#Qatar or #kÉ‘tÉ‘r officially the State of Qatar, is a small but rich and influential nation occupying the entire Qatar #Peninsula on the northeastern coast of #ArabianPeninsula. A monarchy Qatar surrounded by #PersianGulf on 3 sides shares its sole land border in the south with #SaudiArabia. The capital is #Doha, home to over 80% of the nation’s population. Part of #GulfCooperationCouncil or #GCC Qatar has the fourth-highest GDP (PPP) per capita, and the sixth-highest GNI per capita in the world. Qatars’ high-income economy, is thanks to the world’s third-largest #naturalgas and #crudeoil reserve.
Qatar is the world’s largest exporter of #liquefiednaturalgas or #LNG. Qatar is ruled by the House of Thani since Mohammed bin Thani signed a peace treaty with the British in 1868 that recognized its separate status. Following #Ottoman rule, Qatar became a British protectorate until its independence in 1971. Despite its small size Qatar has emerged as a significant power in the #Arab world wielding influence across the world, reportedly supporting several rebel groups financially during the #ArabSpring. For its size, Qatar has gained prominence through its globally renowned media group, #AlJazeera.
The growing status of the country can be gauged from the fact that #FootballWorldCup2022 and #AsianGames2030 will be held in the country. Huge stadiums have been built to hold huge numbers of fans with racing. There are many adventure sports organizers in Qatar. Doha being home to 80% of the population all tourism activities are centered around Doha. Human habitation of Qatar dates back to 50,000 years with settlements dating back to #StoneAge. #Mesopotamian artifacts have also been found. Besides Ottoman and Persian rule, the country has also been ruled by Saudi and Bahraini emirates.
Since its independence in 1971 from #Britain, Qatar has grown in leaps and bounds economically and politically. Compared to other gulf states Qatar has experienced a moderate degree of liberalization, including women’s rights and voting somethings that are rare in a monarchy ruled gulf states through labor laws are still a sticking point with a huge migrant worker population mostly from #India, #Bangladesh, #SriLanka, #Nepal and #Pakistan who form the majority of the population. Though since the turn of the century it has seen an influx of huge expatriate population from #European countries. Many global MNCs have opened offices in the country especially in Doha, resulting in an influx of skilled professionals from across the world.
Doha is home to numerous #skyscrappers making the city a spectacle to watch at night. #Alcohol sale and consumption is not banned in Qatar and is available for sale to people over 21 yrs in restaurants, hotels, and clubs. The presence of the large Al Udeid Air Base, operated by the #USA and several other #UN nations, provides a guaranteed source of defense and national security. Qatar due to its stature is a major political and strategic player in the region. It has participated in many peace talks and war efforts that led to #boycott for a few years by GCC but Qatar has come out stronger to become even more economically self-reliant. Its investment fund is one of the biggest investors in the world.
A far cry from before the discovery of #crudeoil in the 1940s, when #economy of the Qatari region focused on #fishing and #pearl hunting; so much so that in 2012, Qatar retained its title of the richest country in the world for the third time in a row. One of the most developed countries despite being categorized as a developing nation Qatar has set up huge industrial complexes across the tiny stretch of land it controls. Well connected by air land and sea with almost major cities in the world, Qatar is home to one of the busiest # airports and # a seaport.
The country is a major education and healthcare hub. It has developed into a major art, music, and cultural hub and Qatar is the world’s biggest buyer in the art market by value. As the #sports hub Qatar will host the #FootballWorldCup2022 in winter, the only ever #FootballWorldCup to be held in #winter due to its desert conditions and extreme heat. Despite being a small country filled with sand Qatar has a noticeable #wildlife population like Arabian oryx and Ostrich. The waters around the country are home to a wide variety of #sealife.
Due to its pristine waters, Qatar is a major #tourism hub with # tourists thronging its #beaches in large numbers. Qatar is also home to several archaeological sites and forts that are worth visiting. The country has numerous #resorts and #hotels that provide budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodation. There are several restaurants that offer delicious #Arabic and #Indian #cuisine mostly in and around #Doha.
There are a few large-sized #shoppingmalls that offer a variety of branded products and various price ranges. All these facilities make Qatar a must-visit destination for adventure seekers with #scubasdiving, #skydiving, #dunebashing #surfing, #kayaking, #hotair #ballooning, #camelsafari, #quadbiking, #kitesurfing, #rockcliumbing, #jetskiing being the most sought-after activities. There are also options for #desertsafari and #camel racing. There are many adventure sports organizers in Qatar. Doha is home to 80% of the population all tourism activities are centered around Doha. Some of the best #parks are in Doha that has been maintained green despite water scarcity.
