Qatar
Middle EastQA September 03, 2025
Background
Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar within the last 60 years transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant hydrocarbon revenues. Former Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, who overthrew his father in a bloodless coup in 1995, ushered in wide-sweeping political and media reforms, unprecedented economic investment, and a growing Qatari regional leadership role, in part through the creation of the pan-Arab satellite news network Al-Jazeera and Qatar's mediation of some regional conflicts. In the 2000s, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, and by 2007, Doha had attained the highest per capita income in the world. Qatar did not experience domestic unrest or violence like that seen in other Near Eastern and North African countries in 2011, due in part to its immense wealth and patronage network. In mid-2013, HAMAD peacefully abdicated, transferring power to his son, the current Amir TAMIM bin Hamad. TAMIM is popular with the Qatari public for his role in shepherding the country through an economic embargo from some other regional countries, for his efforts to improve the country's healthcare and education systems, and for his expansion of the country's infrastructure in anticipation of hosting international sporting events. Qatar became the first country in the Arab world to host the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2022.
Following the outbreak of regional unrest in 2011, Doha prided itself on its support for many popular revolutions, particularly in Libya and Syria. This stance was to the detriment of Qatar’s relations with Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which temporarily recalled their respective ambassadors from Doha in 2014. TAMIM later oversaw a warming of Qatar’s relations with Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in November 2014 following Kuwaiti mediation and signing of the Riyadh Agreement. This reconciliation, however, was short-lived. In 2017, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE (the "Quartet") cut diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar in response to alleged violations of the agreement, among other complaints. They restored ties in 2021 after signing a declaration at the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia. In 2022, the United States designated Qatar as a major non-NATO ally.Geographic coordinates
25 30 N, 51 15 E
Natural hazards
haze, dust storms, sandstorms common
Area - comparative
almost twice the size of Delaware; slightly smaller than Connecticut
Environmental issues
air, land, and water pollution; limited natural freshwater resources; limited conservation of oil and wildlife
International environmental agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Climate
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Coastline
563 km
Land boundaries
Total: 87 km
Border countries (1): Saudi Arabia 87 km
Border countries (1): Saudi Arabia 87 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 6.4% (2022 est.)
Arable land: 1.8% (2022 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.3% (2022 est.)
Permanent pasture: 4.4% (2022 est.)
Forest: 0% (2022 est.)
Other: 93.6% (2022 est.)
Arable land: 1.8% (2022 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.3% (2022 est.)
Permanent pasture: 4.4% (2022 est.)
Forest: 0% (2022 est.)
Other: 93.6% (2022 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive economic zone: As determined by bilateral agreements or the median line
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive economic zone: As determined by bilateral agreements or the median line
Natural resources
petroleum, fish, natural gas
Geography - note
the peninsula occupies a strategic location in the central Persian Gulf near major petroleum deposits
Terrain
mostly flat and barren desert
Location
Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia
Map references
Middle East
Irrigated land
130 sq km (2022)
Total renewable water resources
60 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Population distribution
most of the population is clustered in or around the capital of Doha on the eastern side of the peninsula
Elevation
Highest point: Tuwayyir al Hamir 103 m
Lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
Mean elevation: 28 m
Lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
Mean elevation: 28 m
Major aquifers
Arabian Aquifer System
Area
Total : 11,586 sq km
Land: 11,586 sq km
Water: 0 sq km
Land: 11,586 sq km
Water: 0 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 13.1% (male 168,844/female 165,905)
15-64 years: 85.4% (male 1,767,294/female 411,977)
65 years and over: 1.5% (2024 est.) (male 24,997/female 13,071)
15-64 years: 85.4% (male 1,767,294/female 411,977)
65 years and over: 1.5% (2024 est.) (male 24,997/female 13,071)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 4.29 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.91 male(s)/female
Total population: 3.32 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 4.29 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.91 male(s)/female
Total population: 3.32 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Qatari(s)
Adjective: Qatari
Adjective: Qatari
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 13 years (2022 est.)
Male: 12 years (2022 est.)
Female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Male: 12 years (2022 est.)
