World Happiness Report for Qatar 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Qatar: na
- Happiness Score Qatar:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Qatar. QA.
Qatar is a constitutional monarchy with a ruling Emir
- known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional Qatari art forms
- a significant exporter of natural gas and has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world
Qatar – An Overview
Early History:
The territory of modern-day Qatar has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the 4th millennium BCE. The region was home to various nomadic tribes and saw the rise and fall of several ancient civilizations, including the Dilmun, Akkadian, and Babylonian empires.
Kingdoms and Empires:
Qatar was part of various Islamic empires throughout history, including the Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman empires. The Al Thani family, which rules Qatar today, established its dominance in the region in the 19th century.
Colonial Period:
Qatar was a British protectorate from 1916 until its independence in 1971. During this period, the country’s economy was primarily dependent on pearl diving and fishing, with limited development.
Independence and Modern Era:
Qatar gained independence on September 3, 1971, after the withdrawal of British forces from the region. Since then, the country has experienced rapid economic growth and development, fueled by its vast oil and natural gas reserves. Qatar has remained a hereditary monarchy under the Al Thani family, with a focus on economic diversification and modernization.
Current Political Situation:
Qatar is an absolute monarchy, with the Emir, currently Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, serving as the head of state and wielding significant executive power. The country has an elected Advisory Council (Shura Council) that can propose legislation but has limited legislative authority. Recent elections have seen increased participation from Qatari citizens.
International Relations:
Qatar has maintained strong ties with its regional neighbors in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and has played a significant role in mediating regional conflicts. However, it has also faced diplomatic tensions with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt due to its perceived support for Islamist groups and its relationship with Iran.
Human Development and Economy:
Qatar has a high-income economy, with a strong focus on the energy sector, particularly natural gas. The country has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world and has invested heavily in infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. Qatar ranks highly on the Human Development Index but faces challenges related to labor rights and the treatment of migrant workers.
Cultural Highlights:
Qatar has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its Islamic traditions and Bedouin roots. Arabic is the official language, and Islam is the predominant religion. Qatar has made significant contributions to the arts, literature, and architecture, with notable landmarks like the Museum of Islamic Art and the iconic Souq Waqif.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Qatar faces challenges related to economic diversification, climate change, and labor rights. However, the country has significant opportunities in areas such as sports (hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup), education, tourism, and renewable energy development.
Travel Tips for Qatar
Best Times to Visit: The best time to visit Qatar is from November to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Public displays of affection should be avoided, and alcohol consumption is generally restricted.
Safety Precautions: Qatar is generally a safe destination, but visitors should exercise caution in crowded areas and be aware of local laws and customs.
Must-see Landmarks: Explore the Museum of Islamic Art, visit the vibrant Souq Waqif, and experience the desert landscape at the Khor Al Adaid Inland Sea.
Main facts
1. Location
Qatar is a sovereign country located in Western Asia, occupying a small peninsula in the northeastern portion of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the west and south, and by the Persian Gulf to the north and east, with a strategic location in the central Persian Gulf region.
2. Map References
Qatar is situated in the Middle East, within the Arabian Peninsula.
3. Area – Comparative
Qatar has a total area of 11,586 square kilometers (4,473 square miles), slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Connecticut.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Qatar shares a land border of 87 kilometers (54 miles) with Saudi Arabia.
5. Coastline
Qatar has a coastline of 563 kilometers (350 miles) along the Persian Gulf, featuring various bays, inlets, and coral reefs.
6. Maritime Claims
Qatar claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, a contiguous zone of 24 nautical miles, and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles.
7. Climate
Qatar has a hot, arid climate with minimal rainfall. Summers are exceptionally hot and humid, while winters are mild and pleasant.
8. Terrain
Qatar’s terrain is mostly flat and barren desert, with some low hills and dunes in the southeast. The country has a few fertile areas suitable for agricultural development.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Qatar is Qurayn Abu al Bawl at 103 meters (338 feet), while the lowest point is the Persian Gulf at 0 meters (0 feet).
10. Natural Resources
Qatar’s major natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, fish, and shale.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The Persian Gulf borders Qatar to the north and east, while the Khor al Adaid is a significant inland sea in the southeast.
12. Natural Hazards
Qatar is prone to occasional sandstorms and periodic droughts.
13. Geography – Notes
Qatar’s small size and strategic location in the Persian Gulf have played a significant role in its economic development, particularly in the energy and maritime trade sectors. The country’s limited freshwater resources and arid climate pose challenges for sustainable development.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 0.00%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 103,259. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 5.80%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 25.35482651.183884.
- Capital: The capital of Qatar is Doha
- Major Cities:
- Doha – population: 1,850,000
- Al Rayyan – population: 605,712
- Umm Salal – population: 60,509
- Mesaieed – population: 47,000
- Al Wakrah – population: 33,606
- Population: 2,832,067
- Area(Km2): 11586
- Population Density( P/Km²):248. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:974
- Official Language(s):Qatar is primary language is Arabic, spoken by 100% of the population.
