Qatar is a country that some people on the planet don't even know exists. But it was she who in 2015 was recognized by the International Monetary Fund as the richest state in the world. After this news, many wondered: where, in fact, is the country of Qatar? You will find photos and descriptions of this amazing state in our article. In addition, we will talk about the tourist attractions of Qatar.
Qatar is the country of the richest people
Today this state is really on everyone's lips. After all, it was recognized by the International Monetary Fund as the richest in the world! The GDP per capita here is over $90,000. The inhabitants of this country themselves do not know what unemployment and poverty are. And the name of this state is Qatar.
What country in the world can still boast such economic performance? For comparison: even in a very prosperous UK, GDP per capita barely reaches 45 thousand dollars. But in Qatar, according to experts, this figure will reach 112 thousand next year.
What is the secret of such we alth andwell-being? The answer is simple - in oil. Its reserves here are so great that the inhabitants of the two millionth Qatar can literally afford to swim in it. In addition, natural gas is also actively produced in the country. Of course, all these natural resources will eventually run out. Therefore, what this state will be like in 100-200 years is unknown. But today, Qatar is a we althy country whose prosperity is envied by many.
Finding this amazing state on the map is very difficult. Although Herodotus wrote about him in his writings. The next section will focus on the geography of Qatar.
A brief geography of Qatar
Where is the country of Qatar? The state is located in the Middle East, on the coast of the Persian Gulf. If you look closely at the map below, then a tiny dot in the center of the black circle will be the state of Qatar.
Earlier, this country was just one of the British colonies. However, in 1971 it gained sovereignty. The area of modern Qatar is only 11.5 thousand square kilometers. No more than two million people live here, with almost three times as many men as women.
Qatar is a country with rather difficult climatic conditions. Summer here is very dry and hot, the temperature sometimes rises to +45…50 degrees Celsius. Almost the entire territory of Qatar is a desert with very poor flora and fauna. There are no natural streams with a constant flow, drinking water is obtained here by desalination of sea water.
QatarIt is an absolute monarchy with an emir as head of state. Any political parties or trade union organizations are prohibited here. The basis of the country's economy is oil production and oil refining, metallurgical and chemical industries. Agriculture is very poorly developed and does not meet the internal needs of the population of Qatar. In the oases, some vegetables are grown, goats and camels are bred.
The strength of Qatar's armed forces is about 12,000 people. At the same time, the country closely cooperates in the military sphere with the United States. One of the four overseas centers of the United States Army is stationed here.
Quality of life in Qatar
Looking through pictures of Qatar's cities, it's hard to believe that this is how they really look. This Arab state is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Future". The modern standard of living in Qatar can be outlined by a few of the most important features. First of all:
- high level of welfare of citizens;
- virtually zero unemployment;
- free education and medicine;
- very low crime rate.
The salaries of the local population here are really very high. True, life in Qatar is not cheap. So, for renting small apartments here you will have to pay about 3000-4000 dollars a month. Utilities are relatively cheap - 200-300 dollars a month. Lunch at an inexpensive cafe or restaurant costs about $30-50.
TodayQatar is actively preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which it received the right to host in 2022. 12 football stadiums are being built in Doha, and the city's transport system is being modernized.
Main tourist attractions in the country
The most popular tourist attraction is the National Museum of Qatar, which impresses all its visitors with a huge two-level aquarium. Many guests of the country book a jeep safari, which includes a visit to a real Bedouin camp. Travelers with children are sure to go to Palm Island or to the local Kingdom of Aladdin.
Twenty kilometers from the capital of Qatar is the beautiful Umm Salal Mohammed Fort - a snow-white fortification with two towers and an ancient mosque.
Another important attraction of Qatar is its national cuisine. In this Arab country, you will not be served pork, but in any restaurant you can taste delicious and varied dishes from all other types of meat. A distinctive feature of Qatari cuisine is the abundance of herbs and aromatic spices.
Doha is the capital of Qatar
Almost 90% of the country's total population lives in the capital of Qatar. This is a traditional Arab city, but significantly modernized. Here a tourist can see old houses built in the Arabic style, taste delicious meat dishes or visit a colorful action - camel races.
Special attention should be paid to the museums of the capital, among which the Ethnographic Museum occupies a special place. It is located intraditional Qatari building and tells about the life and life of local residents before the "oil boom".
In Doha, tourists should definitely visit local markets. They can buy spices, dishes and souvenirs, and even exotic animals!
In conclusion…
Qatar is a country in the Middle East, whose inhabitants do not know what poverty and unemployment are. The main we alth of a small state is oil and gas. The extraction of these natural resources accounts for about 80% of Qatar's total income.
Rich history, originality, softness of Islamic traditions and a very developed infrastructure attract a huge number of tourists from other countries to Qatar.