Female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 99.4% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 1.66% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 1.66% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
798,000 Ar-Rayyan, 658,000 DOHA (capital) (2023)
Physician density
3.02 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
1.1 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 17.1 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 15.4 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 1.7 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 57.2 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 15.4 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 1.7 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 57.2 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Total: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Total: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Total: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
non-Qatari 88.4%, Qatari 11.6% (2015 est.)
Religions
Muslim 65.2%, Christian 13.7%, Hindu 15.9%, Buddhist 3.8%, folk religion <0.1%, Jewish <0.1%, other <1%, unaffiliated <1% (2020 est.)
Languages
Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language
Major-language sample(s):
كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Major-language sample(s):
كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Health expenditure
2.9% of GDP (2021)
7.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
7.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.94 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
65.8% (2023 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 0.4% (2024 est.)
Male: 0.1% (2024 est.)
Female: 1.2% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 0.1% (2024 est.)
Female: 1.2% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-0.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 34.3 years (2024 est.)
Male: 35.7 years
Female: 28.1 years
Male: 35.7 years
Female: 28.1 years
Maternal mortality ratio
4 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.9 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 2,552,088 (2024 est.)
Male: 1,961,135
Female: 590,953
Male: 1,961,135
Female: 590,953
Infant mortality rate
Total: 6.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 7 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 5.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 7 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 5.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 19.2% (2025 est.)
Male: 24.6% (2025 est.)
Female: 2.3% (2025 est.)
Male: 24.6% (2025 est.)
Female: 2.3% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
35.1% (2016)
Death rate
1.4 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
9.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 0.96 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 0.29 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 0.29 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 80.3 years (2024 est.)
Male: 78.2 years
Female: 82.4 years
Male: 78.2 years
Female: 82.4 years
Education expenditure
3.2% of GDP (2020 est.)
9.3% national budget (2020 est.)
9.3% national budget (2020 est.)
Population growth rate
0.71% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 530 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Industrial: 400 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Agricultural: 320 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Industrial: 400 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Agricultural: 320 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.001 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 6% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 6% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
59 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
127.783 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 10,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 27.781 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 99.991 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 10,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 27.781 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 99.991 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
814.308 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Stefanie ALTMAN-WINANS (since June 2025)
Embassy: 22 February Street, Al Luqta District, P.O. Box 2399, Doha
Mailing address: 6130 Doha Place, Washington DC 20521-6130
Telephone: [974] 4496-6000
FAX: [974] 4488-4298
Email address and website:
PasDoha@state.gov
https://qa.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: 22 February Street, Al Luqta District, P.O. Box 2399, Doha
Mailing address: 6130 Doha Place, Washington DC 20521-6130
Telephone: [974] 4496-6000
FAX: [974] 4488-4298
Email address and website:
PasDoha@state.gov
https://qa.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
8 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Khawr wa adh Dhakhirah, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Ash Shamal, Ash Shihaniyah, Az Za'ayin, Umm Salal
Capital
Name: Doha
Geographic coordinates: 25 17 N, 51 32 E
Time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The name is derived from the Arabic ad-dawha, meaning "the big tree," and probably referred to a large tree at the site of the original fishing village
Geographic coordinates: 25 17 N, 51 32 E
Time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The name is derived from the Arabic ad-dawha, meaning "the big tree," and probably referred to a large tree at the site of the original fishing village
Constitution
History: Previous 1972 (provisional); latest drafted 2 July 2002, approved by referendum 29 April 2003, endorsed 8 June 2004, effective 9 June 2005
Amendment process: Proposed by the Amir or by one third of Advisory Council members; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Advisory Council members and approval and promulgation by the emir; articles pertaining to the rule of state and its inheritance, functions of the emir, and citizen rights and liberties cannot be amended
Amendment process: Proposed by the Amir or by one third of Advisory Council members; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Advisory Council members and approval and promulgation by the emir; articles pertaining to the rule of state and its inheritance, functions of the emir, and citizen rights and liberties cannot be amended
