Q A T A R
Q A T A R
This Arabian state occupies the Qatar peninsula, projecting north into the Persian Gulf. The peninsula is some 124 miles (200km) long. Like other Gulf states, Qatar has a hot, dry climate and most of the land is desert. Temperatures in summer (July-August) reach over 100 degrees F in some places. There is some rainfall in winter. Natural vegetation is restricted to desert species, and there is little wildlife. The people, known as Qataris, are Muslim Arabs, and include desert nomads. The majority of the population is non-Qatari, mainly from other parts of southwest Asia, India and Pakistan. Qatar was Turkish-ruled before coming under British protection in 1916. It became independent in 1971. The ruler, an emir, appoints government ministers, and there is no elected parliament. Large oil revenues have financed generous government services.