Qatar at a Glance Location: The main land-mass of Qatar lies on a peninsula of low-lying land that protrudes from the mainland of eastern Arabia, into the mid-western waters of the Arabian Gulf. It has a number of associated reefs and islands. Area: 11,437 square kilometers Climate: Desert temperature climate, characterised by long, hot summers and short winters with low rainfall. Population: 600,000 people Independence: 3 September, 1971 Accession Day: 27 June Religion: Islam Language: Arabic Capital: Doha Important towns: Misaiaeed (the primary industrial city in Qatar), Al Khor, Al Wakrah, Dukhan, Al Shamal, Al Zubarah and Ras Laffan. Time: 3 hours ahead of GMT. Currency: Qatari Riyal (US$ 1 = 3.65 QR). Banks: 14 banks of which 6 are national.

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