Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800, Qatar became a British protectorate known mainly poor pearls in an independent state with significant oil revenues and gas. During the 1980's and early 1990, Qatar's economy was crippled by the continuous removal of oil revenues by the Amir, who has ruled the country since 1972. His son, Emir Hamad bin Khalifa current Al Thani, overthrew him in a bloodless coup in 1995. Decided in 2001, for a long time Qatar border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Oil and natural gas revenues enable Qatar one of the largest per capita income.
National Flag
- The maroon color symbolizes the blood shed during the several wars Qatar had undergone, particularly in the second half of the 19th century.
- The white color reflects the internationally recognized symbol of peace.
- The nine-point serrated line indicates that Qatar is the 9th member of the "reconciled Emirates" of the Persian Gulf in the wake of concluding the Qatari-British treaty in 1916.
Oil and gas for more than 55% of GDP, approximately 85% of exports and 70% of total government revenue. Oil and gas have given Qatar a per capita GDP of about 80% of the first European countries in the western industry. 16 billion barrels of oil reserves to ensure the continued production at current levels for 23 years. Proven natural gas, Qatar is more than 14 billion cubic meters, more than 5% of the world and the third largest in the world. The long-term goals feature the development of natural gas reserves offshore significant decline in oil production to compensate. In recent years, Qatar has always been that the trade surplus was mainly due to high oil prices and increased natural gas exports, becoming one of the fastest growing in the world and the highest of the countries income per capita.
