Interesting facts about Qatar Is a great opportunity to learn more about the Middle East. Today Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world. The state owes its well-being to natural resources, including oil and natural gas.
So, here are the most interesting facts about Qatar.
- Qatar gained independence from Great Britain in 1971.
- Qatar is in the TOP 3 countries in terms of natural gas reserves, and is also a major oil exporter in the world.
- During its existence, Qatar was under the control of states such as Bahrain, Great Britain, the Ottoman Empire and Portugal.
- In the summer season, the temperature in Qatar can reach +50 ⁰С.
- The national currency in the country is the Qatari rial.
- Qatar does not have a single permanent river, with the exception of temporary streams that fill up after heavy rains.
- An interesting fact is that almost the entire area of Qatar is occupied by desert. There is a shortage of fresh water bodies, as a result of which the Qataris have to desalinate sea water.
- An absolute monarchy operates in the country, where all power is concentrated in the hands of the emir. It is worth noting that the powers of the emir are limited by Sharia law.
- In Qatar, any political forces, trade unions or rallies are prohibited.
- 99% of Qatari citizens are urban residents. Moreover, 9 out of 10 Qataris live in the capital of the state - Doha.
- The official language of Qatar is Arabic, while only 40% of its citizens are Arabs. The country is also home to many people from India (18%) and Pakistan (18%).
- In ancient times, people living in the territory of modern Qatar were engaged in pearl mining.
- Did you know that no foreigner can obtain Qatari citizenship?
- All food in Qatar is imported from other countries.
- In addition to Arabic, Qatari youth also speak English.
- In 2012, Forbes magazine published a rating, where Qatar occupied the leading position in the indicator of "average per capita income" - $ 88,222!
- Alcoholic drinks are prohibited in Qatar.
- Pure drinking water in the country is more expensive than Coca-Cola.
