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I. Background
Qatar, a Gulf country bordering Saudi Arabia, is the richest country per capita in the world. 1
It ranks third globally in proven natural gas reserves and 12 th in proven oil reserves. 2 It
covers 11,600 square kilometers (7,208 square miles) and has a population of 1.7 million,
with an estimated 225,000 citizens. 3
A constitutional monarchy, the country has been ruled by the al Thani family since the mid-
1800s, first under British protectorship and after 1971 as an independent state. 4 The
current emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, has ruled since 1995 when he overthrew
the former emir. 5 The emir is the chief executive of the state; an advisory council consisting
of 35 appointed members performs legislative functions. 6 While the constitution provides
for a 45-member Advisory Council with 30 elected representatives, the Emir postponed
elections scheduled for 2010 until 2013. 7 The government has not held national
government elections since 1970. 8 Currently, Qatari citizens can only vote in municipal
elections, and local government representatives have limited power. 9
With abundant natural resources and a small Qatari population, the state provides nearly
unparalleled benefits to its nationals. Citizens receive free education at all levels, free health
care, virtually guaranteed employment, and numerous other state-sponsored benefits. 10
1 Based on GDP per capita. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Qatar had a per capita GDP of $88,222 in
2010. International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook Database, September 2011. Available at:
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2011/02/weodata/index.aspx (accessed September 14, 2011).
2 “Qatar,” CIA: The World Factbook 2011, available at https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/qa.html
(accessed August 18, 2011).
3 Ibid.
4 Ibid.
5 Ibid.
6 Ibid.
7 Constitution, State of Qatar, official English translation available at: http://english.mofa.gov.qa/details.cfm?id=80
(accessed September 12, 2011).
8 “Qatar: Government” CIA: The World Factbook 2011.
9 “Qatar (2011)”, Freedom House, Freedom in the World 2011 report. Available at:
http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=22&country=8117&year=2011 (accessed September 14, 2011).
10 US State Department, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices –
2010: Qatar,” April 8, 2011, http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2010/nea/154471.htm (accessed September 19, 2011).
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