Capital: Doha
Administrative divisions: there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 9 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, Ash Shamal, Jarayan al Batnah, Umm Salal

Independence: 3 September 1971 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 3 September (1971)

Constitution: provisional constitution enacted 2 April 1970

Legal system: discretionary system of law controlled by the amir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law is significant in personal matters
Suffrage: none

Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: Amir and Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Hamad Al Thani (since 22 February 1972); Crown Prince HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (appointed 31 May 1977; son of Amir and Minister of Defense)
cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the amir

Legislative branch: unicameral
Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura): constitution calls for elections for part of this consultative body, but no elections have been held; seats - (30 total)

Judicial branch: Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders: none
Member of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador ABD AL-RAHMAN bin Saud bin Faud Al Thani
chancery: Suite 1180, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: (202) 338-0111
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Kenton W. KEITH
embassy: 149 Ali Bin Ahmed St., Farig Bin Omran (opposite the television station), Doha
mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha
telephone: (0974) 864701 through 864703
FAX: (0974) 861669

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 1995 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Qatar Government 1995 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Qatar Government 1995 should be addressed to the CIA.