This entry includes a definition of literacy and UNESCO's percentage estimates for populations aged 15 years and over, including total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition - the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of the Factbook. Information on literacy, while not a perfect measure of educational results, is probably the most easily available and valid for international comparisons. Low levels of literacy, and education in general, can impede the economic development of a country in the current rapidly changing, technology-driven world.

Topic: Afghanistandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 37.3%

male: 52.1%

female: 22.6% (2021)

Topic: Albaniadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.1%

male: 98.5%

female: 97.8% (2018)

Topic: Algeriadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 81.4%

male: 87.4%

female: 75.3% (2018)

Topic: Andorradefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (2016)

Topic: Angoladefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 71.1%

male: 82%

female: 60.7% (2015)

Topic: Antigua and Barbudadefinition: age 15 and over has completed five or more years of schooling

total population: 99%

male: 98.4%

female: 99.4% (2015)

Topic: Argentinadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 98.9%

female: 99.1% (2018)

Topic: Armeniadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.7% (2020)

Topic: Arubadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.8%

male: 97.8%

female: 97.8% (2018)

Topic: Azerbaijandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.9%

female: 99.7% (2019)

Topic: Bahraindefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.5%

male: 99.9%

female: 94.9% (2018)

Topic: Bangladeshdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 74.9%

male: 77.8%

female: 72% (2020)

Topic: Barbadosdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.6%

male: 99.6%

female: 99.6% (2014)

Topic: Belarusdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.9%

male: 99.9%

female: 99.9% (2019)

Topic: Benindefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 42.4%

male: 54%

female: 31.1% (2018)

Topic: Bhutandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 66.6%

male: 75%

female: 57.1% (2017)

Topic: Boliviadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.5%

male: 96.5%

female: 88.6% (2015)

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.5%

male: 99.5%

female: 97.5% (2015)

Topic: Botswanadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 88.5%

male: 88%

female: 88.9% (2015)

Topic: Brazildefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.2%

male: 93%

female: 93.4% (2018)

Topic: Bruneidefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.2%

male: 98.1%

female: 93.4% (2018)

Topic: Bulgariadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.4%

male: 98.7%

female: 98.1% (2015)

Topic: Burkina Fasodefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 39.3%

male: 49.2%

female: 31% (2018)

Topic: Burmadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 89.1%

male: 92.4%

female: 86.3% (2019)

Topic: Burundidefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 68.4%

male: 76.3%

female: 61.2% (2017)

Topic: Cabo Verdedefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86.8%

male: 91.7%

female: 82% (2015)

Topic: Cambodiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 80.5%

male: 86.5%

female: 75% (2015)

Topic: Cameroondefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 77.1%

male: 82.6%

female: 71.6% (2018)

Topic: Central African Republicdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 37.4%

male: 49.5%

female: 25.8% (2018)

Topic: Chaddefinition: age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic

total population: 22.3%

male: 31.3%

female: 14% (2016)

Topic: Chiledefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.4%

male: 96.3%

female: 96.3% (2017)

Topic: Chinadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.8%

male: 98.5%

female: 95.2% (2018)

Topic: Colombiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.6%

male: 95.4%

female: 95.9% (2020)

Topic: Comorosdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 58.8%

male: 64.6%

female: 53% (2018)

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thedefinition: age 15 and over can read and write French, Lingala, Kingwana, or Tshiluba

total population: 77%

male: 88.5%

female: 66.5% (2016)

Topic: Congo, Republic of thedefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 80.3%

male: 86.1%

female: 74.6% (2018)

Topic: Costa Ricadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.9%

male: 97.8%

female: 97.9% (2018)

Topic: Cote d'Ivoiredefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 89.9%

male: 93.1%

female: 86.7% (2019)

Topic: Croatiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.3%

male: 99.7%

female: 98.9% (2015)

Topic: Cubadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.9%

female: 99.8% (2015)

Topic: Cyprusdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.1%

male: 99.5%

female: 98.7% (2015)

Topic: Czechiadefinition: NA

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2011)

Topic: Dominican Republicdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.8%

male: 93.8%

female: 93.8% (2016)

Topic: Ecuadordefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.6%

male: 94.8%

female: 92.5% (2020)

