Qatar

I

Introduction

Qatar, independent state in the Middle East, one of the Persian Gulf States, occupying the Qatar Peninsula, jutting into the Persian Gulf from the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. On its southern side it is bordered by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates; these boundaries are not demarcated. Qatar has an area of about 11,427 sq km (4,412 sq mi). The capital and leading port is Doha.

II

Land and Resources

Qatar is a generally flat peninsula, its highest surface being a central limestone plateau, with hills in the west reaching a maximum elevation of 40 m (130 ft). The southern area is covered with sand, the rest stony and bare; only in the north is there significant vegetation cover.

A

Climate

An extremely hot, arid climate prevails, ranging from an average of 16.7° C (62° F) in January to about 36.7° C (98° F) in July. Humidity is high during the summer (May to October), but the average annual rainfall is less than 127 mm (5 in).

B

Natural Resources

Petroleum and natural gas are the natural resources; the North Dome Field is the world’s largest-known natural gas field not associated with petroleum.