Qatar is located on the Western shore of the Arabian Gulf. It is surrounded by the sea on three sides and also has a number of offshore reefs and islands. Its nearest seaward neighbour is Bahrain in the North. In the South at the neck of the peninsula, it is bordered by Saudi Arabia. The channel that runs into the Gulf of Salwa separates Qatar from Bahrain. Natural vegetation is limited. Blown sand covers much of the South and the existing flora is confined to the North. The coastline is uneven and rises gently on both sides of the peninsula. The country has a moderate desert climate with mild winters and humid summers. Rainfall is limited.

Qatar has large deposits of crude oil and natural gas with increased production levels and developing offshore oilfields. The country has one of the world’s largest oilfields and the third largest source of natural gas. However, there have been shifts in production from hydrocarbons industry to petrochemicals, fuel additives and oil distribution. The other industrial products are fertilisers, steel and cement. Tourism, banking and services sectors are also developing. Agricultural production is limited to fruits, vegetables, poultry, beef and fish and most food products are imported.
 

GDP at Current Market Prices:	28451.37 million US$ (2004)
Per Capita GDP:	41846.36 US$ (2004)
Share of Sectors in GDP:	0.20% Agriculture, 64.4% Industry, 35.2% Services, (2004)
Total Exports:	14029.42 million US$ (2003)
Total Imports:	- million US$ (2004)
Major Exports Items:	Petroleum products, natural gas, fertilizers and steel
Major Imports Items:	Machinery and equipment, manufactured goods, foodstuffs and chemicals
Major Trading Partners:	US, Japan,  South Korea, Italy, UAE and UK

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture

Ministry of Economy and Commerce

Planning Council, Statistics Department

Qatar Central Bank