“I braid sunlight, seeking a hidden pearl in the veins of the waves, courted by fishermen.”
Zakiya Mal Allah
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Population
Area
Currency
Religions
Sunni Islam (71%) Christianity (14%), Shia Islam (8%)
Hinduism (3%), Buddhism (2%)
GDP (nominal)
Main exports
Main imports
Main customers
Main suppliers
Political system
After gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1971, Qatar became a sovereign emirate ruled by the Al Thani family. Long a low-profile state, it underwent a rapid transformation from the 1990s onwards, driven by the large-scale exploitation of natural gas, which gave it one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world.
Under Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his successor Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar developed an active foreign policy built on mediation, soft power (Al Jazeera, sport, culture), and global investment. The regime remains an authoritarian monarchy, but a stable one, underpinned by a generous welfare state. The diplomatic rift and blockade imposed by its Gulf neighbours between 2017 and 2021 strengthened its strategic autonomy and accelerated economic diversification. Qatar now plays a central mediating role in several regional crises, notably in Gaza.
In retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory in late February 2026, Iran launched a campaign of missile and drone strikes against critical infrastructure across the Gulf, including Qatar’s energy sector. Doha has called for de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for its liquefied natural gas exports. Unlike Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Qatar has no real alternative to Hormuz, leaving its economy particularly exposed to the crisis.
Emir since 2013, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has strengthened Qatar’s international influence. He has pursued an active and mediating diplomatic approach, maintaining close ties with both the West and regional powers. His reign has been marked by resilience in the face of the blockade imposed by his Gulf neighbors between 2017 and 2021. He has strengthened the national economy and affirmed the country’s role as a key energy player. Qatar has established itself as a host of major international events and a diplomatic platform. The Emir promotes a modern image of the country while maintaining firm political authority.
