Middle East > Qatar > Government

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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
Capital city > Geographic coordinates	25 17 N, 51 32 E
Definition: Government > Capital city > Geographic coordinates
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Constitution ratified by public referendum on 29 April 2003, endorsed by the Amir on 8 June 2004, effective on 9 June 2005
Definition: Government > Constitution
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Corruption	5.9		[32nd of 160]
Definition: Government > Corruption
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Diplomatic representation from the US > Mailing address	P. O. Box 2399, Doha
Definition: Government > Diplomatic representation from the US > Mailing address
Source: Transparency International
Executive branch > Cabinet Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
Definition: Government > Executive branch > Cabinet
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
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
Definition: Government > Executive branch > Chief of state
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Flag description maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side
Definition: Government > Flag description
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Government type	emirate
Definition: Government > Government type
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Independence 3 September 1971 (from UK)
Definition: Government > Independence
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
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
Definition: Government > Judicial branch
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
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
Definition: Government > Legal system
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
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
Definition: Government > Legislative branch
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
National holiday Independence Day, 3 September
Definition: Government > National holiday
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Political parties and leaders	none
Definition: Government > Political parties and leaders
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Political pressure groups and leaders	none
Definition: Government > Political pressure groups and leaders
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Status	absolute monarchy
Definition: Government > Status
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal
Definition: Government > Suffrage
Source: electionworld.org
Trademarks, residents	57		[63rd of 98]
Definition: Government > Trademarks, residents
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Transnational Issues > Disputes > International	none
Definition: Government > Transnational Issues > Disputes > International
Source: World Development Indicators database

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