Qatar

The State of Qatar (Arabic: قطر), an emirate in the Middle East, occupies a small peninsula off the larger Arabian Peninsula. It borders Saudi Arabia to the south; otherwise the Persian Gulf surrounds the country.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Qatar

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Before the discovery of oil the economy of the Qatari region focussed on fishing and pearling. After the introduction of the Japanese cultured pearl onto the world market in the 1920s and 1930s, Qatar's pearling industry faltered. But the discovery of oil reserves, beginning in the 1940s, completely transformed the nation's economy. Now, the country has a high standard of living, with many social services offered to its citizens and all the amenities of any modern nation.

Related Topics:
Fishing - Pearling - 1940s - Standard of living

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Qatar's national income primarily derives from oil and natural gas exports. The country has oil reserves estimated at 15 billion barrels (2.4 km³). Qataris' wealth and standard of living compare well with those of Western European nations. Qatar has the highest GDP per capita in the developing world ($39,607 as of 2005).

Related Topics:
Oil - Natural gas - Oil reserves - Wealth - Standard of living - Western Europe - GDP - 2005

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