Middle East and North Africa

Qatar
Last reviewed: 02 November 2009

Country information

Qatar today
Economy
History
International relations

Geography
Trade and Investment
Politics

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HISTORY

Recent History

Qatar’s political system is modernising from a traditional tribal system. Political reform, along with wider economic and social development, has accelerated since the present Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani came to power in 1995, replacing his father in a bloodless coup. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was appointed Heir Apparent in 2003. The Rulers of Qatar are Sunni Muslim.