amal, Umm Salal

Independence: 3 September 1971 (from UK)

National holiday: Independence Day, 3 September (1971)

Constitution: provisional constitution enacted 2 April 1970

Legal system: discretionary system of law controlled by the amir,
although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law is significant
in personal matters

Suffrage: none

Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: Amir and Prime Minister KHALIFA
bin Hamad Al Thani (since 22 February 1972); Crown Prince HAMAD bin
Khalifa Al Thani (appointed 31 May 1977; son of Amir and Minister of
Defense)
cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the amir

Legislative branch: unicameral
Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura): constitution calls for elections
for part of this consultative body, but no elections have been held;
seats - (30 total)

Judicial branch: Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders: none

Member of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GATT, GCC,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,
INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC,
OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador ABD AL-RAHMAN bin Saud bin Fahd Al Thani
chancery: Suite 1180, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20037
telephone: [1] (202) 338-0111

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Kenton W. KEITH
embassy: 149 Ali Bin Ahmed St., Farig Bin Omran (opposite the
television station), Doha
mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha
telephone: [974] 864701 through 864703
FAX: [974] 861669

Flag: maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on
the hoist side

@Qatar:Economy

Overview: Oil is the backbone of the economy and accounts for more
than 30% of GDP, roughly 75% of export earnings, and 70% of government
revenues. Proved oil reserves of 3.3 billion barrels should ensure
continued output at current levels for about 25 years. Oil has given
Qatar a per capita GDP comparable to the leading West European
industrial countries. Production and export of natural gas are
becoming increasingly important. Long-term goals feature the
development of off-shore oil and the diversification of the economy.

National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $10.7 billion (1994
est.)

National product real growth rate: -1% (1994 est.)

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