Topic: Egyptdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 71.2%

male: 76.5%

female: 65.5% (2017)

Topic: El Salvadordefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 89.1%

male: 91.3%

female: 87.3% (2019)

Topic: Equatorial Guineadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.3%

male: 97.4%

female: 93% (2015)

Topic: Eritreadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 76.6%

male: 84.4%

female: 68.9% (2018)

Topic: Estoniadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.8% (2015)

Topic: Eswatinidefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 88.4%

male: 88.3%

female: 88.5% (2018)

Topic: Ethiopiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 51.8%

male: 57.2%

female: 44.4% (2017)

Topic: Fijitotal population: 99.1%

male: 99.1%

female: 99.1% (2018)

Topic: Gabondefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 84.7%

male: 85.9%

female: 83.4% (2018)

Topic: Gambia, Thedefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 50.8%

male: 61.8%

female: 41.6% (2015)

Topic: Gaza Stripdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.5%

male: 98.8%

female: 96.2% (2020)

note: estimates are for Gaza Strip and the West Bank

Topic: Georgiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.6%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.5% (2019)

Topic: Ghanadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 79%

male: 83.5%

female: 74.5% (2018)

Topic: Greecedefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.9%

male: 98.5%

female: 97.4% (2018)

Topic: Greenlanddefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (2015)

Topic: Grenadadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.6%

male: 98.6%

female: 98.6% (2014 est.)

Topic: Guatemaladefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 80.8%

male: 85.3%

female: 76.7% (2018)

Topic: Guineadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 39.6%

male: 54.4%

female: 27.7% (2018)

Topic: Guinea-Bissaudefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 59.9%

male: 71.8%

female: 48.3% (2015)

Topic: Guyanadefinition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 88.5%

male: 87.2%

female: 89.8% (2015)

Topic: Haitidefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 61.7%

male: 65.3%

female: 58.3% (2016)

Topic: Hondurasdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 88.5%

male: 88.2%

female: 88.7% (2019)

Topic: Hungarydefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.1%

male: 99.1%

female: 99% (2015)

Topic: Indiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 74.4%

male: 82.4%

female: 65.8% (2018)

Topic: Indonesiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96%

male: 97.4%

female: 94.6% (2020)

Topic: Irandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 85.5%

male: 90.4%

female: 80.8% (2016)

Topic: Iraqdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 85.6%

male: 91.2%

female: 79.9% (2017)

Topic: Israeldefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.8%

male: 98.7%

female: 96.8% (2011)

Topic: Italydefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.2%

male: 99.4%

female: 99% (2018)

Topic: Jamaicadefinition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 88.7%

male: 84%

female: 93.1% (2015)

Topic: Jordandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.2%

male: 98.6%

female: 97.8% (2018)

Topic: Kazakhstandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.7% (2018)

Topic: Kenyadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 81.5%

male: 85%

female: 78.2% (2018)

Topic: Korea, Northdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (2015)

Topic: Korea, Southdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write (2019)

Topic: Kuwaitdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.5%

male: 97.1%

female: 95.4% (2020)

Topic: Kyrgyzstandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.6%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.5% (2018)

Topic: Laosdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 84.7%

male: 90%

female: 79.4% (2015)

Topic: Latviadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.9%

male: 99.9%

female: 99.9% (2018)

Topic: Lebanondefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.1%

male: 96.9%

female: 93.3% (2018)

Topic: Lesothodefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 79.4%

male: 70.1%

female: 88.3% (2015)

Topic: Liberiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 48.3%

male: 62.7%

female: 34.1% (2017)

Topic: Libyadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91%

male: 96.7%

female: 85.6% (2015)

Topic: Lithuaniadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.8% (2015)

Topic: Macaudefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.5%

male: 98.2%

female: 95% (2016)

Topic: Madagascardefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 76.7%

male: 78.4%

female: 75.1% (2018)

Topic: Malawidefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 62.1%

male: 69.8%

female: 55.2% (2015)

Topic: Malaysiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95%

male: 96.2%

female: 93.6% (2019)

Topic: Maldivesdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.7%

male: 97.3%

female: 98.1% (2016)

Topic: Malidefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 35.5%

male: 46.2%

female: 25.7% (2018)

Topic: Maltadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94.5%

male: 93%

female: 96% (2018)

