Qatar--Government

CIA FactbookThe World Factbook 1993: Qatar Government Names: conventional long form: State of Qatar conventional short form: Qatar local long form: Dawlat Qatar local short form: Qatar

Digraph: QA

Type: traditional monarchy

Capital: Doha

Administrative divisions: there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 9 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, Ash Shamal, Jarayan al Batnah, Umm Salal

Independence: 3 September 1971 (from UK)

Constitution: provisional constitution enacted 2 April 1970

Legal system: discretionary system of law controlled by the amir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law is significant in personal matters

National holiday: Independence Day, 3 September (1971)

Political parties and leaders: none

Suffrage: none

Elections:

Advisory Council: constitution calls for elections for part of this consultative body, but no elections have been held; seats - (30 total)

Executive branch: amir, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch: unicameral Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura)

Judicial branch: Court of Appeal

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government: Amir and Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Hamad Al Thani (since 22 February 1972); Crown Prince HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (appointed 31 May 1977; son of Amir)

Member of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador 'Abd al-Rahman bin Sa'ud ALTHANI chancery: Suite 1180, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: (202) 338-0111 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Kenton W. KEITH embassy: 149 Ali Bin Ahmed St., Farig Bin Omran (opposite the television station), Doha

mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha

telephone: (0974) 864701 through 864703

FAX: (0974) 861669

Flag: maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side