Travel Guide Qatar - Country Information

Coordinates: 25 30 N, 51 15 E
Population: 885,359 (July 2006 est.)
Religions: Muslim 95%
Languages: Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language
Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Elevation: lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m / highest point: Qurayn Abu al Bawl 103 m
Hazards: haze, dust storms, sandstorms common
Background Qatar: Ruled by the al-Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari economy was crippled by a continuous siphoning off of petroleum revenues by the amir, who had ruled the country since 1972. His son, the current Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa al-Thani, overthrew him in a bloodless coup in 1995. In 2001, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Oil and natural gas revenues enable Qatar to have one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.

Summary of recommendations:All travelers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure.
Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A	Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid	For travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels
Hepatitis B	For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)	Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given
Tetanus-diphtheria	Revaccination recommended every 10 years