 | |
| Continent | Asia |
|---|---|
| Region | Middle East |
| Coordinates | 25°18′N51°09′E / 25.30°N 51.15°E /25.30; 51.15 |
| Area | Ranked 164th |
| • Total | 11,571 km2 (4,468 sq mi) |
| • Land | 100% |
| • Water | 0% |
| Coastline | 563 km (350 mi) |
| Borders | Saudi Arabia: 60 km (37 mi) |
| Highest point | Qurayn Abu al Bawl, 103 m (338 ft) |
| Lowest point | Dukhan Sabkha, −7 m (−23 ft) |
| Climate | arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers |
| Terrain | mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel |
| Natural resources | petroleum, natural gas, fish |
| Natural hazards | haze, dust storms, sandstorms common |
| Environmental issues | limited natural freshwater resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities |
| Exclusive economic zone | 31,590 km2 (12,197 mi2) |
Qatar is apeninsula in the east ofArabia, bordering thePersian Gulf andSaudi Arabia in a strategic location near majorpetroleum andnatural gas deposits. TheState of Qatar occupies 11,571 km2 (4,468 sq mi) on a peninsula that extends about 160 km (99 mi) north into the Persian Gulf from the Arabian Peninsula.[1]
Varying in width between 55 and 90 km (34 and 56 mi), the land is mainly flat (the highest point is 103 m (338 ft)) and rocky.[1] Notable features include coastalsalt pans, elevated limestone formations (the Dukhan anticline) along the west coast under which lies theDukhan oil field, and massivesand dunes surroundingKhor Al Adaid, an inlet of the Persian Gulf in the southeast known to local English speakers as the Inland Sea.[1]
Qatar has oneland border. The country bordersSaudi Arabia to the south. The boundary with Saudi Arabia was settled in 1965 but never demarcated.[1] This terrestrial sector extends from the head of theGulf of Salwah atAbu Samra toKhor Al Adaid,[2] spanning a linear distance of approximately 87 kilometres (54 mi).[3]
Qatar presents as a peninsula encompassed by the tepid waters of thePersian Gulf on its eastern and northern flanks. The western margin is delineated by the Gulf of Salwah, a concave formation which effectively severs Qatar's terrestrial connection with theAl-Ahsa coast andBahrain.[2]
Qatar's northwest coast is fewer than 30 km (19 mi) from the main islands of Bahrain,[1] while the smallHawar Islands of Bahrain are only 1.9 kilometres (1.2 mi) off the coast.[4] The largest islet of the Hawar Islands is located 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) off Qatari mainland.[5] The peninsula's northernmost point isRas Rakan.[6]
Qatar's maritime boundaries include a contiguous zone of 24 nmi (44.4 km; 27.6 mi), anexclusive economic zone of 31,590 km2 (12,197 mi2) as determined by bilateral agreements, and 12 nmi (22.2 km; 13.8 mi) of territorial sea. Maritime boundaries were ratified in April 1992 with Decree No. 40.[7] The exclusive economic zone was declared in 1974.[8]
Situated on the western shore of thePersian Gulf, the Qatari promontory extends longitudinally into the waters, affording it a strategic position for the interception of rain-bearing winds and the regulation of maritime currents in the south-western basin of the Persian Gulf. The extended coastline facilitates the exploitation ofpearl banks and piscatorial resources while also providing access to subaqueouspetroleum deposits.[2] Aside from hosting large numbers of pearl beds yielding high quality pearls,[9] Qatari waters also host 48% of thecoral reefs in the Persian Gulf.[10]
The Qatari coast is further distinguished by its manifold indentations, comprising both convex protrusions of land into the sea, such asRas Laffan, and concave incursions of water into the terrestrial mass. Moreover, the littoral serves as a natural harbour and transit point for numerous vessels plying the waters of the Persian Gulf.[2]
Of the islands belonging to Qatar,Halul is the most important.[1] Lying about 90 km (56 mi) east ofDoha, it serves as a storage area and loading terminal for oil from the surrounding offshore fields.[1]Hawar and the adjacent islands immediately off the west coast are the subject of a territorial dispute between Qatar andBahrain.[1]