Executive branch
Chief of state: Amir TAMIM bin Hamad Al Thani (since 25 June 2013)
Head of government: Prime Minister and Foreign Minister MUHAMMAD bin Abd al-Rahman Al Thani (since 7 March 2023)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the amir
Election/appointment process: The monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the amir
Head of government: Prime Minister and Foreign Minister MUHAMMAD bin Abd al-Rahman Al Thani (since 7 March 2023)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the amir
Election/appointment process: The monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the amir
Flag
Description: Maroon with a broad, serrated white band on the left side
Meaning: Maroon stands for the blood shed in Qatari wars, and white for peace; the nine-pointed serrated edge is a reference to Qatar's status as the ninth member of the "reconciled emirates" after the Qatari-British treaty of 1916 -- the other eight members are Bahrain and the seven that make up the UAE
Meaning: Maroon stands for the blood shed in Qatari wars, and white for peace; the nine-pointed serrated edge is a reference to Qatar's status as the ninth member of the "reconciled emirates" after the Qatari-British treaty of 1916 -- the other eight members are Bahrain and the seven that make up the UAE
Independence
3 September 1971 (from the UK)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court or Court of Cassation (consists of the court president and several judges); Supreme Constitutional Court (consists of the chief justice and 6 members)
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Supreme Judiciary Council, a 9-member independent body consisting of judiciary heads appointed by the amir; judges appointed for 3-year renewable terms; Supreme Constitutional Court members nominated by the Supreme Judiciary Council and appointed by the monarch; term of appointment NA
Subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Administrative Court; Courts of First Instance; sharia courts; Courts of Justice; Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Center, established in 2009, provides dispute resolution services for institutions and bodies in Qatar, as well as internationally
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Supreme Judiciary Council, a 9-member independent body consisting of judiciary heads appointed by the amir; judges appointed for 3-year renewable terms; Supreme Constitutional Court members nominated by the Supreme Judiciary Council and appointed by the monarch; term of appointment NA
Subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Administrative Court; Courts of First Instance; sharia courts; Courts of Justice; Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Center, established in 2009, provides dispute resolution services for institutions and bodies in Qatar, as well as internationally
Legal system
mixed system of civil law and Islamic (sharia) law (in family and personal matters)
Legislative branch
Legislature name: Shura Council (Majlis Al-Shura)
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 45 (30 directly elected; 15 appointed)
Electoral system: Plurality/majority
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 10/2/2021
Percentage of women in chamber: 4.4%
Expected date of next election: September 2025
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 45 (30 directly elected; 15 appointed)
Electoral system: Plurality/majority
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 10/2/2021
Percentage of women in chamber: 4.4%
Expected date of next election: September 2025
International organization participation
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CD, CICA (observer), EITI (implementing country), FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
National Day, 18 December (1878), anniversary of Al Thani family accession to the throne; Independence Day, 3 September (1971)
Political parties
political parties are banned
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
absolute monarchy
Country name
Conventional long form: State of Qatar
Conventional short form: Qatar
Local long form: Dawlat Qatar
Local short form: Qatar
Etymology: The name may derive from the Arabic word katran, meaning "tar" or "resin" in reference to the area's oil and natural gas reserves
Note: Closest approximation of the native pronunciation is GAT-tar or COT-tar
Conventional short form: Qatar
Local long form: Dawlat Qatar
Local short form: Qatar
Etymology: The name may derive from the Arabic word katran, meaning "tar" or "resin" in reference to the area's oil and natural gas reserves
Note: Closest approximation of the native pronunciation is GAT-tar or COT-tar
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Meshal bin Hamad AL THANI (since 24 April 2017)
Chancery: 2555 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
Telephone: [1] (202) 274-1600
FAX: [1] (202) 237-0682
Email address and website:
Info.dc@mofa.gov.qa
https://washington.embassy.qa/en/home
Consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, New York
Chancery: 2555 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
Telephone: [1] (202) 274-1600
FAX: [1] (202) 237-0682
Email address and website:
Info.dc@mofa.gov.qa
https://washington.embassy.qa/en/home
Consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, New York
National anthem(s)
Title: "Al-Salam Al-Amiri" (Peace be to the Emir)
Lyrics/music: Sheikh MUBARAK bin Saif al-Thani/Abdul Aziz Nasser OBAIDAN
History: Adopted 1996
Lyrics/music: Sheikh MUBARAK bin Saif al-Thani/Abdul Aziz Nasser OBAIDAN
History: Adopted 1996
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
National symbol(s)
a white serrated band with nine white points on top of a maroon field
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: No
Citizenship by descent only: The father must be a citizen of Qatar
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 20 years; 15 years if an Arab national
Citizenship by descent only: The father must be a citizen of Qatar
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 20 years; 15 years if an Arab national
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Al Zubarah Archaeological Site
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Al Zubarah Archaeological Site
National color(s)
maroon, white
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 2.6% (2017 est.)
