Qatar at a Glance: Demographics and Political System

Demographic Overview

Population Composition

• Qatari Citizens: Approximately 300,000 (11% of population)
• Expatriate Residents: Approximately 2.6 million (89% of population)
• Gender Distribution: Roughly equal male/female ratio
• Median Age: 34 years

Political System

Qatar operates as a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament:

• Head of State: Emir (Hereditary position)
• Government: Council of Ministers led by Prime Minister
• Parliament: Shura Council (45 members, 30 elected, 15 appointed)
• Legal System: Civil law system influenced by Islamic law

Economic Indicators

Key Economic Drivers

• Natural Gas: World's largest LNG exporter
• Sovereign Wealth Fund: $500+ billion in assets
• Diversification: Investment in technology, tourism, and finance
• Free Trade Zones: Business-friendly economic policies

Social Development

Qatar ranks highly on human development indices:

• Literacy Rate: 98% (one of world's highest)
• Life Expectancy: 80+ years
• Healthcare: Universal coverage, world-class facilities
• Education: Free public education through university level

International Relations

Qatar maintains an independent foreign policy:

• Alliances: Strong partnerships with U.S., EU, and regional neighbors
• Mediation Role: Active in conflict resolution and diplomacy
• Humanitarian Aid: World's largest per capita donor
• International Organizations: Active member of UN, WTO, OPEC