Country Analysis of Qatar Brief Introduction of Qatar: Qatar, also known as the State of Qatar, is an Arab country in the Middle East. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south; on the other hand, the Persian Gulf surrounds the state. A strait of the Persian Gulf separates Qatar from the nearby island nation of Bahrain. Qatar is a nation of abundant oil and gas. It has the third largest gas reserves and the second highest GDP per capita in the world. An absolute monarchy, Qatar has been ruled by the al-Thani family since the mid-19th century. Nowadays, Qatar is an independent state with tremendous oil and natural gas revenues (The World Factbook, 2010).
Political Systems:
After coming to power in 1995 the new Emir, Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifah Al Thani, quickly inaugurated a far reaching and extremely progressive program to modernize Qatar politically, socially and economically (The World Factbook, 2010). The modernization program includes the complete reorganization of the educational system, creation of a democratically elected municipal council with universal suffrage, development of Qatar’s natural gas resources, the establishment of a free press and the drafting of Qatar’s first Constitution. In foreign affairs, the Qatar Government has become the first country in the region to resolve all its border disputes with its neighbors including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iran and has developed a very close strategic relationship with the United States.
Economics in Qatar:
Today, the development of Qatar’s oil and natural gas revenues enable it s citizens to enjoy perhaps the highest per capita income in the world. Investment in Qatari infrastructure and industry has reached a fever pitch Qatar has become a major overseas investor as well. Today, Qatar is the best example of a country that can punch well above its weight. Oil and gas account for more than 60% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings, and 70% of government revenues.
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