- Currency: QAR
Main Economic Indicators
Qatar has a prosperous economy driven by its vast oil and natural gas reserves. Despite its small population, Qatar ranks among the wealthiest countries globally, with a high GDP per capita. The government has focused on diversifying the economy beyond hydrocarbons, investing in sectors like manufacturing, construction, finance, and tourism. Challenges include addressing infrastructure needs, reducing reliance on expatriate labor, and promoting private sector growth.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
Inflation rate: -0.6% (2019 est.), 0.2% (2018 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook
Credit Ratings
Moody’s: Aa3 (Stable)
Fitch: AA- (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: AA- (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 0.1%
Industry: 50.3%
Services: 49.6% (2017 est.)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Dates, melons, tomatoes, dairy products
Industrial Products: Liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement
Labor Force
Total labor force: 2.135 million (2020 est.)
World Ranking: 116
Current Account Balance
Current account balance: $5.53 billion (2019 est.), $25.03 billion (2018 est.)
World Ranking: 26 (2019 est.)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $55.37 billion (2019 est.)
Major export partners: Japan 18%, South Korea 15%, India 12%, China 10%, Singapore 8% (2019)
Major exports: Liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers, steel
Imports: $32.09 billion (2019 est.)
Major import partners: United States 14%, China 11%, UAE 8%, Germany 7%, Japan 6%, India 5%, UK 5% (2019)
Major imports: Machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $38.5 billion (31 December 2021 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$183,466,208,791. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 14.70%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 11.30%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.40. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 0.09%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Qatari(s)
Adjective: Qatari
2. Ethnic Groups
Arab 61.6%
Indian 13.8%
Nepali 13.4%
Filipino 3.1%
Other 8.1%
3. Religions
Muslim 65.5%
Christian 13.8%
Hindu 13.8%
Buddhist 3.1%
Other 3.8%
4. Age Structure
0-14 years: 12.49%
15-64 years: 86.09%
65 years and over: 1.42%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 16.2%
Youth dependency ratio: 14.5%
Elderly dependency ratio: 1.7%
6. Median Age
Total: 33.3 years
Male: 34.4 years
Female: 28.6 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity rate: 35.1%
Alcohol consumption (liters per capita): 0.9
Tobacco use: 14.6%
Diabetes prevalence: 16.7%
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 80.1. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 97.3%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:9.54. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:1. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.87. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 94.2%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 2,809,071. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):6.20%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Qatar’s military forces comprise the Qatar Armed Forces with the following branches:
- Qatari Army – The largest service branch, responsible for ground operations and national defense.
- Qatari Navy – Tasked with maritime security and coastal defense.
- Qatari Air Force – Operates the country’s aerial defense capabilities.
- Internal Security Force – A specialized unit for counterterrorism and crisis response operations.
The Ministry of Interior oversees the national police force and other security services responsible for maintaining internal security and public order.
Military Expenditures
Qatar’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.8%
- 2021: 1.6%
- 2020: 1.5%
- 2019: 1.4%
- 2018: 1.3%
Qatar ranks among the top 15 countries globally in terms of military expenditure as a percentage of GDP.
Personnel Strengths
Qatar’s active-duty military personnel strength is approximately 11,800, with the following breakdown:
- Qatari Army: 8,500
- Qatari Navy: 1,800
- Qatari Air Force: 1,500
Additionally, the Ministry of Interior maintains a sizable internal security force, including the National Guard and Gendarmerie.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Qatar’s military equipment inventory includes a mix of domestically produced and imported hardware, such as:
- Main battle tanks (e.g., AMX-30, Leopard 2A7)
- Armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles
- Artillery systems and surface-to-air missile systems
- Combat aircraft (e.g., Mirage 2000, Rafale multirole fighters)
- Naval vessels, including patrol craft and amphibious ships
Qatar has embarked on a significant military modernization program, with ongoing and future acquisitions focused on enhancing its air defense, naval, and missile capabilities.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in Qatar is voluntary, with the following age requirements:
- Qatari Army and Navy: 18-35 years old
- Qatari Air Force: 18-27 years old
Qatar has implemented various enlistment programs, including the National Service program for Qatari nationals, aimed at fostering national identity and preparedness.
Military Deployments
Qatar currently contributes military personnel and assets to the following international missions:
- United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) – Contingent of troops and naval assets.
- NATO Mission in Afghanistan (Resolute Support) – Contingent of personnel for training and advisory roles.
- Anti-ISIS Coalition – Contributing air and ground assets to combat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
Strategic Military Notes
Qatar’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining a modern and capable military to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, with a particular emphasis on air defense and maritime security capabilities. The country’s strategic location and energy resources also shape its security priorities.
Qatar is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and maintains close military ties with regional allies and global partners, such as the United States and NATO. Its military plays a role in regional security and peacekeeping efforts, contributing to international missions and counterterrorism operations.
- Armed Forces Size: 66550. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2.49
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 86.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.