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Qatar History
Qatar History
In early 2017, Qatar's total population was 2.6 million: 313,000 Qatari citizens and 2.3
million expatriates.[19] Islam is the official religion of Qatar.[20] In terms of income, the country
has the third-highest GDP (PPP) per capita in the world,[21] and the sixth-highest GNI per capita
(Atlas method).[22] Qatar is classified by the UN as a country of very high human development,
having the third-highest HDI in the Arab world after United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
[23]
Qatar is a World Bank high-income economy, backed by the world's third-largest natural gas
reserves and oil reserves.[24]
Qatar has been ruled by the House of Thani since Mohammed bin Thani signed a treaty with the
British in 1868 that recognised its separate status. Following Ottoman rule, Qatar became
a British protectorate in the early 20th century until gaining independence in 1971. In 2003, the
constitution was overwhelmingly approved in a referendum, with almost 98% in favour.[25][26] In
the 21st century, Qatar emerged as a significant power in the Arab world both through its
globally expanding media group, Al Jazeera Media Network, and reportedly supporting several
rebel groups financially during the Arab Spring.[27][28][29] For its size, Qatar wields
disproportionate influence in the world, and has been identified as a middle power.[30][31]
The FIFA World Cup 2022 will be held in Qatar. Making it the first ever Muslim and Arab
country to host the cup.[32]