With a population of around two million, Qatar is one of the most exciting countries in the Middle East. The population is predominantly young, the economy expanding and the pace of modernization quickening every year.
Situated halfway along the western coast of the Arabian Gulf Qatar occupies a peninsula projecting approximately 160 km northwards from the Arabian mainland. It has been blessed with large oil reserves and one of the world’s largest single concentrations of non-associated natural gas in the world. Its economy is sound and thriving.
Arabic is the official language of Qatar but English is also widely spoken.
Doha is Qatar's largest city and is also the country's center of administration, finance, culture, transportation and social services. Doha also serves as the seat of the government of Qatar, which is ruled by his Highness the Emir Sheikh Tammim bin Hamad Al Thani.
As one of the wealthiest Arab states and being among the richest countries in the world, Qatar is also one of the safest countries in the world and a great place to raise a family.
There are a number of regular social and family events throughout the year. For younger members of the family, there are a variety of activities, which include bowling, tennis, swimming, sports and cinema.
Qatar has an increasingly high literacy rate and a wide range of schooling options. Several universities from the United States and Europe have established campuses here including Weill Medical College, Carnegie Mellon University, HEC Paris, University College London, Georgetown University, Virginia Commonwealth University and Texas A&M University.
For sports lovers, there are a number of local and international sporting events all year round. Qatar will be hosting FIFA World Cup in 2022, which makes it the first and the smallest Middle Eastern country ever to host the World Cup.
