Location:

The State of Qatar is located half way along the western coast of Arabian Gulf falling approximately between the latitudes 24? 27? and 26? 10? North and the longitudes 50? 45? and 51? 40? East. The Qatari peninsula extends northwards covering approximately an area of 11572 sq. km, and the country includes a number of islands, reefs and shoals in the coastal waters of the peninsula. Halul, Shira?wa, Al Ashat and Al Bashiria are the most well known among these. The peninsula is approximately 185 km. in length and 85 km. in width. The waters of the Arabian Gulf surround by far the majority of the country while the only land border of about 60 km separates the country from the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates lies in the east of the country. The territorial waters of Qatar extend approximately 95 nautical miles east and around 51 nautical miles north into the Arabian Gulf.  

Topographic Features:

The terrain is flat and rocky with some low-rising limestone outcrops in Dukhan area in the west and Jabal Fiwairit in the north. It is characterized by a variety of geographical phenomena including many coves, inlets, depressions and surface rainwater-draining basins known as riyadh (the gardens), which are found mainly in the north and central part of the peninsula. These areas have the most fertile soil and are rich in vegetation.

Land Area:

11606.8 sq.km.

Capital City:

Doha

Official Language:

Arabic is the official language in Qatar, and English is widely spoken.

Religion:

Islam is the official religion of the country, and the Shariah (Islamic Law) is a main source of its legislations.

Climate:

Qatar has a moderate desert climate with long hot summers and short mild winters and little rain in winter.

Major Towns:

Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Dukhan, Al Shamal, Mesaieed, Ras Lafan and others.

Currency:

The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR), which is divided into 100 dirhams. The Exchange parity has been set at the fixed rate of US $ = 3.65QR's.

National Day:

The 18th of December every year in commemoration of Sheikh Jasim bin Mohammad Al-Thani the founder of the State of Qatar.

27 June:

On the 27Th of June His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani assumed the rule of the State of Qatar supported by the ruling family and the Qatari people.

Pupblic Holidays:

National Day: 18th of December in each year.
Eid Al-Fitr: At the 1st of Shawwal for four days.
Eid Al- Adha: starts at 9th of Zilhijjah for five days.

National flag:

The national flag is maroon colour with a broad vertical white stripe at the pole, the two colours being separated with a nine-point serrated line.

Work Hours:

Government offices: 7 am to 2 pm.
Private establishments: 8 am to 12 noon, and 4 pm to 8 pm.
Friday and Saturday are the weekend holidays.

Local Time:

3 hours + Greenwich Mean Time.

ELECTRICAL CURRENT:

240 Volts + 6% with frequency 50 hertz.