Country exposure · QA

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Qatar

Middle East · Doha · absolute monarchy

What Qatar means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

Map showing the location of Qatar

$2.1B

U.S. imports, 2025

+12.4%

change in one year

$4.4B

U.S. exports, 2025

3M

Population

$218.0B

GDP

In your house

What you buy that Qatar makes

America bought $2.1B in goods from Qatar in 2025. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.

Petroleum products, other

gasoline and petroleum products

$767M37.2%

U.s. goods returned, and reimports

$464M22.5%

Chemicals-fertilizers

$455M22.1%

Fuel oil

fuel oil

$110M5.3%

Bauxite and aluminum

aluminum for cans and autos

$105M5.1%

Other precious metals

$61M2.9%

Gas-natural

$41M2%

Chemicals-inorganic

$26M1.3%

Chemicals-other, n.e.c.

$8M0.4%

Sulfur, nonmetallic minerals

$8M0.4%

2026 so far (through April): $658M in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).

The other direction

What America sells to Qatar

$4.4B in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.

Civilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts

$2.1B

Industrial machines, other

$209M

Passenger cars, new and used

$166M

new and used cars

Tanks, artillery, missiles, rockets, guns and ammunition

$147M

Industrial engines

$134M

Jewelry, etc.

$118M

jewelry

Chemicals-other

$117M

Electric apparatus

$117M

Pharmaceutical preparations

$98M

medicines and pharmacy items

Where you stand

U.S. tariff posture toward Qatar

No U.S. tariff action singles this country out. Its goods face the universal 10% temporary import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act (which replaced the IEEPA reciprocal baseline in February 2026) plus the sectoral Section 232 duties — steel and aluminum at 50% — that apply to all countries. The Section 122 surcharge is statutorily temporary — scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 (a 150-day cap) unless extended or replaced.

Reciprocal tariff (universal baseline)

10%

The universal 10% floor — a Section 122 import surcharge since February 2026, previously the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — applies to nearly all U.S. imports. This country has no higher assigned rate of its own.

Policy in motion

Tariff status: a moving target

No U.S. tariff action names Qatar. These are the universal measures — applied to every country without a country-specific arrangement — that set its treatment.

  1. 2026-04-06

    Section 232 metals coverage expanded

    In effect

    The April 2026 proclamation strengthening Section 232 actions on aluminum, steel, and copper expanded derivative-product coverage for all countries, keeping the general metals rate at 50%.

    91 FR 18201
  2. 2026-02-24

    IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122 surcharge

    In effect

    Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them, leaving the universal rate unchanged at 10% on a different statutory basis. Section 122 caps such surcharges at 150 days, so this 10% surcharge is scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 absent further action (the administration has signaled it could raise the rate toward the 15% statutory maximum).

    91 FR 9437
  3. 2025-11-13

    Agricultural products exempted from reciprocal tariffs

    In effect

    Executive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025 removed reciprocal duties from certain agricultural products listed in its annexes (coffee, cocoa, bananas, and other goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantity), retroactive to November 13, 2025 — for all countries subject to the reciprocal tariff.

    90 FR 54091
  4. 2025-06-04

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%

    In effect

    The June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% for all countries, effective June 4, 2025.

    90 FR 24199
  5. 2025-04-05

    Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect

    In effect

    Executive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, effective April 5, 2025. Countries without a higher Annex I rate remain at this baseline.

    Federal Register · 2025-06063
  6. 2025-03-12

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties set at 25% for all countries

    In effect

    Proclamations of February 10, 2025 terminated all country exemptions and quota arrangements and applied 25% Section 232 duties to steel and aluminum imports from every country, effective March 12, 2025.

    90 FR 9817

Reference

The country itself

Middle East · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

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.

