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Area: 11,437 sq km

Population: 863,051 (July 2005 est.)

Capital: Doha

Government: Traditional monarchy

Ethnic groups: Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

Main languages: Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language, Urdu

Religion: Muslim 95%

Time: GMT +3

Qatar is an Arab state located on a peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Bahrain, with Saudi Arabia to the south. It consists almost entirely of flat desert landscape, with towering sand dunes and some rocky outcrops. However, the capital and main towns have had many palm trees and flowers planted, giving them a more lush appearance.

Oil is Qatar's main natural resource, and that which has driven the rapid development of the economy since the 1970s. The country also has significant natural gas resources. These energy resources have given Qatari nationals one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, and funded many major government initiatives such as real estate projects, a science park and the television channel Al Jazeera, which broadcasts worldwide. Most of the basic industries and services are state-owned, with the exception of construction and retail.