Topic: Marshall Islandsdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.3%

male: 98.3%

female: 98.2% (2011)

Topic: Mauritaniadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 53.5%

male: 63.7%

female: 43.4% (2017)

Topic: Mauritiusdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.3%

male: 93.4%

female: 89.4% (2018)

Topic: Mexicodefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.2%

male: 96.1%

female: 94.5% (2020)

Topic: Moldovadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.4%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.1% (2015)

Topic: Mongoliadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.2%

male: 99.1%

female: 99.2% (2020)

Topic: Montenegrodefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.8%

male: 99.5%

female: 98.3% (2018)

Topic: Moroccodefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 73.8%

male: 83.3%

female: 64.6% (2018)

note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara

Topic: Mozambiquedefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 60.7%

male: 72.6%

female: 50.3% (2017)

Topic: Namibiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.5%

male: 91.6%

female: 91.4% (2018)

Topic: Nepaldefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 67.9%

male: 78.6%

female: 59.7% (2018)

Topic: New Caledoniadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.9%

male: 97.3%

female: 96.5% (2015)

Topic: Nicaraguadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 82.6%

male: 82.4%

female: 82.8% (2015)

Topic: Nigerdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 35.1%

male: 43.6%

female: 26.7% (2018)

Topic: Nigeriadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 62%

male: 71.3%

female: 52.7% (2018)

Topic: North Macedoniadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.4%

male: 99.1%

female: 97.6% (2020)

Topic: Omandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.7%

male: 97%

female: 92.7% (2018)

Topic: Pakistandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 58%

male: 69.3%

female: 46.5% (2019)

Topic: Palaudefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.6%

male: 96.8%

female: 96.3% (2015)

Topic: Panamadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.7%

male: 98.8%

female: 95.4% (2019)

Topic: Papua New Guineadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 64.2%

male: 65.6%

female: 62.8% (2015)

Topic: Paraguaydefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94.5%

male: 94.9%

female: 94.2% (2020)

Topic: Perudefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94.5%

male: 97%

female: 92% (2020)

Topic: Philippinesdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.3%

male: 95.7%

female: 96.9% (2019)

Topic: Polanddefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.9%

female: 99.7% (2015)

Topic: Portugaldefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.1%

male: 97.4%

female: 95.1% (2018)

Topic: Puerto Ricodefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.4%

male: 92.4%

female: 92.4% (2017)

Topic: Qatardefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.5%

male: 92.4%

female: 94.7% (2017)

Topic: Romaniadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.8%

male: 99.1%

female: 98.6% (2018)

Topic: Russiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.7%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.7% (2018)

Topic: Rwandadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 73.2%

male: 77.6%

female: 69.4% (2018)

Topic: Samoadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.1%

male: 99%

female: 99.2% (2018)

Topic: San Marinototal population: 99.9%

male: 99.9%

female: 99.9% (2018)

Topic: Sao Tome and Principedefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.8%

male: 96.2%

female: 89.5% (2018)

Topic: Saudi Arabiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.6%

male: 98.6%

female: 96% (2020)

Topic: Senegaldefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 51.9%

male: 64.8%

female: 39.8% (2017)

Topic: Serbiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.5%

male: 99.9%

female: 99.1% (2019)

Topic: Seychellesdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.9%

male: 95.4%

female: 96.4% (2018)

Topic: Sierra Leonedefinition: age 15 and over can read and write English, Mende, Temne, or Arabic

total population: 43.2%

male: 51.6%

female: 39.8% (2018)

Topic: Singaporedefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.5%

male: 98.9%

female: 96.1% (2019)

Topic: Sloveniadefinition: NA

total population: 99.7%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.7% (2015)

Topic: South Africadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95%

male: 95.5%

female: 94.5% (2019)

Topic: South Sudandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 34.5%

male: 40.3%

female: 28.9% (2018)

Topic: Spaindefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.6%

male: 99%

female: 98.2% (2020)

Topic: Sri Lankadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.3%

male: 93%

female: 91.6% (2019)

Topic: Sudandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 60.7%

male: 65.4%

female: 56.1% (2018)

Topic: Surinamedefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94.4%

male: 96.1%

female: 92.7% (2018)

Topic: Syriadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86.4%

male: 91.7%

female: 81% (2015)