Regional map of Qatar

Geography

Location
Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia
Area
11,586 sq km
Climate
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Terrain
mostly flat and barren desert
Natural resources
petroleum, fish, natural gas
Coastline
563 km
Natural hazards
haze, dust storms, sandstorms common

People & society

Population
2,568,426 (2025 est.)
Nationality
Qatari(s)
Ethnic groups
non-Qatari 88.4%, Qatari 11.6% (2015 est.)
Languages
Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language
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.)
Median age
34.4 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
80.3 years (2024 est.)

Economy

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
Industries
liquefied natural gas, crude oil production and refining, ammonia, fertilizer, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement, commercial ship repair
Agricultural products
dates, chicken, tomatoes, camel milk, vegetables, cucumbers/gherkins, pumpkins/squash, eggs, sheep milk, eggplants (2023)
Exports - partners
China 18%, India 11%, S. Korea 10%, Japan 7%, Pakistan 6% (2023)
Imports - partners
USA 12%, China 12%, UAE 9%, UK 7%, India 5% (2023)

Government

Government type
absolute monarchy
Capital
Doha
Independence
3 September 1971 (from the UK)
Constitution
previous 1972 (provisional); latest drafted 2 July 2002, approved by referendum 29 April 2003, endorsed 8 June 2004, effective 9 June 2005
Executive branch
Amir TAMIM bin Hamad Al Thani (since 25 June 2013)
Legislative branch
Shura Council (Majlis Al-Shura)

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction
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.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Qatar. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[974] 4496-6000; US Embassy Doha, 22nd February Street, Al Luqta District, PO Box 2399, Doha, Qatar; PasDoha@state.gov; https://qa.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
974
Local Emergency Phone
999
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Qatar: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, anthrax, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza. http://www.who.int/
Climate
Arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Currency (Code)
Qatari rials (QAR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G
Major Languages
Arabic, English commonly used as a second language
Major Religions
Muslim 65.2%, Christian 13.7%, Hindu 15.9%, Buddhist 3.8%, folk religion <.1%, Jewish <.1%
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Doha (includes Museum of Islamic Art, the Corniche, Doha Fort, National Museum, Golden Mosque); Al Jassasiya Carvings; Al Wakra Museum; Katara Cultural Village
Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, golf, tennis, horse racing
Cultural Practices
Not all Arab men and women will shake hands with those of the opposite sex; wait to see if they extend their hands first.
Tipping Guidelines
A service charge of 10% is usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, in which case tipping is not necessary, although for exceptional service many people add a bit extra. If there is no service charge, a 10-15% tip is appreciated. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but it is polite to round up the fare.
Souvenirs
Pashminas, decorated Korans, incense burners, frankincense, ceremonial swords, dullah and kahwa coffee cups, halawa candy, dried dates
Traditional Cuisine
Machboos — a rice dish made with a variety of aromatic spices that produce a smoky taste and served with vegetables and lamb or chicken
CIA source last updated
Thursday, May 09, 2024
Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024

