The government encourages the development of manufacturing, farming, and fishing so Qatar will not have to depend entirely on its oil for income. Fertilizers are Qatar's second most important export. Qatar produces enough vegetables for its people but must import much meat and other food, and most manufactured goods. The government aids grain and fruit cultivation by distributing free seeds and insecticides. Doha has a port and a modern airport.
Roads link Doha to the rest of Qatar and to neighboring Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The government owns and operates a radio and television station. People have lived in what is now Qatar for thousands of years. Before oil was discovered, they made a living by raising camels, fishing, or pearl diving. The people of Qatar had no strong government until the late 1700's, when the Wahhabis, an Islamic sect from Saudi Arabia, took control of the country. The Ottomans extended their territory to Qatar during the late 1800's.