Ten fun facts about Qatar

1. Doha: The Fast-Growing Capital of Qatar

Once a small fishing village, Doha is now the bustling capital of Qatar, also known as Dawlat Qatar. It was here that pearl fishers sought their fortunes, and today it is a thriving metropolis, home to a diverse population and a variety of attractions. From its traditional souqs to its modern skyscrapers, Doha is a city of contrasts, offering something for everyone.

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2. Qatar's Official Currency is the Qatari Riyal

Qatar is a small country located in the Middle East, and its official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). The Riyal is divided into 100 dirhams, and is available in both coins and notes. The coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 dirhams, while the notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 Riyals. The Qatari Riyal is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of 3.64 Riyals to 1 US Dollar.

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3. English-Speaking Constitutional Monarchy

Qatar is a constitutional monarchy, with Arabic as its official language and English as its common second language. This has enabled the country to become a major hub for international business, with many multinational companies setting up offices in the country. The government has also invested heavily in education, with English being taught in all schools and universities. This has enabled Qatar to become a major player in the global economy, with a strong focus on international trade and investment.

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4. The Richest Country in the World

Qatar is a country that is incredibly rich in oil, with 90% of its exports to other nations being oil-based. It is the world's largest supplier of liquefied natural gas, and also exports petroleum products, fertilizers, and steel. In fact, Qatar has the largest gas reserves in the world, making it a major player in the global energy market.

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5. A Desert Country With A Hot Climate

Qatar is a desert country with a hot climate, where temperatures average 13°C in winter and 41-50°C in summer. The terrain is mostly flat and barren, covered with loose sand and gravel, and the country receives only 70mm of rain per year. This makes Qatar an inhospitable place for many plants and animals, but the country is still home to a variety of species, including the Arabian Oryx, the Arabian Gazelle, and the Sand Cat.

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6. Qatar celebrates its independence every year

Qatar achieved independence from Britain in 1971, and every year on 3rd September, Qataris celebrate their Independence Day. This day marks the end of British rule and the beginning of Qatar's sovereignty as an independent nation. It is a day of national pride and celebration, with festivities taking place throughout the country.

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7. A Country with a Diverse Range of Industries

Qatar is a country with a diverse range of industries, including crude oil production and refining, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars and cement. Additionally, Qatar has a thriving agricultural sector, producing a variety of fruits, vegetables, poultry, dairy products, beef and fish. This provides the country with a strong economic base, allowing it to continue to develop and grow.

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8. Al Jazeera: The Most Popular News Source in the Middle East

Qatar is home to the renowned and often controversial Al Jazeera Arabic satellite television network. Founded in 1996, Al Jazeera has become one of the most popular news sources in the Middle East, providing coverage of regional and international events. Its reporting has been praised for its impartiality and objectivity, but it has also been criticized for its perceived bias and for airing controversial topics. Regardless, Al Jazeera remains a major player in the media landscape of Qatar and the Middle East.

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9. Qatar's Sports Dome is the largest in the world

Qatar is home to the world's largest Sports Dome, measuring an impressive 200,000 square meters. This impressive structure is located in the capital city of Doha and is capable of hosting a variety of sporting events, from football and basketball to tennis and volleyball. The dome also features a retractable roof, allowing for events to be held in any weather condition. With its state-of-the-art facilities, the Qatar Sports Dome is a testament to the country's commitment to providing world-class sporting experiences.

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10. A Country with Many High Points and Low Points

Qatar is a small country located in the Middle East, with its highest elevation being Qurayn Abu of Bawl at 103 meters and its lowest point being the Persian Gulf at Om. This makes Qatar one of the most geographically diverse countries in the region, with its highest point being over 100 meters above sea level and its lowest point being at sea level.