Topic: Taiwandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.5%

male: 99.7%

female: 97.3% (2014)

Topic: Tajikistandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.7% (2015)

Topic: Tanzaniadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write Kiswahili (Swahili), English, or Arabic

total population: 77.9%

male: 83.2%

female: 73.1% (2015)

Topic: Thailanddefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.8%

male: 95.2%

female: 92.4% (2018)

Topic: Timor-Lestedefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 68.1%

male: 71.9%

female: 64.2% (2018)

Topic: Togodefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 66.5%

male: 80%

female: 55.1% (2019)

Topic: Tongadefinition: can read and write Tongan and/or English

total population: 99.4%

male: 99.4%

female: 99.5% (2018)

Topic: Trinidad and Tobagodefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99.2%

female: 98.7% (2015)

Topic: Tunisiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 81.8%

male: 89.6%

female: 74.2% (2015)

Topic: Turkeydefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.7%

male: 99.1%

female: 94.4% (2019)

Topic: Turkmenistandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.7%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.6% (2015)

Topic: Ugandadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 76.5%

male: 82.7%

female: 70.8% (2018)

Topic: Ukrainedefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.7% (2015)

Topic: United Arab Emiratesdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.6%

male: 98%

female: 96.9% (2019)

Topic: Uruguaydefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.8%

male: 98.5%

female: 99% (2019)

Topic: Uzbekistandefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (2019)

Topic: Vanuatudefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 87.5%

male: 88.3%

female: 86.7% (2018)

Topic: Venezueladefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.1%

male: 97%

female: 97.2% (2016)

Topic: Vietnamdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.8%

male: 97%

female: 94.6% (2019)

Topic: West Bankdefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.5%

male: 98.8%

female: 96.2% (2020)

note: estimates are for Gaza and the West Bank

Topic: Worlddefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86.7%

male: 90.1%

female: 83.3% (2020)

note: more than three-quarters of the world's 750 million illiterate adults are found in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa; of all the illiterate adults in the world, almost two-thirds are women (2016)

Topic: Yemendefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 70.1%

male: 85.1%

female: 55% (2015)

Topic: Zambiadefinition: age 15 and over can read and write English

total population: 86.7%

male: 90.6%

female: 83.1% (2018)

Topic: Zimbabwedefinition: age 15 and over can read and write English

total population: 86.5%

male: 88.5%

female: 84.6% (2015)


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Topic: Photos of Qatar

Topic: Introduction
Background: Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar within the last 60 years transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. Former Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, who overthrew his father in a bloodless coup in 1995, ushered in wide-sweeping political and media reforms, unprecedented economic investment, and a growing Qatari regional leadership role, in part through the creation of the pan-Arab satellite news network Al-Jazeera and Qatar's mediation of some regional conflicts. In the 2000s, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and by 2007 had attained the highest per capita income in the world. Qatar did not experience domestic unrest or violence like that seen in other Near Eastern and North African countries in 2011, due in part to its immense wealth and patronage network. In mid-2013, HAMAD peacefully abdicated, transferring power to his son, the current Amir TAMIM bin Hamad. TAMIM is popular with the Qatari public, for his role in shepherding the country through an economic embargo by some other regional countries, for his efforts to improve the country's healthcare and education systems, and for his expansion of the country's infrastructure in anticipation of Doha's hosting of the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Following the outbreak of regional unrest in 2011, Doha prided itself on its support for many popular revolutions, particularly in Libya and Syria. This stance was to the detriment of Qatar’s relations with Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which temporarily recalled their respective ambassadors from Doha in March 2014. TAMIM later oversaw a warming of Qatar’s relations with Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in November 2014 following Kuwaiti mediation and signing of the Riyadh Agreement. This reconciliation, however, was short-lived. In June 2017, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE (the "Quartet") cut diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar in response to alleged violations of the agreement, among other complaints. They restored ties in January 2021 after signing a declaration at the GCC Summit in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia.  Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar within the last 60 years transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. Former Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, who overthrew his father in a bloodless coup in 1995, ushered in wide-sweeping political and media reforms, unprecedented economic investment, and a growing Qatari regional leadership role, in part through the creation of the pan-Arab satellite news network Al-Jazeera and Qatar's mediation of some regional conflicts. In the 2000s, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and by 2007 had attained the highest per capita income in the world. Qatar did not experience domestic unrest or violence like that seen in other Near Eastern and North African countries in 2011, due in part to its immense wealth and patronage network. In mid-2013, HAMAD peacefully abdicated, transferring power to his son, the current Amir TAMIM bin Hamad. TAMIM is popular with the Qatari public, for his role in shepherding the country through an economic embargo by some other regional countries, for his efforts to improve the country's healthcare and education systems, and for his expansion of the country's infrastructure in anticipation of Doha's hosting of the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia
Geographic coordinates: 25 30 N, 51 15 E
Map references: Middle East
Area: total: 11,586 sq km

