Qatar: flag, capital, currency and history

Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a country in Western Asia, Asia. Its capital is Doha. The currency is the Qatari riyal. Languages spoken include Arabic.

Quick facts about Qatar

Official name: State of Qatar
Capital: Doha
Region: Asia, Western Asia
Currency: Qatari riyal (QAR, ر.ق)
Languages: Arabic
Calling code: +974
Internet domain: .qa
Area: 11,586 km² (4,473 sq mi)
Land borders: Saudi Arabia
Demonym: Qatari
National day: National Day, December 18

Flag of Qatar

Download the flag of Qatar as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇶🇦.

SVG (vector)

History of Qatar

The Qatar peninsula supported small fishing and pearling communities for centuries and was influenced by neighbouring powers. In the nineteenth century the Al Thani family emerged as its leading rulers, and Muhammad bin Thani signed an agreement with Britain in 1868. The Ottomans maintained a presence from 1871 until 1915, and Qatar became a British protected state in 1916. Oil was discovered at Dukhan in 1939, with exports beginning after the Second World War. Qatar became fully independent on 3 September 1971. It is a hereditary monarchy with Doha as its capital.

Key dates

1868Muhammad bin Thani concludes an agreement with Britain, marking the rise of the Al Thani.
1871Ottoman forces establish a presence on the peninsula.
1916Qatar signs a treaty making it a British protected state.
1939Oil is discovered at Dukhan.
1971Qatar becomes independent as British treaty relations end.

A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.