Long-form name: State of Qatar

Type: traditional monarchy

Capital: Doha

Administrative divisions: none

Independence: 3 September 1971 (from UK)

Constitution: provisional constitution enacted 2 April 1970

Legal system: discretionary system of law controlled by the ruler, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law is significant in personal matters

National holiday: Independence Day, 3 September (1971)

Branches: executive--amir and Council of Ministers; legislature--State Advisory Council

Leader: @m5Chief of State and Head of Government Amir and Prime Minister Khalifa bin Hamad Al THANI (since 22 February 1972)

Suffrage: no specific provisions for suffrage laid down

Elections: constitution calls for elections for part of State Advisory Council, a consultative body, but no elections have been held

Political parties and leaders: none

Other political or pressure groups: a few small clandestine organizations

Member of: Arab League, FAO, G-77, GATT (de facto), GCC, IBRD, ICAO, IDB--Islamic Development Bank, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ahmed Abdulla Zaid AL-MAHMOUD; Chancery at Suite 1180, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington DC 20037; telephone (202) 338-0111; US--Ambassador Joseph GHOUGASSIAN; Embassy at Fariq Bin Omran (opposite the television station), Doha (mailing address is P. O. Box 2399, Doha); telephone Õ974å 864701 through 864703

Flag: maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side

NOTE: The information regarding Qatar on this page is re-published from the 1989 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Qatar Government 1989 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Qatar Government 1989 should be addressed to the CIA.