers, steel
Exports - partners: Japan 40.8%, South Korea 16.3%, Singapore 11.8%, Thailand 4.6%, India 4.4% (2008)

Imports: $21.16 billion (2008 est.)
Imports - commodities: machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals
Imports - partners: US 12.3%, Germany 9.2%, Italy 9.1%, Japan 8.1%, France 6.3%, UAE 5.6%, South Korea 5.5%, UK 5%, Saudi Arabia 4.7%, Turkey 4.3% (2008)

Major Cities:
Doha (capital), Al Wakrah, Al Khawr, Umm Said, Al Khuwayr

Location:
Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia
Geographic coordinates: 25 30 N, 51 15 E

Size:
Total: 11,586 sq km (land: 11,586 sq km, water: 0 sq km)
Country comparison to the world: 172
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Connecticut

Time Zone: Standard time zone: UTC/GMT 3 hours
No daylight saving time

Type of Government:
Headed by Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar is constitutional monarchy. The Al Thany family along with a council of ministers rules the country - Prime Minister Hamad bin Jasim bin Jabir al-Thani (since 3 April 2007); Deputy Prime Minister Abdallah bin Hamad al-atiyah (since 3 April 2007).
The advisory council and municipal council are appointed to manage day to day activity.

National Holidays:

2010
3 Sep Independence Day.
10 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) (4 days).
17 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
18 Dec National Day.

2011
31 Aug Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) (4 days).
3 Sep Independence Day.
6 Nov - 7 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
18 Dec National Day.

Population:
833,285 (July 2009 - growth rate: 0.9%); birth rate: 15.6/1000; infant mortality rate: 12.6/1000; life expectancy: 75.3; density per sq mi: 214
Capital (2003 est.): Doha, 550,700 (metro. area), 318,500 (city proper)

Religion:
Muslim 77.5%, Christian 8.5%, other 14% (2004 census)

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

Local Customs:
Qatar is conservative society bounded with Islamic traditions.
Mark of respect should be observed for the local customs especially during the holy of Ramadan.
It has severe punishment to bring any kind of drug in the country.
Drunken behavior in public may lead to arrest.
Women should dress up properly covering arms and legs following the tradition.
No public affection or sexual behavior is tolerated.

Best Time to go:
Summer can be very hot, and the other times of the year often bring strong sandstorms, so the best times to visit are typically November, February and March.


Currency:
1 US Dollar = 3.64346 Qatari Rial
1 Qatari Rial (QAR) = 0.27446 US Dollar (USD)

1 British Pound = 5.93800 Qatari Rial
1 Qatari Rial (QAR) = 0.16841 British Pound (GBP)

1 Euro = 5.37582 Qatari Rial
1 Qatari Rial (QAR) = 0.18602 Euro (EUR)

Customs Regulations:
Following items are free
- 400 cigarettes;
- Personal items and gifts up to a maximum value of QAR 3,000
Alcoholic beverages are not to be imported under any condition.

Tipping:
Tipping is not customary but you may tip to shop attendant (2-3 QAR), car washer (2-5 QAR), petrol pump attendant (5-10% of filling), tea boy (2 to 5 QAR), waiters at restaurants and hotels (5-10% if service charge is not included in the bill).