Highest 10%: 25.8% (2017 est.)
Note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 25.8% (2017 est.)
Note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
natural gas, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, plastics, fertilizers (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
China 18%, India 11%, S. Korea 10%, Japan 7%, Pakistan 6% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
dates, chicken, tomatoes, camel milk, vegetables, cucumbers/gherkins, pumpkins/squash, eggs, sheep milk, eggplants (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $65.922 billion (2019 est.)
Expenditures: $57.258 billion (2019 est.)
Expenditures: $57.258 billion (2019 est.)
Imports - commodities
gas turbines, cars, aircraft, iron pipes, ships (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Qatari rials (QAR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
3.64 (2024 est.)
3.64 (2023 est.)
3.64 (2022 est.)
3.64 (2021 est.)
3.64 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
3.64 (2024 est.)
3.64 (2023 est.)
3.64 (2022 est.)
3.64 (2021 est.)
3.64 (2020 est.)
Industries
liquefied natural gas, crude oil production and refining, ammonia, fertilizer, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement, commercial ship repair
Economic overview
High-income, oil-and-gas-based Middle Eastern economy; implementing “National Vision 2030” government strategy for economic development, diversification, and favorable business conditions to boost investment and employment; expansion of LNG sector expected to boost growth; Islamic finance leader
GDP (official exchange rate)
$217.983 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 19.5% (2022 est.)
Government consumption: 12.9% (2022 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 30.6% (2022 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0% (2022 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 68.6% (2022 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -31.6% (2022 est.)
Note: Figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 12.9% (2022 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 30.6% (2022 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0% (2022 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 68.6% (2022 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -31.6% (2022 est.)
Note: Figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
USA 12%, China 12%, UAE 9%, UK 7%, India 5% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Average household expenditures
On food: 14.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 0.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 0.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
2.123 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$53.987 billion (2024 est.)
$51.539 billion (2023 est.)
$47.389 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$51.539 billion (2023 est.)
$47.389 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Unemployment rate
0.2% (2024 est.)
0.2% (2023 est.)
0.2% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
0.2% (2023 est.)
0.2% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$317.064 billion (2024 est.)
$308.522 billion (2023 est.)
$304.903 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$308.522 billion (2023 est.)
$304.903 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
1.3% (2024 est.)
3% (2023 est.)
5% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
3% (2023 est.)
5% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
$38.117 billion (2024 est.)
$36.453 billion (2023 est.)
$63.118 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
$36.453 billion (2023 est.)
$63.118 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$110,900 (2024 est.)
$116,200 (2023 est.)
$114,700 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$116,200 (2023 est.)
$114,700 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$69.692 billion (2024 est.)
$72.174 billion (2023 est.)
$74.52 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$72.174 billion (2023 est.)
$74.52 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$125.216 billion (2024 est.)
$128.709 billion (2023 est.)
$161.693 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$128.709 billion (2023 est.)
$161.693 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
2.8% (2024 est.)
1.2% (2023 est.)
4.2% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
1.2% (2023 est.)
4.2% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
1.6% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 0.3% (2024 est.)
Industry: 58.5% (2024 est.)
Services: 45.9% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 58.5% (2024 est.)
