There are hills in the northwest, but the rest of the country consists of sand dunes and salt flats, with scattered vegetation towards the north. Gained independence from the UK in 1971. Crown Prince Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani since 1995. Some English is spoken. There are no area codes.
Internet cafes exist in Doha.
Airmail to Europe takes up to a week. English-language newspapers include the Gulf Times. From time to time these change.