Qatar

Local name: Dawlat al-Qatar - State of Qatar
Surface : 11,437 sq km (4416 sq miles)..... 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.
Population579,200 (2000) inhabitants
Electricity: 220-240 volts AC, 50Hz.
Climate: Summer (June to September) is very hot with low rainfall. Winter is cooler with occasional rainfall. Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant.
PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least six months required by all. - VISAS: Required by all except the following: nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates; transit passengers whose tickets show they intend to continue their journey from the airport within eight hours - Restricted entry: The Government refuses entry and transit to holders of passports issued by Israel.
Capital : Doha. Population: 392,384 - Other Cities--Umm Said, Al-Khor, Dukhan, Ruwais.
System :  Traditional Monarchy... Emirate since 1971.  Gained independence from the UK in 1971 - The Al-Thani family rules Qatar as an absolute monarchy without an independent legislature or political parties. Executive power is partially devolved to a Council of Ministers appointed by the Emir who is both head of state and prime minister. An advisory council with 30 appointees was created in 1972.
Languages : The official language is Arabic which is spoken by the majority of the population. English is also widely understood
Religions :  Most Qataris are muslim and Islam is the national religion.
Money : Qatari Riyal (QR) = 100 dirhams. Notes are in denominations of QR500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1
Phone code   + 974
Greenwich Time + 3

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