State of Qatar

Dawlat Qatar

CAPITAL: Doha (Ad-Dawhah)

FLAG: Maroon with white serrated border at the hoist.

ANTHEM: Qatar National Anthem.

MONETARY UNIT: The Qatar riyal (QR) of 100 dirhams was introduced on 13 May 1973. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 dirhams, and notes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 riyals. QR1 = $0.2747 (or $1 = QR3.64) as of January 2003.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, although some British measures are still in use.

HOLIDAYS: Emir's Succession Day, 22 February; Independence Day, 3 September. Muslim religious holidays include 'Id al-Fitr, 'Id al-'Adha', and Milad an-Nabi.

TIME: 3 PM = noon GMT.

Location, Size, and Extent

Comprising an area of 11,437 sq km (4,416 sq mi), the State of Qatar consists of a peninsula projecting northward into the Persian Gulf, extending about 160 km (100 mi) N-S and 90 km (55 mi) E-W. Comparatively, the area occupied by Qatar is slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut. It is bordered on the S by the...