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Environment and
Wildlife
The desert
environment of the Qatari peninsula varies from low plains in
most parts of the country to sand dunes in the south-eastern
parts, with isolated sabkha, occasional pools, and well
established trees such as sidr (Ziziphus nummularia), harm (Zygophyllum
qatarense) and samr (Acacia tortilis) in the north.
Its strategic location in the Gulf region, on the course of
many north-south and east-west migrating birds, has made the
Qatari Peninsula of particular interest to ornithologists and
a focal point for a wide range of resident and visiting
birdlife. Most of the recorded migrating species stopover in
Qatar during their spring and autumn passages from Europe and
Asia to Africa and Southern Arabia. The most famous Qatari
bird is the houbara bustard, while Socotra cormorants breed on
coastal islands and a wide variety of coastal birds may be
seen throughout the year, including povers, herons, terns and
gulls. Inland, larks are a feature of the local birdlife with
hoopoe lark, crested lark and black-crowned finch lark all
present. In autumn the list swells to include swallows,
swifts, martins, warblers, shrikes, flycatchers, wheatears,
wagtails and a number of falcons including kestrel and
harriers.
The Ministry of Municipality and Agricultural Affairs is
paying special attention to preservation of endangered
indigenous and migrating birds. A number of natural reserves
has been established such as al-Wadhaihi in al-Shahaniyah, the
gazelle reserve in Ras Ashairij and the ibex reserve on Halool
island.
Qatari are known for breeding camels, particularly in the
southern area around al-Kar'anah, al-A'reek and al-Qaseerah,
Arab thoroughbred camel races are held annually in Qatar.
Coastal marine resources include important sea-grass beds,
vital as shrimp, pearloyster and fish nurseries as well as
providing feeding grounds for endangered dugong and turtles.
Economic
Development
The economic
policy of Qatar is based on diversification of national income
resources through expansion of industrial and agricultural
production, in combination with development of human
resources. It also aims to provide a larger role to the
private sector. A key objective is to achieve a surplus in the
balance of payments through increasing exports and tightening
budgetary control through implementation of essential reforms
in financial policy.
To this end, several joint stock companies have been
established such as the Qatar Manufacturing Company with a
capital of QR 400 million and the Qatari Water and Electricity
Company at QR 1 billion. Incentives have also been offered to
the private sector in order to encourage investment in
industrial projects. Several laws have been passed in
connection with this programme, including Law 25 of 1990 which
deals with organisation of foreign capital investment in
economic activity, and Law 11 of 1992 regarding income tax.
So far as the hydrocarbon industries are concerned, Qatar has
been able to maintain its oil production capacity, and oil
production and exports have continued at levels which meet the
country's financial requirements and development needs.
On a worldwide basis Qatar now ranks as the third largest
holder of natural gas reserves with estimates of more than 500
trillion cubic feet, and proven reserves of 350 trillion cubic
feet. The first phase of development of al-Shamal gas field
was opened in 1991 with a production capacity of 6 million
tonnes of liquified gas per year. The Ras Laffan liquefied gas
per year. The Ras Laffan liquified gas project, established in
1993, aims to produce 10 million tonnes of liquefied gas from
Al Shamal gas field.
Qatar has also paid special attention to development of the
industrial sector and supported it through investment in
manufacturing and quarrying industries. Several incentives
were offered to the private sector to encourage investment in
industry. A number of industries were established depending on
local raw materials such as petrochemicals, chemical
fertilisers, gas liquefaction, oil refining, cement, steel and
iron.
The private sector has also established several factories for
manufacture of foodstuffs, textiles, garments, leather, wood,
furniture, paper, chemicals, rubber, plastic, aluminum,
machines and equipment.
Particular attention is also paid to agricultural projects
which aim at securing self sufficiency. The Qatar government
has provided strong support to farmers and has encouraged
local capital investment in this sector. The number of
registered farms has recently risen to 1131, with 891 active
farms, while the overall agricultural area has reached 285,018
donum. Significant agricultural developments include the
Mushabiyah Date Palm Project, the Qatari Arab Company for
Vegetable Production, the Qatari Arab Company for Poultry
Production and the diary and sheep project in Abu Samrah area.
Qatar has modern well-equipped communication and
telecommunications networks, connecting it with the world
through three earth-stations. Water and electricity are
provided free to all citizens and the Qatar government remains
committed to providing its citizens with a wide range of
services and amenities.
Social
Development
Education is
free in Qatar at all stages, and students in government
schools are provided with free books and transportation, as
well as financial incentives.
The standard of living in Qatar is considered one of the best
worldwide, thanks to the comprehensive social care programme
established two decades ago. Medical care and medicines are
available for both citizens and residents, and hospitals and
medical centers are equipped with the latest technological
devices.
Qatari women participate actively in several social service
fields and have played an important role in women's social and
charity activities. They have also penetrated all fields of
work.
Leisure time facilities are also provided for, including many
local attractions such as the zoo, Doha Corniche, al-Wakra and
al-Khor parks as well as the 'Alladin King' Fun City. Some
might prefer to stroll along the Fourairt, Dukhan and Khor al-A'deed
beaches, as well as Sileen resort and al-Nakheel island
facilities.
The General Authority of Youth and Sports supervises 13 sport
associations and 14 clubs, of which nine are sport clubs,
together with the Youth Centers Society.
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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