Facts

Location: Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia

Area (only Total) total: 11,437 sq km

Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Terrain: mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel

Population: 824,789 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Arabic (official)

Government type: emirate

Capital (Name): Doha

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+3

Independence: 3 September 1971 (from UK)

National holiday: Independence Day, 3 September (1971); also observed is National Day, 18 December