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Photos of Qatar

The old and new zones of Doha, the capital city of Qatar, are clearly visible from the International Space Station. The old city comprises the ancient bazaar, or Souq, near the dhow harbor, which is still used today for traditional Arab sailing vessels. Modern port facilities have sprung up to the east of the Souq.

Subsequent developments have sprouted progressively further from the ancient center, with ring roads concentrically arranged around it. The diplomatic quarter is reached via the waterfront Corniche promenade, north of the old city. Further away, an extensive marina known as West Bay Lagoon, with boating access to the Persian Gulf, stands out (image top).

Qatar&apos;s new artificial island, known as the Pearl-Qatar, is under construction with 32 km of new coastline just offshore of West Bay Lagoon. This development is intended mainly as a residential zone, with themes based on Arabic, Mediterranean, and European cultures. The Pearl-Qatar is so named because it is being built on one of Qatar&apos;s historical pearl diving sites. A string of small islands built along the outer margin is intended to recall the pearl-diving culture of the nation&apos;s past. Image courtesy of NASA.

Introduction

World Factbook Glyph

Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Geography

Area

comparison ranking: total 164

Area - comparative

Area comparison map:
Area comparison map

People and Society

Languages

Arabic audio sample:

Age structure

2023 population pyramid:
2023 population pyramid

Median age

comparison ranking: total 105

Population growth rate

comparison ranking: 126

Birth rate

comparison ranking: 197

Death rate

comparison ranking: 229

Net migration rate

comparison ranking: 135

Maternal mortality ratio

comparison ranking: 148

Infant mortality rate

comparison ranking: total 163

Total fertility rate

comparison ranking: 120

Tobacco use

comparison ranking: total 124

Education expenditures

comparison ranking: 149

Environment

Revenue from coal

comparison ranking: 113

Government

Economy

Real GDP growth rate

comparison ranking: 72

Real GDP per capita

comparison ranking: 5

Labor force

comparison ranking: 127

Unemployment rate

comparison ranking: 1

Public debt

comparison ranking: 93

Taxes and other revenues

comparison ranking: 35

Current account balance

comparison ranking: 16

Exports

comparison ranking: 41

Imports

comparison ranking: 56

Energy

Energy consumption per capita

comparison ranking: 1

Communications

Internet users

comparison ranking: total 126

Transportation

Airports

comparison ranking: 166

Roadways

comparison ranking: total 145

Merchant marine

comparison ranking: total 80

Military and Security

Military expenditures

comparison ranking: 20

Transnational Issues