Administrative divisions
10 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Jarayan al Batinah, Madinat ash Shamal, Umm Sa'id, Umm Salal |
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Capital city > Geographic coordinates
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25 17 N, 51 32 E |
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Constitution
ratified by public referendum on 29 April 2003, endorsed by the Amir on 8 June 2004, effective on 9 June 2005 |
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Corruption
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5.9 |
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[32nd of 160]
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Diplomatic representation from the US > Mailing address
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P. O. Box 2399, Doha |
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Executive branch > Cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch |
Executive branch > Chief of state
Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al-Thani (since 27 June 1995 when, as heir apparent, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin Hamad Al-Thani, in a bloodless coup); Heir Apparent TAMIM bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, fourth son of the monarch (selected Heir Apparent by the monarch on 5 August 2003); note - Amir HAMAD also holds the positions of Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces |
Flag description
maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side |
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Government type
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emirate |
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Independence
3 September 1971 (from UK) |
Judicial branch
Courts of First Instance, Appeal, and Cassation; an Administrative Court and a Constitutional Court were established in 2007; note - all judges are appointed by Amiri Decree based on the recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council for renewable three-year terms |
Legal system
based on Islamic and civil law codes; discretionary system of law controlled by the Amir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law dominates family and personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction |
Legislative branch
unicameral Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (35 seats; members appointed); note: no legislative elections have been held since 1970 when there were partial elections to the body; Council members have had their terms extended every year since the new constitution came into force on 9 June 2005; the constitution provides for a new 45-member Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura; the public would elect two-thirds of the Majlis al-Shura; the Amir would appoint the remaining members; preparations are underway to conduct elections to the Majlis al-Shura |
National holiday
Independence Day, 3 September |
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Political parties and leaders
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none |
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Political pressure groups and leaders
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none |
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Status
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absolute monarchy |
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Suffrage
18 years of age; universal |
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Trademarks, residents
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57
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[63rd of 98]
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Transnational Issues > Disputes > International
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none |
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