Qatar Map: Regions, Geography, Facts & Figures

Qatar, officially known as the State of Qatar, is a small country situated in the Middle East, on a peninsula fringed by the Persian Gulf.The state of Qatar is situated on the Qatar Peninsula, bordered by the Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. 

The landscape includes deserts, rock formations, and stunning beaches across the country. Capital city Doha, the largest city in Qatar, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the region and boasts a unique blend of modernity and traditional charm. Qatar is also a wealthy country with a high standard of living, thanks to its abundant natural gas resources.

If you want to discover more in-depth information on Ecuador as a country, check out our Qatar Profile!

Plus, test your country knowledge with our world geography quiz, How Well Do You Know The World's Deserts?

 

Qatar Facts: History

Qatar has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when it was ruled by the Al Thani family. Qatar became an independent state in 1971 after being a British protectorate. The country has since enjoyed rapid economic growth, largely driven by its natural gas exports. Qatar is known for its vast natural gas reserves, which are the third-largest in the world. The country also has the highest per capita GDP in the world and the currency of Qatar is the Qatari riyal (QAR); with one Qatari riyal equal to 0.27 US dollars.

Qatar's major industries include natural gas production, petroleum refining, petrochemicals, and fertilizers. The country is also investing heavily in renewable energy, with several large solar and wind projects currently under construction.

Qatar Facts: Geography

Qatar is a small country with a total land area of just over 11,586 km² and with a population of roughly 2.6 million, it is one of the smallest countries in the world. It is located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, with the Persian Gulf to its north, east, and south. Qatar is bordered by several other countries in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Oman, Iran, and Kuwait.

Qatar has a diverse landscape consisting of beaches, deserts, and plains, which are easily seen on a map of Qatar or a satellite image. The political map of the country is divided into municipalities, which are further divided into administrative divisions. Some of the major municipalities in Qatar include Al Khawr, Ad Dawhah, and Al Wakrah. Qatar Standard Time (QST) is the time zone used, which is three hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+3) on the world map.

Qatar Facts: Tourist Attractions

Qatar is home to several tourist attractions, landmarks, and cultural sites such as the Islamic Art Museum and The Pearl-Qatar artificial island. Others include":

  • Stadiums: Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and built several modern stadiums for the event. The most impressive of these is the Lusail Iconic Stadium, which has a capacity of 80,000 and is designed to resemble a traditional Arab lantern.
  • Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah: These are two of the major cities in Qatar and have several tourist attractions, including beaches, parks, and museums. Al Rayyan is home to the Al Rayyan Sports Club, one of the most successful football clubs in Qatar. Al Wakrah, on the other hand, is known for its beautiful beaches and the Wakrah Souq, a traditional market selling spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
  • Dukhan: A town located on the west coast of Qatar and is known for its natural gas reserves. The town is home to several oil and gas companies and has several parks and recreational areas for visitors to enjoy.
Pearl-Qatar island in Doha, Qatar
Image Source: Getty Images

People Also Ask...

If you're inspecting the Qatar country map, you may have some queries about the region. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, along with their answers.

What Country Does Qatar Belong To?

Qatar is an independent country in the Middle East, located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south, Bahrain to the east, and United Arab Emirates to the west. The country is also a member of OPEC, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

What Countries Border Qatar?

Qatar is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south, Bahrain to the east, and United Arab Emirates to the west. It also shares a maritime border with Iran in the Persian Gulf.

What Is Qatar Famous For?

Qatar is known for its oil wealth and modern infrastructure that has enabled rapid development over recent decades. The country is also known for its vast reserves of natural gas, which has helped to make it one of the world’s wealthiest countries. It is also a major regional hub for air travel and hospitality services.

Is Qatar on Asia or Africa?

Qatar is part of the Middle East and is located at the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. The country is geographically located in Western Asia, but it has strong cultural ties with North Africa and the wider Middle Eastern region.