Qatar
is a Peninsula situated halfway along the west
coast of the Arabian Gulf in an area of 11437
Sq. Km. Its territory comprises a number of
islands, the most well knowns of which are Hawar
Archipelago, Halul, Shira'wa and Al-Ashat.
The topography of the State generally consists
of flat rocky surfaces with occasional low hills
in the northern and western parts of the country.
Archeological discoveries, inscriptions, stone
spearheads and collections of equisite potteryhandcraft
which were found in scattered areas in the country
by some archeological expeditions have proven
that the land of Qatar was populated as early
as 4000 B.C. In the Islamic history a special
credit was attributed to Qatar for its fine
skill in the improvement and fine finish of
spears,(Known at the time as The Khottiyah Spears),
and for its fine stripped woven cloaks (known
at the time as The Qatari Cloaks).
The people of Qatar are the descendents of ancient
Arabian lines of kinship due to the close proximity
of Qatar to the Arabian hinterland and the historical
and cultural heritage shared by people in all
Arabia.The present population of the State of
Qatar is estimated at about 640846 most of whom
live in the capital city of Doha and other main
towns.
Al-Thani family have ruled Qatar since the mid
19th century A.D. The family is a branch of
the Arab tribe of Tamim and it has its name
from that of its ancestor: Sheikh Thani Bin
Mohammad, the father of Mohammad Bin Thani who
was the first Sheikh to rule over the country.
Qatar became an independent State on the 3rd
of September 1971. Arabic is its official language
and Islam is its offical religion and the main
source of legislation.
On
the 27th of June 1995 His Highness Sheikh Hamad
Bin Khalifa Al-Thani assumed the Emirship of
The State of Qatar, supported by the ruling
family and the Qatari people.
On the 27th of October 1996 His Highness The
Emir issued an Emiri order appointing Sheikh
Jassim Bin Hamad Al-Thani as Heir Apparent.
On the 29th of October His Highnes The Emir
issued an Emiri order appointing His Highness
Sheikh Abdulla Bin Khalifa Al-Thani as Prime
Minister.
Doha is the capital city, seat of the government
and the centre for government departments and
financial and commercial institutions.It is
situated halfway down the east coast of the
Qatar peninsula.
