Best known for being unknown, Qatar has a habit of falling off the outside world's radar screens. Most foreign maps of Arabia drawn before the 19th century don't show the Qatar peninsula, and most people in the West don't even know where it is. Fewer still can pronounce it (somewhere in between 'cutter' and 'gutter,' rather than rhyming with 'guitar'). Not among the world's hottest tourist destinations, it only began issuing tourist visas in 1989, but after a slow start Qatar has begun to reap the benefits of its new openness. Though it's still a far cry from the tourist centres of the UAE, Qatar is definitely worth a look. It's considered safe and secure for foreigners although demonstrations and other political gatherings are best avoided.

Full country name: State of Qatar
Area: 11,400 sq km (4460 sq mi)
Population: 700,000
Capital city: Doha (pop 300,000)
People: Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%
Languages: Arabic, English, Urdu
Religion: Islam
Government: Monarchy
Emir: Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani

GDP: US$12 billion
GDP per head: US$17,100
Annual growth: 3%
Inflation: 1%
Major industries: Oil production and refining, fertilisers, petrochemicals, steel, cement
Major trading partners: Japan, EU, Singapore, South Korea

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