Geography
Location
Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia
Geographic coordinates
25 30 N, 51 15 E
Map references
Middle East
Area - total
11,586 sq km
Area - land
11,586 sq km
Area - water
0 sq km
Area - comparative
almost twice the size of Delaware; slightly smaller than Connecticut
Land boundaries - total
87 km
Land boundaries - border countries
Saudi Arabia 87 km
Coastline
563 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - contiguous zone
24 nm
Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone
as determined by bilateral agreements or the median line
Climate
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Terrain
mostly flat and barren desert
Elevation - highest point
Tuwayyir al Hamir 103 m
Elevation - lowest point
Persian Gulf 0 m
Elevation - mean elevation
28 m
Natural resources
petroleum, fish, natural gas
Land use - agricultural land
6.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 1.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 4.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
0.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
93.4% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
130 sq km (2022)
Major aquifers
Arabian Aquifer System
Population distribution
most of the population is clustered in or around the capital of Doha on the eastern side of the peninsula
Natural hazards
haze, dust storms, sandstorms common
Geography - note
the peninsula occupies a strategic location in the central Persian Gulf near major petroleum deposits
People and Society
Population - total
2,568,426 (2025 est.)
Population - male
1,970,605
Population - female
597,821
Nationality - noun
Qatari(s)
Nationality - adjective
Qatari
Ethnic groups
non-Qatari 88.4%, Qatari 11.6% (2015 est.)
Languages - Languages
Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language
Languages - 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.
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.)
Age structure - 0-14 years
13.1% (male 168,844/female 165,905)
Age structure - 15-64 years
85.4% (male 1,767,294/female 411,977)
Age structure - 65 years and over
1.5% (2024 est.) (male 24,997/female 13,071)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
17.3 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
15.4 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
1.8 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
54.4 (2025 est.)
Median age - total
34.4 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
35.7 years
Median age - female
28.1 years
Population growth rate
0.57% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
9.19 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
1.42 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-2.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
most of the population is clustered in or around the capital of Doha on the eastern side of the peninsula
Urbanization - urban population
99.4% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
1.66% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
798,000 Ar-Rayyan, 658,000 DOHA (capital) (2023)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.02 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.02 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
4.29 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
1.91 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
3.32 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
4 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
6.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
7 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
5.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
80.3 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
78.2 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
82.4 years
Total fertility rate
1.9 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.94 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
2.9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
7.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.02 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
1.1 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
35.1% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
0.96 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
0.29 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
0.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
0.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
19.2% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
24.6% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
2.3% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
2.3% (2023 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
64.6% (2020 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
3.2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
9.3% national budget (2020 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total
13 years (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male
12 years (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female
15 years (2022 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
State of Qatar
Country name - conventional short form
Qatar
Country name - local long form
Dawlat Qatar
Country name - local short form
Qatar
Country name - 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
Country name - note
note: closest approximation of the native pronunciation is GAT-tar or COT-tar
Government type
absolute monarchy
Capital - name
Doha
Capital - geographic coordinates
25 17 N, 51 32 E
Capital - time difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - 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
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
Legal system
mixed system of civil law and Islamic (sharia) law (in family and personal matters)
Constitution - history
previous 1972 (provisional); latest drafted 2 July 2002, approved by referendum 29 April 2003, endorsed 8 June 2004, effective 9 June 2005
Constitution - 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
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
no
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
the father must be a citizen of Qatar
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
no
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
20 years; 15 years if an Arab national
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch - chief of state
Amir TAMIM bin Hamad Al Thani (since 25 June 2013)
Executive branch - head of government
Prime Minister and Foreign Minister MUHAMMAD bin Abd al-Rahman Al Thani (since 7 March 2023)
Executive branch - cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the amir
Executive branch - election/appointment process
the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the amir
Legislative branch - legislature name
Shura Council (Majlis Al-Shura)
Legislative branch - legislative structure
unicameral
Legislative branch - number of seats
49 (all appointed)
Legislative branch - electoral system
plurality/majority
Legislative branch - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - term in office
4 years
Legislative branch - most recent election date
10/9/2025
Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber
6.1%
Legislative branch - expected date of next election
September 2029
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)
Judicial branch - 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
Judicial branch - 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
Political parties
political parties are banned
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Meshal bin Hamad AL THANI (since 24 April 2017)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
2555 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 274-1600
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 237-0682
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general
Houston, Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Stefanie ALTMAN-WINANS (since June 2025)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
22 February Street, Al Luqta District, P.O. Box 2399, Doha
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
6130 Doha Place, Washington DC 20521-6130
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[974] 4496-6000
Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX
[974] 4488-4298
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
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, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
3 September 1971 (from the UK)
National holiday
National Day, 18 December (1878), anniversary of Al Thani family accession to the throne; Independence Day, 3 September (1971)
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
National symbol(s)
a white serrated band with nine white points on top of a maroon field
National color(s)
maroon, white
National anthem(s) - title
"Al-Salam Al-Amiri" (Peace be to the Emir)
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Sheikh MUBARAK bin Saif al-Thani/Abdul Aziz Nasser OBAIDAN
National anthem(s) - history
adopted 1996
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
1 (cultural)
National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales
Al Zubarah Archaeological Site
Economy
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