The long summer (June through September) is characterized by intense heat and alternating dryness and humidity, with temperatures exceeding 40 °C (104 °F).[1] Temperatures are moderate from November to March,[1] ranging from as high as 39 °C (102 °F) in April to as low as 7 °C (45 °F) in January.[11] Rainfall averages 100 mm (3.9 in) per year, confined to the winter months, and falling in brief storms which are occasionally heavy enough to flood the small ravines and the usually dry wadis.[1]
Sudden, violent dust storms occasionally descend on the peninsula, blotting out the sun, causing wind damage, and temporarily disrupting transport and other services.[1]
The scarcity of rainfall and the limited underground water, most of which has such a high mineral content that it is unsuitable for drinking or irrigation, severely restricted the population and the extent of agricultural and industrial development the country could support until desalination projects began.[1] Although water continues to be provided from underground sources, most is obtained by desalination of seawater.[1]
| Climate data for Doha (1962–2013, extremes 1962–2013) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 32.4 (90.3) | 36.5 (97.7) | 41.5 (106.7) | 46.0 (114.8) | 47.7 (117.9) | 49.1 (120.4) | 50.4 (122.7) | 48.6 (119.5) | 46.2 (115.2) | 43.4 (110.1) | 38.0 (100.4) | 32.7 (90.9) | 50.4 (122.7) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 22.0 (71.6) | 23.4 (74.1) | 27.3 (81.1) | 32.5 (90.5) | 38.8 (101.8) | 41.6 (106.9) | 41.9 (107.4) | 40.9 (105.6) | 38.9 (102.0) | 35.4 (95.7) | 29.6 (85.3) | 24.4 (75.9) | 33.1 (91.5) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 17.8 (64.0) | 18.9 (66.0) | 22.3 (72.1) | 27.1 (80.8) | 32.5 (90.5) | 35.1 (95.2) | 36.1 (97.0) | 35.5 (95.9) | 33.3 (91.9) | 30.0 (86.0) | 25.0 (77.0) | 20.0 (68.0) | 27.8 (82.0) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 13.5 (56.3) | 14.4 (57.9) | 17.3 (63.1) | 21.4 (70.5) | 26.1 (79.0) | 28.5 (83.3) | 30.2 (86.4) | 30.0 (86.0) | 27.7 (81.9) | 24.6 (76.3) | 20.4 (68.7) | 15.6 (60.1) | 22.5 (72.5) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 3.8 (38.8) | 1.5 (34.7) | 8.2 (46.8) | 10.5 (50.9) | 15.2 (59.4) | 21.0 (69.8) | 23.5 (74.3) | 22.4 (72.3) | 20.3 (68.5) | 16.6 (61.9) | 11.8 (53.2) | 6.4 (43.5) | 1.5 (34.7) |
| Averageprecipitation mm (inches) | 13.2 (0.52) | 17.1 (0.67) | 16.1 (0.63) | 8.7 (0.34) | 3.6 (0.14) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 1.1 (0.04) | 3.3 (0.13) | 12.1 (0.48) | 75.2 (2.95) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 1.0 mm) | 1.7 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 1.3 | 8.8 |
| Averagerelative humidity (%) | 74 | 70 | 63 | 53 | 44 | 41 | 50 | 58 | 62 | 63 | 66 | 74 | 60 |
| Mean monthlysunshine hours | 244.9 | 224.0 | 241.8 | 273.0 | 325.5 | 342.0 | 325.5 | 328.6 | 306.0 | 303.8 | 276.0 | 241.8 | 3,432.9 |
| Mean dailysunshine hours | 7.9 | 8.0 | 7.8 | 9.1 | 10.5 | 11.4 | 10.5 | 10.6 | 10.2 | 9.8 | 9.2 | 7.8 | 9.4 |
| Source 1: NOAA[12] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: Qatar Meteorological Department (Climate Normals 1962–2013)[13][14] | |||||||||||||
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average sea temperature °C (°F) | 21.0 (69.8) | 19.4 (66.9) | 20.9 (69.6) | 23.3 (73.9) | 27.8 (82) | 30.5 (86.9) | 32.4 (90.3) | 33.6 (92.5) | 32.8 (91) | 30.8 (87.4) | 27.5 (81.5) | 23.5 (74.3) | 26.9 (80.5) |
| Source:[15] | |||||||||||||
The peninsula of Qatar is low-lying. Its shape is the surface expression of theanticlinal Qatar Arch,[16] formed during thePrecambrian Amar Collision about640 to 620 million years ago.[17] It is enveloped by loose sand and pebbles broken off the outcroppinglimestone. Smooth plains covered by fine-grained dust are found in the east, while the south and south-west portions of the peninsula mainly comprisesand dunes andsalt flats (locally known assabkhas), particularly nearMesaieed andKhor Al Adaid.[18] Sakbahs can also be found in western Qatar, nearDukhan andSawda Natheel.[19] Hill ranges (jebels) can be found in western Qatar near Dukhan and atJebel Fuwayrit on the northeast coast.[20] For purposes of categorization, the country is divided into five principal regions: coastal plain, interior plain, central belt, Dukhan region, and southern desert.[2]
The littoral of Qatar, extending some 650 kilometres (400 mi) fromAbu Samra toKhor Al Adaid viaAr Ru'ays, isemergent and characterized by recent geological formations. The western coast from Abu Samra to Ras Dukhan is relatively straight, while northward to Ar Ru'ays is indented with circular and oblong water incursions. The eastern coast is broader, with elevations increasing eastward from Dohah Al Husain.[2] Many flat, low-lying offshore islands are located near the coast and are accompanied bycoral reefs. As a result of salt water coming into contact with the low-lying land, manysalt flats (known locally assabkhas) have formed near the coast.[18]
%2c_desert.jpg)
Commencing at the inland margins of the coastal strip, this region is demarcated in the north by theAl Mafjar-Abu Dhalouf line. It broadens considerably southward, with its northern sector spanning 18.5 kilometres (11.5 mi) betweenAl-ʽAdhbah andAr Rakiyat, while its southern base betweenUmm Al Qahab andAl Suwaihliya measures 46.5 kilometres (28.9 mi). The surface is studded with elevenclosed basins. The northern sector is relatively flat, while the central sector, betweenFuwayrit andRawdat Al Faras, exhibits more complex topography with elevations ranging from 11 metres (36 ft) to 21 metres (69 ft).[2]
This zone aligns with Qatar's primary north-south oriented dome. It is distinguished by its topographical diversity, with elevations ranging from 31 metres (102 ft) to 49 metres (161 ft) above sea level. The surface is uneven, with circular or rectangular hills along the western borders reaching heights of 41 metres (135 ft) to 49 metres (161 ft). Fourteen closed basins are scattered throughout, smaller in the east within the Rus Formation and larger in the west within the Dammam Formation. The highest points are found in the hills southeast ofAl Jemailiya and to the west of the Al Jemailiya-Ash-Shahaniyah road.[2]
Occupying the greater part of Qatar's western flank, this area extends 87 kilometres (54 mi) fromRas Abrouq in the north to An Nakhsh in the south. It is characterized by complex structural units, with elevations reaching 92 metres (302 ft) at Khashm An-Nakhsh and depressions as low as −5 metres (−16 ft) below sea level in theDukhan Sabkha.[2] This sabkha, the largest inland salt flat in thePersian Gulf, runs for approximately 20 kilometres (12 mi), occupies an area of 73 km2 (28 sq mi),[21] and accommodates the lowest point of Qatar at −6 metres (−20 ft) below sea level.[19]Jebel Nakhsh, a notablemountain ridge south of Dukhan, contains substantial deposits ofgypsum.[22]
This region occupies 34.7% of Qatar's total area, south of Doha's latitude. It bears topographical similitude to the desert areas ofAbu Dhabi,Saudi Arabia, andBahrain, with undulating sand dunes interspersed with rockyhamada surfaces.[2] It is divided into four sub-regions:
The peninsula is notable for itssabkhas, or salt flats, of which the two distinct varieties are coastal and inland. The coastal sabkhas, more prevalent on the eastern seaboard, encompass an area of approximately 75 km2 (29 sq mi). These coastal formations rarely exceed an elevation of 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) to 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) metres above sea level, with some portions lying below the waterline. Consequently, during exceptionally high tides, often exacerbated by strong easterly winds, seawater may inundate these low-lying areas.[23]
Inland sabkhas, while less common, are of significant geological interest. A prominent example,Dukhan Sabkha, lies 3 kilometres east of Jebel Dukhan and south of theBay of Zekreet. Thisdepression, covering 73 km2 (28 sq mi), is largely situated below sea level and contains the lowest point in Qatar at −6 metres (−20 ft) below the sea's surface.[24] It stretches 24 kilometres from north to south and 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from east to west.[23] A second notable inland sabkha complex straddles the borders of Qatar,Saudi Arabia, and theUnited Arab Emirates. This formation comprises three discrete areas:Sawda Natheel to the south, Jawa Salama to the west, and Al Khufus to the east. These sabkhas, mostly subsea in elevation, collectively span an area of 25 km2 (9.7 sq mi).[23]
_near_Jebel_Jassasiya_in_northern_Qatar.jpg)
