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Qatar

Qatar (/ˈkæˌtɑr/,[7] Listeni/ˈkɑːtɑr/, /ˈkɑːtər/ or Listeni/kəˈtɑr/;[8] Arabic: قطرQatar [ˈqɑtˤɑr]; local vernacular pronunciation: [ɡɪtˤɑr]),[9][10] officially the State of Qatar (Arabic: دولة قطرDawlaṫ Qatar), is a sovereign Arab country located in Southwest Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its territory surrounded by the Persian Gulf. A strait in the Persian Gulf separates Qatar from the nearby island kingdom of Bahrain. In 2013, Qatar's total population was 1.8 million: 278,000 Qatari citizens and 1.5 million expatriates.[11]

Following Ottoman rule, Qatar became a British protectorate in the early 20th century until gaining independence in 1971. Qatar has been ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-19th century. Qatar is an absolute monarchy and its head of state is Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.[12] After Saudi Arabia, Qatar is the most conservative society in the GCC[13][14] as most Qataris adhere to the strict Wahhabi interpretation of Islam.[15][16][17] Sharia law is the main source of Qatari legislation according to Qatar's Constitution.[18][19]

Qatar is the world's richest country per capita, with a high income, developed economy backed by the world's third largest natural gas reserves and oil reserves in excess of 25 billion barrels (4.0×109 m3).[20] Qatar is an influential player in the Arab world, supporting several rebel groups during the Arab Spring both financially and through its globally expanding media group, Al Jazeera Media Network.[21][22][23] Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Arab country to do so.[24] For its size, Qatar wields disproportionate influence in the world, and has been identified as a middle power.[25][26]

Main article: Religion in Qatar
 
Mosque in Qatar

Islam is the predominant religion. Qatar's official state religion is Wahhabi Islam.[180] Most Qatari citizens belong to the strict Wahhabi sect of Islam.[15][16][17] Most Qatari citizens are Sunni Muslims, only between 5–15% of Qatari citizens are Shia Muslims.[181] According to the 2004 census, 71.5% of the population are Sunni Muslim and about 10% Shi'a Muslim, 8.5% are Christian and 10% are "Other".[84][182][183] Sharia law is the main source of Qatari legislation according to Qatar's Constitution.[18][19]

In 2010, the religious affiliation in the country was estimated by the Pew Forum as 67.7% Muslim, 13.8% Christian, 13.8% Hindu and 3.1% Buddhist. Other religions and religiously unaffiliated people accounted for the remaining 1.6%.[184]

In March 2008, a Roman Catholic church, Our Lady of the Rosary, was consecrated in Doha. No missionaries are allowed in the community. The church displays no Christian symbols such as crosses, bells, or a steeple on its exterior.[185]

The Christian population is composed almost entirely of foreigners. Active churches are Mar Thoma Church, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church from Southern India, Arab Evangelicals from Syria and Palestine, and Anglicans,[186] about 50,000 Catholics and Copts from Egypt.[187] No foreign missionary groups operate openly in the country,[188] but the government allows churches to conduct Mass. Since 2008 Christians have been allowed to build churches on ground donated by the government.[189] The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has two wards in Doha.[190]

Sharia law[edit]

Sharia law is the main source of Qatari legislation according to Qatar's Constitution.[18][19] In practice, Qatar's legal system is a mixture of civil law and Sharia law.[91][92] Sharia law is applied to laws pertaining to family law, inheritance, and several criminal acts (including adultery, robbery and murder). In some cases in Sharia-based family courts, a female's testimony is worth half a man's and in some cases a female witness is not accepted at all.[93] Codified family law was introduced in 2006.

Flogging is used in Qatar as a punishment for alcohol consumption or illicit sexual relations.[94] Article 88 of Qatar's criminal code declares the punishment for adultery is 100 lashes.[95] Adultery is punishable by death when a Muslim woman and a non-Muslim man are involved.[95] In 2006, a Filipino woman was sentenced to 100 lashes for adultery.[95] In 2010, at least 18 people (mostly foreign nationals) were sentenced to flogging of between 40 and 100 lashes for offences related to “illicit sexual relations” or alcohol consumption.[96] In 2011, at least 21 people (mostly foreign nationals) were sentenced to floggings of between 30 and 100 lashes for offences related to “illicit sexual relations” or alcohol consumption.[97] In 2012, six expatriates were sentenced to floggings of either 40 or 100 lashes.[94] Only Muslims considered medically fit were liable to have such sentences carried out. It is unknown if the sentences were implemented.[98] More recently in April 2013, a Muslim expatriate was sentenced to 40 lashes for alcohol consumption.[99][100][101] In June 2014, a Muslim expatriate was sentenced to 40 lashes for consuming alcohol and driving under the influence.[102] Judicial corporal punishment is common in Qatar due to the Hanbali interpretation of Sharia Law.

Stoning is a legal punishment in Qatar.[103] Apostasy is a crime punishable by the death penalty in Qatar.[104] Blasphemy is punishable by up to seven years in prison and proselytizing can be punished by up to 10 years in prison.[104] Homosexuality is a crime punishable by the death penalty for Muslims.[105]

Alcohol consumption is partially legal in Qatar; some five-star luxury hotels are allowed to sell alcohol to their non-Muslim customers.[106][107] Muslims are not allowed to consume alcohol in Qatar and Muslims caught consuming alcohol are liable to flogging or deportation. Non-Muslim expatriates can obtain a permit to purchase alcohol for personal consumption. The Qatar Distribution Company (a subsidiary of Qatar Airways) is permitted to import alcohol and pork; it operates the one and only liquor store in the country, which also sells pork to holders of liquor licences.[108] Qatari officials have also indicated a willingness to allow alcohol in "fan zones" at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[109]

Until recently, restaurants on the Pearl-Qatar (a man-made island near Doha) were allowed to serve alcoholic drinks.[106][107] In December 2011, however, restaurants on the Pearl were told to stop selling alcohol.[106][110] No explanation was given for the ban.[106][107] Speculation about the reason includes the government's desire to project a more pious image in advance of the country's first election of a royal advisory body and rumours of a financial dispute between the government and the resort's developers.[110]

In 2014, Qatar launched a modesty campaign to remind tourists of the modest dress code.[111] Female tourists are advised not to wear leggings, miniskirts, sleeveless dresses and short or tight clothing in public. Men are advised against wearing only shorts and singlets.[112]

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