Why in news?
India recently condemned attacks in Doha at the United Nations Human Rights Council, calling them a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty. New Delhi reiterated support for Qatar’s security and regional peace, highlighting the strategic importance of the Gulf nation.
About Qatar
- Location: Qatar is a small peninsula in West Asia jutting into the Persian Gulf. It shares its only land border with Saudi Arabia and is separated from Bahrain by the Gulf of Bahrain.
- Political system: Officially known as the State of Qatar, it has been ruled by the House of Thani since 1868. The country gained independence from Britain in 1971. The Emir holds executive, legislative and judicial authority, while a partly elected Consultative Assembly can block laws.
- Capital: Doha, home to around 80 % of the population.
- Geography: The terrain is mostly flat, low‑lying desert. The highest point is only about 103 m above sea level.
Key features
- Economy: Qatar possesses the world’s third‑largest proven natural gas reserves and significant oil deposits. It is one of the largest exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and has one of the highest per‑capita incomes globally.
- Politics: The Emir has broad powers, but there have been steps towards limited participation through municipal elections and the Consultative Assembly.
- Strategic role: Qatar is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and a major non‑NATO ally of the United States. It hosts the U.S. military’s Al Udeid air base, a key hub for operations in the region. The Al Jazeera media network, headquartered in Doha, has given Qatar outsized influence in regional diplomacy.