The surface of the Qatar Peninsula is punctuated by numerous smalldepressions, referred to asrawda or the pluralriyadh. These formations present as enclosed basins, save for those in the south-central region which may be open on one or more sides. The morphology of these depressions is diverse, ranging from circular to elongated forms, with some exhibiting irregular platforms. The scale of these depressions also varies widely. The most extensive, such as the Almajdah Depression, stretch for several kilometres, while the smallest span mere tens of metres. Their formation is primarily attributed to the dissolution of surface limestone byrainwater runoff, a process that has been active across much of the peninsula.[25]
Dry valleys, known aswadis, are featured most prominently in Qatar's northern region and the vicinity of Jebel Dukhan. They are characterised by their internal drainage systems, which terminate in shallow depressions rarely exceeding 2 to 3 metres in depth. While they may extend for several kilometres in length, they maintain a remarkably narrow profile, with a width invariably less than 100 metres.[25]
(8)%2c_desert.jpg)
The peninsula features several low hills scattered throughout its western and southern regions. Notable among these is Jebel Dukhan, a series of convex hillocks extending 80 kilometres (50 mi) north-south along the west coast. The peninsula's terrain also features distinctive flat-topped hills, formed by horizontal strata capped with relatively hard rock. These formations exhibit steep, often concave or stepped slopes, shaped by varying degrees of rock resistance.[26]
Topographical features range from small, conical hills—where the resistant rock cap has eroded—to more extensive mesa-like formations. Elevation varies considerably; in theZekreet Peninsula and nearAl Khor, the hills are 10 metres (33 ft) to 15 metres (49 ft) above sea level. The southern hills are much taller, with Qatar's highest point,Qurayn Abu al Bawl (also known as Tuwayyir Al Hamir) being over 100 metres (330 ft) above sea level.[26]
Although most of the country consists ofsanddeserts, a small part of the country houses differentvegetation zones, where trees, reeds and shrubs liketamarind,phragmites, andmace can grow. These regions are mostly to the east, near the coast. The inherent limiting factor for vegetation growth is water availability. Certain geographical features partially alleviate thiswater scarcity, such asrawdas, which are large depressions found on the soil surface and which help recharge the aquifers.[27] As these sites constitute the most easily obtainable sources of shallow groundwater, they are also among the areas most abundant in wild vegetation.[28]
In the south, where groundwater is exceedingly scarce, vegetation can found growing inwadis (dry river valleys) fed by run-off from nearby hills and in rawdas.[29]Sabkhas are another habitat known to contain various plant species. Vegetation in sabkhas is closely tied to soil salinity and moisture availability. Inland sabkhas are typically sparsely vegetated due to extreme salinity and aridity. Species that persist under these conditions includeZygophyllum qatarense,Anabasis setifera, which occurs along sabkha margins, and the halophytic grassAeluropus lagopoides. By contrast, coastal sabkhas situated beyond mangrove zones are more frequently vegetated, often supporting dense stands of salt-tolerant flora. Typical genera includeArthrocnemum,Halocnemum,Halopeplis, andLimonium. Halopeplis and Limonium are commonly found on slightly raised, drier saline land, whereas Arthrocnemum and Halocnemum are more abundant in low-lying, moisture-retaining areas.[30]
There are 21 species of mammals that have been recorded in Qatar.[31] Larger terrestrial mammals such as theArabian oryx andArabian gazelle are protected animals and are held in nature reserves.[32] The Arabian gazelle is the only native gazelle species to Qatar and is locally referred to as 'rheem'.[33]
Qatar's territorial waters in thePersian Gulf are rich in marine life.Sea turtles nest en masse on the coastline fromFuwayrit toRas Laffan. The Ministry of Environment (MME) carries out routine patrols of nesting areas to ensure their conservation.[34]Dugongs are known to congregate off the country's coasts. In the course of a study being carried out in 1986 and 1999 on thePersian Gulf, the largest-ever group sightings were made of more than 600 individuals to the west of Qatar.[35]