Services: 45.9% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Coal
Exports: 300 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 4,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 4,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 99.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
Production: 171.805 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Consumption: 48.034 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Exports: 124.747 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 23.861 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Consumption: 48.034 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Exports: 124.747 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 23.861 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Petroleum
Total petroleum production: 1.818 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 268,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 25.244 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 268,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 25.244 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 11.4 million kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 51.965 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 3.177 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 51.965 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 3.177 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 100% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.qa
Broadcast media
state-controlled TV and radio licensing and access to local media markets; home of satellite TV channel Al-Jazeera, which was originally state-owned but is now independent; local radio includes state, private, and international broadcasters on FM frequencies; satellite TV available (2019)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 4.7 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 174 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 174 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 347,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 526,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2023 est.)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
A7
Airports
8 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 123 (2023)
By type: Bulk carrier 5, container ship 4, general cargo 4, oil tanker 2, other 108
By type: Bulk carrier 5, container ship 4, general cargo 4, oil tanker 2, other 108
Heliports
12 (2025)
Military service age and obligation
conscription for men aged 18-35 introduced in 2013; compulsory service times range from 4-12 months, depending on educational and professional circumstances; since 2018, women have been permitted to serve as volunteers in the armed forces, including as uniformed officers and pilots (2023)
Note: The military incorporates about 2,000 conscripts annually and recruits foreign contract soldiers to overcome manpower limitations
Note: The military incorporates about 2,000 conscripts annually and recruits foreign contract soldiers to overcome manpower limitations
Military and security forces
Qatar Armed Forces (QAF): Qatari Amiri Land Force (QALF, includes Emiri Guard), Qatari Amiri Navy (QAN, includes Coast Guard), Qatari Amiri Air Force (QAAF)
Ministry of Interior: General Directorate of Public Security, General Directorate of Coasts and Border Security, Internal Security Force (ISF or Lekhwiya) (2025)
Ministry of Interior: General Directorate of Public Security, General Directorate of Coasts and Border Security, Internal Security Force (ISF or Lekhwiya) (2025)
Military expenditures
5% of GDP (2023 est.)
5% of GDP (2022 est.)
4% of GDP (2021 est.)
4% of GDP (2020 est.)
3.4% of GDP (2019 est.)
5% of GDP (2022 est.)
4% of GDP (2021 est.)
4% of GDP (2020 est.)
3.4% of GDP (2019 est.)
Military - note
Qatar's military is responsible for territorial defense and maritime security; the military is in the midst of a large equipment acquisition program designed to enhance its capabilities and Qatar's regional standing; Qatar has military ties with a variety of countries, including France, the UK, the US, Turkey, and member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); it hosts the regional headquarters for the US Central Command (CENTCOM; established 1983) and several thousand US military forces at various military facilities, including the Al Udeid Air Base; Qatar has Major Non-NATO Ally status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; Qatar also hosts Turkish military forces at two bases established in 2014 and 2019; the Qatari military is part of the Peninsula Shield Forces, a joint military force established by the GCC countries with the aim of maintaining security and stability in the region (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 15,000 active-duty Qatar Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Qatari military's inventory includes a broad mix of older and modern weapons systems, mostly from the US and Europe; in the 2010s, Qatar embarked on a military expansion and modernization program with large air, ground, and naval equipment purchases; in recent years, major suppliers have included France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the US; Qatar is one of the world's largest arms importers (2024)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 349 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 1,200 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 1,200 (2024 est.)
Ports
Total ports: 6 (2024)
Large: 0
Medium: 1
Small: 2
Very small: 3
Ports with oil terminals: 5
Key ports: Al Rayyan Terminal, Al Shaheen Terminal, Doha, Jazirat Halul, Ras Laffan, Umm Said
Large: 0
Medium: 1
Small: 2
Very small: 3
Ports with oil terminals: 5
Key ports: Al Rayyan Terminal, Al Shaheen Terminal, Doha, Jazirat Halul, Ras Laffan, Umm Said
Methane emissions
Energy: 1,040.8 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Agriculture: 9.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 64.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 5.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Agriculture: 9.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 64.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 5.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
35.1 (2017 est.)
Note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality