Country Profile: Qatar
Politics
Ruling monarch Sheikh Hamad - who became emir when he ousted his father - advocates greater political openness . Elections in 1999 for a 29-member municipal council were the first in which Qatari women were allowed to vote and stand for office.
Economy
Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the region because of oil; the government has encouraged diversification. The population is small. Foreigners - including labourers attracted by a construction boom - outnumber natives. Oil money funds an all-embracing welfare state, with many services being free or heavily subsidised. Possessing more than 15% of the world's proven gas reserves, Qatar has ambitions to become a global energy giant.
International
Qatar owns the forthright satellite TV station al-Jazeera which has attracted a growing audience as well the displeasure of some neighbouring states. Press freedom has been extended and the Qatari satellite TV station Al Jazeera has become one of the most important broadcasters in the Arab world.
Statistics
Population: 628,000 (UN, 2005)
Capital: Doha
Major language: Arabic
Major religion: Islam
Life expectancy: 71 years (men), 76 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Riyal = 100 dirhams
Main exports: Oil, gas
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