Country Profile: Qatar

Qatar, an absolute monarchy located on a peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf, has transitioned from a modest British protectorate to a wealthy independent state, heavily reliant on its vast hydrocarbon reserves. With a population exceeding 2.5 million, of which the majority are expatriates, Qatar has crafted a high-income economy bolstered by oil and natural gas. Governed by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, the nation is known for its political stability and regional leadership, particularly within the context of recent geopolitical tensions. The capital, Doha, serves as the cultural and administrative heart of the country.

Geography

Qatar is situated in the Middle East, bordered by the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia. It covers an area of 11,586 sq km and features a flat and barren desert terrain with a coastline measuring 563 km. Its climate is arid, characterized by mild winters and extremely hot summers.

87 km: Length of Qatar's land border with Saudi Arabia.
130 sq km: Irrigated land as of 2022.
0 sq km: Total water area, indicating limited freshwater resources.

People and Society

As of 2025, Qatar's population is estimated at 2,568,426, with a high proportion of non-Qatari residents, making up 88.4% of the population. The official language is Arabic, while English is widely spoken. The predominant religion is Islam, followed by significant Hindu and Christian minorities.

99.4%: Urban population rate as of 2023.
34.4 years: Median age of the population as of 2025.
80.3 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
1.9 children: Total fertility rate as of 2025.

Economy

Qatar boasts a high-income economy largely driven by its oil and gas sector, with ongoing efforts towards diversification under the "National Vision 2030." The economy is experiencing growth primarily through the expansion of its LNG sector.

$317.064 billion: Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.).
0.2%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
68.6%: Export contribution to GDP (2022).
$125.216 billion: Projected exports (2024 est.).

Government

Qatar is classified as an absolute monarchy, ruled by the Al Thani family. The current Amir, TAMIM bin Hamad Al Thani, has been in power since 2013. The country has a mixed legal system combining civil law and Islamic law and does not permit political parties.

49: Seats in the unicameral Shura Council, all appointed.
18 years: Minimum voting age.
3 September 1971: Date of independence from the UK.

Military and Security

The Qatar Armed Forces comprise land, naval, and air components, supported by significant modernization efforts and foreign military ties. Military service is compulsory for men, aged 18-35, with a term lasting 4-12 months.

5%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2023 est.).
15,000: Active-duty personnel (2025).
2,000: Annual military conscripts.

Energy

Qatar is a leading global energy producer, known for its natural gas reserves and significant oil production. The country has achieved 100% electrification and has a strong focus on expanding its energy sector.

1.818 million bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023 est.).
171.805 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production (2023 est.).
99.7%: Share of installed electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023 est.).

Environment

Qatar faces several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution and limited freshwater resources. It is a signatory to multiple international environmental agreements, yet faces challenges in conservation efforts.

99.9%: Access to improved sanitation facilities (2022 est.).
127.783 million metric tonnes: Total CO2 emissions (2023 est.).
6%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.).

Transportation

Qatar maintains a developed transportation infrastructure, with various transportation modalities facilitating internal and external connectivity.

8: Number of airports (2025).
123: Merchant marine ships (2023).
6: Total ports (2024).

Communications

Qatar boasts high connectivity, with a fully urbanized population and comprehensive telecommunication services.

100%: Internet penetration rate (2023 est.).
4.68 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.).
526,000: Total fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,568,426	2025 estimate
Area	11,586 sq km
GDP	$317.064 billion	Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	0.2%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	9.19 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Life Expectancy	80.3 years	2024 estimate
Urban Population	99.4%	2023
Total Fertility Rate	1.9 children born/woman	2025 estimate
Military Expenditure	5% of GDP	2023 estimate
Electric Access	100%	2022 estimate