| Era[36][37] | Period | Formation | Member | Mineral deposits and resources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paleozoic | Cambrian | Hormuz Formation | Dolomite,sandstone | Hematite,carbonates,asbestos |
| Permian Carboniferous | Khuff Formation | Petroleum | ||
| Mesozoic | Jurassic | Uwainat Limestone Formation, Arab Formation | Dolomite,limestone,evaporite,shale | Petroleum |
| Cretaceous | Shuaiba Formation | Marlstone,limestone,shale | Petroleum | |
| Cenozoic | Paleocene | Umm Er Radhuma Formation | ||
| Lower Eocene | Rus Formation | Chalk | Celestine,gypsum | |
| Lower Dammam Formation | Dukhan limestone, Midra shale, Rudjm Aid limestone | Palygorskite,pyrite | ||
| Middle Eocene | Upper Dammam Formation | Umm Bab chalk, Simaisma dolomites | Dolomite,limestone | |
| Miocene | Upper and LowerDam Formation | Clay,limestone,gypsum | Clay,limestone,celestine | |
| Pliocene | Hofuf Formation | Sandy clay,sandstone | Sand,gravel | |
| Pleistocene | Miliolite limestone | Limestone | ||
Most of Qatar's surface lies onCenozoicstrata. These strata have an abundance of mineral resources, most of which have not yet been exploited, such aslimestone andclay.[38] The Upper Dammam Formation in theMiddle Eocene period is the most predominant surface layer. It is constituted bylimestone andDolomite.[39] The northern zone of Qatar, which comprises the most significant source of fresh groundwater in the peninsula, primarily draws its water from the Umm Err Radhuma Formation and Rus Formation dating to thePaleocene andLower Eocene periods, respectively.[40] TheMesozoic strata are the most important layers as they containpetroleum. The first substantial deposit of crude oil was discovered in 1940 in theJurassic period Arab Formation.[41]
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Based on 2011 estimates, 5.6% of the land is agricultural. Arable land comprises 1.1%, permanent crops 0.2% and permanent pasture 4.6%.[Doesn't add to 5.6%.] 94.4% of the land was used for other uses.[42] In 2003, 129.4 km2 (50.0 sq mi) of land was irrigated.[42]
Severe conditions, such as extremely high temperatures and lack of water and fertile soil, hinder increasedagricultural production.[1]Orthents, the predominant soil type in the peninsula, accounting for approximately 1,020,000 ha, are unfavorable for crop cultivation because of their extreme shallowness.[43] The limitedgroundwater that permits agriculture in some areas is being depleted so rapidly thatsaltwater is encroaching and making the soil inhospitable to all but the most salt-resistant crops.[1]
The capital,Doha, is located on the central east coast on a sweeping (if shallow) harbor.[1] Other ports includeUmm Said,Al Khawr, andAl Wakrah. Only Doha and Umm Said are capable of handling commercial shipping, although a large port and a terminal for loading natural gas are planned atRas Laffan Industrial City, north of Al Khawr.[1] Coral reefs and shallow coastal waters make navigation difficult in areas where channels have not been dredged.[1]
Doha is the capital of the country and the major administrative, commercial, and population center.[1] In 1993 it was linked to other towns and development sites by a system of about 1,000 km (620 mi) of paved roads.[1]Doha's international airport has an approximately 4,500 m (14,800 ft) main runway, capable of receiving all kinds of aircraft.[1]
Historically, settlement distribution in Qatar has mainly been dictated by the presence of obtainable fresh groundwater.[27]Rawdas, which are depressions with shallow groundwater, have typically been the most popular sites of settlement throughout the peninsula.[28] In Qatar's south, where groundwater is exceedingly difficult to obtain, settlement formation was mostly limited towadis (dry river valleys) fed by run-off from nearby hills and rawdas.[27]
Qatar is currently party to the following international environmental agreements:[42]
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain. This article incorporatespublic domain material fromThe World Factbook (2025 ed.).CIA.
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