Qatar is one of the most rapidly changing and exciting countries in the world. The country centered in the heart of the Arabian Gulf, is a melting pot of old and new.

In 2019, Qatar topped the Forbes List of the Richest Countries as a result of its oil and natural gas reserves. The country has one of the highest standards of living and is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

According to the Qatar Planning and Statistics Authority, in 2020, Qatar's population is listed as 2.7 million.

Qatar’s main city, Doha, is where the majority of people live, and is home to numerous malls, businesses, restaurants and hotels. Aspetar is also located within Doha, in the central area of the Al Waab District. Other main hubs within Qatar include Dukhan on the west coast, Mesaieed and Al Wakra to the south, and Ras Laffan industrial city and Al Khor in the north. 
 

Facts about Qatar

• Qatar has the world’s highest per capita gross domestic product (GDP) as a result of its oil and natural gas revenues. In addition, it has one of the highest standards of living and is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
• Qatar is ranked 31 out of 153 countries in the Global Peace Index, and is one of the safest countries in the world to live in for both families and individuals relocating alone. 
• The bulk of the population in Qatar is expatriates, with approximately 300,000 of the population Qatari nationals. The multicultural diversity of Qatar is an example of its status, with people from all over the world choosing to enjoy what Qatar has to offer, • and Aspetar has just as a diverse workforce, currently employing individuals from around 71 countries worldwide 
• Qatar is a peninsula of 11,437 sq. km down the west coast of the Arabian Gulf. It includes several islands, and is among the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which also includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• Qatar has a desert climate and therefore has extremely hot summers, with temperatures reaching around 50 degrees Celsius, and milder winters. From October to May the temperatures are ideal, ranging between 15 – 30 degrees Celsius, especially for life outdoors.
• The official currency is Qatari Riyals (QAR), which is divided into 100 Dirhams. The exchange rate is currently at the fixed rate of US$1= QAR3.64.
• All major credit cards are accepted in most shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels, and the majority of card types can be used in ATMs, which are widely available. It is, however, always sensible to have cash on hand for smaller local shops that do not offer these services.
• The official language in Qatar is Arabic, and the Arabic dialect used is commonly dubbed as the ‘Khaleeji’ accent in reference to the Gulf. English is widely spoken in Qatar and most road signs are written in both English and Arabic.
• Islam is the official religion of Qatar and Sharia (Islamic Law) is the principal source of legislation.