Qatar is located in Western Asia, and its capital is Doha. It has a population of approximately 2,857,822 and covers an area of about 11,490 km². Its official currency is the Qatari riyal (QAR).
What stands out
People & place
249 /km² across 11,490 km²
Qatar has a recorded population of 2,857,822 and a reported surface area of 11,490 km².
Economic snapshot
$219.16 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $219.16 billion and GDP per capita at $76,689 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a country located in Western Asia, occupying the small peninsula of the same name. Its territory is mainly composed of a desert peninsula jutting out into the Persian Gulf. Qatar is a sovereign state with a constitutional monarchy, ruled by the Al Thani family.
Qatar is situated on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It shares a border with Saudi Arabia to the south and is otherwise surrounded by the Persian Gulf to the north, east, and west. The terrain is predominantly flat and arid, characterized by sand dunes, salt flats, and some rocky outcrops. The coastline is long and irregular.
Qatari culture is deeply rooted in Arab and Islamic traditions. Hospitality, family, and community are highly valued. Arabic is the official language, and Islam is the official religion. Traditional arts and crafts include weaving, pottery, and metalwork. The country has seen a significant influx of expatriates, contributing to a diverse cultural landscape.
The history of Qatar dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement dating back thousands of years. It was historically a center for pearling. The Al Thani family consolidated power in the 19th century. Qatar gained full independence from the United Kingdom in 1971. Since then, it has become a prominent regional and international player, largely due to its vast natural gas reserves.
Key facts
Capital: Doha
Official Language: Arabic
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR)
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Qatar has a recorded population of approximately 2,857,822 people.
How big is Qatar?
Qatar covers an area of about 11,490 km².
What is the population density of Qatar?
Qatar has a population density of roughly 249 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Qatar?
Qatar has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $219.16 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Qatar?
Qatar has a GDP per capita of approximately $76,689.
What currency is used in Qatar?
Qatar uses the Qatari riyal (QAR), with the symbol ق.ر.
Where is Qatar located?
Qatar is located in Western Asia, Asia.
What is the native name of Qatar?
The native name of Qatar is قطر.
What are people from Qatar called?
People from Qatar are referred to as Qatari.
What is the phone calling code for Qatar?
The international dialing code for Qatar is +974.
What is the internet domain for Qatar?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Qatar is .qa.
What time zone is Qatar in?
Qatar uses the Asia/Qatar time zone.
What is Qatar known for?
Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a country located in Western Asia, occupying the small peninsula of the same name. Its territory is mainly composed of a desert peninsula jutting out into the Persian Gulf. Qatar is a sovereign state with a constitutional monarchy, ruled by the Al Thani family.
Western Asia