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$317.064 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$308.522 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$304.903 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
2.8% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
1.2% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
4.2% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$110,900 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$116,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$114,700 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$217.983 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
1.3% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
3% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
5% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
0.3% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
58.5% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
45.9% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
19.5% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
12.9% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
30.6% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
0% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
68.6% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-31.6% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
dates, chicken, tomatoes, camel milk, vegetables, cucumbers/gherkins, pumpkins/squash, eggs, sheep milk, eggplants (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
liquefied natural gas, crude oil production and refining, ammonia, fertilizer, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement, commercial ship repair
Industrial production growth rate
1.6% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
2.123 million (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
0.2% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
0.2% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
0.2% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
0.4% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
0.1% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
1.2% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2017
35.1 (2017 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures - on food
14.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures - on alcohol and tobacco
0.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%
2.6% (2017 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%
25.8% (2017 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - note
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances - Remittances 2024
0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2023
0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$65.922 billion (2019 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$57.258 billion (2019 est.)
Public debt - Public debt 2016
46.7% of GDP (2016 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2024
$38.117 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
$36.453 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
$63.118 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2024
$125.216 billion (2024 est.)
Exports - Exports 2023
$128.709 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$161.693 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 18%, India 11%, S. Korea 10%, Japan 7%, Pakistan 6% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
natural gas, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, plastics, fertilizers (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2024
$69.692 billion (2024 est.)
Imports - Imports 2023
$72.174 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$74.52 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 12%, China 12%, UAE 9%, UK 7%, India 5% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
gas turbines, cars, aircraft, iron pipes, ships (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$53.987 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$51.539 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$47.389 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
Qatari rials (QAR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
3.64 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
3.64 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
3.64 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
3.64 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
3.64 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity
11.4 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
51.965 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
3.177 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
99.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - biomass and waste
0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - exports
300 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
4,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - total petroleum production
1.818 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
268,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - crude oil estimated reserves
25.244 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas - production
171.805 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - consumption
48.034 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - exports
124.747 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - proven reserves
23.861 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
814.308 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
526,000 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
18 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
4.68 million (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
154 (2024 est.)
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)
Internet country code
.qa
Internet users - percent of population
100% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
347,000 (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
12 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
A7
Airports
8 (2025)
Heliports
12 (2025)
Merchant marine - total
123 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
bulk carrier 5, container ship 4, general cargo 4, oil tanker 2, other 108
Ports - total ports
6 (2024)
Ports - large
0
Ports - medium
1
Ports - small
2
Ports - very small
3
Ports - ports with oil terminals
5
Ports - key ports
Al Rayyan Terminal, Al Shaheen Terminal, Doha, Jazirat Halul, Ras Laffan, Umm Said
Military and Security
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)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020
4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2019
3.4% of GDP (2019 est.)
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 is a mix of older and modern weapons systems, mostly from Türkiye, the US, and various European countries, including France, Germany, and Italy (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions - note
note: in the 2010s, Qatar embarked on a military expansion and modernization program with large air, ground, and naval equipment purchases
Military service age and obligation
typically 18-30 for voluntary service for men and women; compulsory military service for men 18-35; compulsory service is from 4-12 months, depending on educational and professional circumstances (2025)
Military service age and obligation - note
note: the military incorporates about 2,000 conscripts annually and recruits foreign contract soldiers to overcome manpower limitations
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)
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
349 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - stateless persons
1,200 (2024 est.)
Environment
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
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
none of the selected agreements
Climate
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Land use - agricultural land
6.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 1.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 4.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
0.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
93.4% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
99.4% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
1.66% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
127.783 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
10,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
27.781 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas
99.991 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
59 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Methane emissions - energy
1,040.8 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Methane emissions - agriculture
9.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - waste
64.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - other
5.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
1.001 million tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
6% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
582.862 million cubic meters (2022)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
40.18 million cubic meters (2022)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
311.156 million cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
58 million cubic meters (2022 est.)