Qatar is a fascinating country considering its area. Qatar is too tiny a country where the population is just above 28 lakh. Despite this, this country has many golden pages written in its book. Surrounded by the Persian Gulf, Qatar shares its only border with Saudi Arabia to the south. Doha is the country’s capital, occupying around 80 percent of the total population across Qatar.
Since 1868, Qatar has been ruled by only one family, Thani, and the current Emir of Qatar is Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani who holds most power under the constitution of Qatar. He selects the Prime Minister and cabinet in the partial election process giving them only limited authority to dismiss ministers. Here we discuss some of the interesting facts about this fascinating country.
Interesting Facts About Qatar
Qatar is the second flattest country – Qatar has no mountains and is the second placed flattest country, with its peak point at just 338 feet. The only Maldives is ahead of Qatar, with its peak point at mere six feet. It is discouraging for the hikers but a good thing for the athletes and cyclists.
First to produce purple shellfish dye – Al Khor Island is the best part of Qatar to visit because of the big mangrove forest. The inhabitants of Al Khor were first to produce the shellfish dye back in the second millennium BC. This is why it is also called Purple Island.
Doha consists of the longest cycle path in the world – Doha, the capital of Qatar, holds the world record of having the longest cycle path. The Olympic Cycling Track holds the Guinness World Record demonstrating the 33 km single stretch cycling track, completed in 2020. It was completed by Ashghal, a public work authority running through 18 underpasses to keep continuous track. The track also holds a record of 25.3 km, the most extended piece of asphalt concrete.
Men’s population is three times higher than women’s – The man to women ratio of Qatar is significantly less for women than one to three for men. Just over 8 lakh women are present in the total population of over 28 lakh. Bahrain and UAE have a higher male/female ratio than Qatar.
Robots are used for camel racing – Camel racing is popular in Gulf countries, particularly in Qatar, where racing takes place at Al Shahaniya Camel Racing Track from October to February. Since 2004, robots have been used instead of children’s jockeys for health and safety reasons. The remote control is operated by camel herders who drive alongside the track.
Qatar is the second safest country in the world – According to the latest Numbeo Crime index, Qatar has rated the second safest country in the world as the crime rate is meager. The rate of 14.03 points out of 100 is next to Abu Dhabi’s 11.72. it was also named the safest country in 2017 and 2019.
Best Airline in the world – Qatar Airways is one of the top airlines in the world, and many travelers choose Qatar Airways for various reasons. It received the 2021 Skytrax awards for being the best airline. It also takes pride as it operates within all seven continents worldwide. Doha to Auckland is the most extended 16.5 hours regularly scheduled flight worldwide.
Hamad International Airport is the best airport – Skytrax World Airport Awards 2021 declared Hamad International Airport the best airport in the world. HIA also has the longest runway in western Asia at 15912 ft and the sixth longest in the world. The Hamad Airport exhibits excellent public art to smooth journeys.
Geological change – It may not attract many, but the fact remains. Over the past four centuries, Qatar has been rising slowly due to geological lift. It is said to be risen by two meters compared to 400 years ago.
It is one of the wealthiest countries in the world – Based on the IMF (International Monetary Fund estimated in 2020, Qatar’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per capita is the highest in the world. It is way ahead of number 2 Luxembourg’s per capita GDP. Thus Qatar has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world as its wealth comes majorly from petroleum and natural gas, which contributes above 60 percent of the total GDP.
Many records about Qatar’s hosting of the winter session FIFA Cup – Qatar will be hosting the FIFA Cup in its first winter appearance. Qatar will be the first Gulf country to host the FIFA competition on its soil. Qatar will organize the first-ever carbon-neutral world cup with an 800 MW solar energy plant. Qatar is also the smallest country to host the FIFA world cup ever. The stadium for the FIFA world cup is the first demountable FIFA world cup stadium. There are more records about this upcoming event.
The uniqueness of flag – Qatar holds a unique story about its national flag. The nine serrated edges on the flag represent its ninth membership of the ‘reconciled Emirates. The flag’s maroon color indicates the country’s contribution to the purple dye industry on the Al Khor islands. It is the only flag in the world that is twice wider as the height.
The first school and hospital – Qatar had education centers for a long time, but its first official school started in 1949 when the school named Islah al-Mohammadiyah was inaugurated. The school had only one teacher and 50 students but later on expanded fast. The first hospital in Qatar American Mission started in 1947 and later on, the first government hospital was opened in 1957. With time the Qatar government extended it with colossal renovation, which is still in existence. It is Doha’s oldest hospital still operating.
Unique building – Burj Doha – Burj Doha is famous for its unique build to prevent sun heat. It is the most iconic structure in West Bay, with many unique features. It is a 46-story building reported as the tallest in the world in 2012. It is without a central core and is the first skyscraper built with internal reinforced concrete diagrid columns. It refers to an ancient Islamic design, Mashrabiya, and varies in density across the structure.
Doha Metro – Guinness record – The Doha Metro rail holds the record for the maximum number of tunnel boring machines operating during its construction in a single project at a time. Doha Metro gives a fantastic experience boarding.
Al Wukair Scrapyard – As we observe, in most Gulf countries, cars of different models are available everywhere. The prices of cars are affordable in these countries with ample availability and strong economic growth. Al Wukair is the scrapyard where you will find around 20000 dumped cars varying in states of decay. The government is planning to build a Qatar Auto Museum along the expressway due to many abandoned vehicles.
Minor national citizens – Qataris are a minority in their country, with just 15 percent of the population being locals. But they host over 100 nationals in the country, of which around 90 can come to Qatar visa-free.
Pearl Qatar – Pearl-Qatar is the only real estate development where other nationals are allowed to purchase the property. Pearl-Qatar resembles the string of pearls
Roller coaster – In the theme park, you can see the world’s tallest indoor rollercoaster in Qatar, Quest-Doha.
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Faqs
Who rules the State of Qatar?
The Thani dynasty has ruled Qatar since 1868, and the current Emir is Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Where is Qatar located?
Qatar is located in the Persian Gulf and shares its southern border with Saudi Arabia.
What is the currency of Qatar?
Qatari Riyal is the currency of Qatar.
What makes Qatar the most prosperous country?
Petroleum and natural gas make the country the richest in the world.