land: 11,586 sq km

water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative: almost twice the size of Delaware; slightly smaller than Connecticut
Land boundaries: total: 87 km

border countries (1): Saudi Arabia 87 km
Coastline: 563 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: as determined by bilateral agreements or the median line
Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Terrain: mostly flat and barren desert
Elevation: highest point: Tuwayyir al Hamir 103 m

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

mean elevation: 28 m
Natural resources: petroleum, fish, natural gas
Land use: agricultural land: 5.6% (2018 est.)

arable land: 1.1% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 4.3% (2018 est.)

forest: 0% (2018 est.)

other: 94.4% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 130 sq km (2012)
Major aquifers: Arabian Aquifer System
Population distribution: most of the population is clustered in or around the capital of Doha on the eastern side of the peninsula
Natural hazards: haze, dust storms, sandstorms common
Geography - note: the peninsula occupies a strategic location in the central Persian Gulf near major petroleum deposits
Map description: Qatar map showing major population centers and neighboring countries of this peninsular country that extends into the Persian Gulf.Qatar map showing major population centers and neighboring countries of this peninsular country that extends into the Persian Gulf.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 2,508,182 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Qatari(s)

adjective: Qatari
Ethnic groups: non-Qatari 88.4%, Qatari 11.6% (2015 est.)
Languages: Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language

major-language sample(s):
كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions: Muslim 65.2%, Christian 13.7%, Hindu 15.9%, Buddhist 3.8%, folk religion <0.1%, Jewish <0.1%, other <1%, unaffiliated <1% (2020 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 12.84% (male 158,702/female 155,211)

15-24 years: 11.78% (male 203,703/female 84,323)

25-54 years: 70.66% (male 1,439,364/female 287,575)

55-64 years: 3.53% (male 66,561/female 19,600)

65 years and over: 1.19% (2020 est.) (male 19,067/female 10,068)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 18.1

youth dependency ratio: 16.1

elderly dependency ratio: 2

potential support ratio: 50.1 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 33.7 years

male: 35 years

female: 28.2 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.04% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 9.33 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 1.42 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: 2.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: most of the population is clustered in or around the capital of Doha on the eastern side of the peninsula
Urbanization: urban population: 99.3% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.66% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: Ar-Rayyan 779,000, 652,000 DOHA (capital) (2022)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 2.26 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 5.45 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 3.42 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.13 male(s)/female

total population: 3.36 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio: 9 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 6.62 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 7.25 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.81 years

male: 77.7 years

female: 81.96 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.9 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 37.5% (2012)
Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 99.6% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 0.4% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 2.9% (2019)
Physicians density: 2.49 physicians/1,000 population (2018)
Hospital bed density: 1.3 beds/1,000 population (2017)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: (2020 est.) <.1%
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: (2020 est.) <200
HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <100
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 35.1% (2016)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: 3.2% of GDP (2020)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.5%

male: 92.4%

female: 94.7% (2017)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 13 years

male: 12 years

female: 15 years (2020)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 0.4%

male: 0.2%

female: 1.5% (2018 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: air, land, and water pollution are significant environmental issues; limited natural freshwater resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities; other issues include conservation of oil supplies and preservation of the natural wildlife heritage
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 90.35 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 103.26 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 8.34 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Land use: agricultural land: 5.6% (2018 est.)

arable land: 1.1% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 4.3% (2018 est.)

forest: 0% (2018 est.)

other: 94.4% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 99.3% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.66% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1,000,990 tons (2012 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 30,030 tons (2014 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 3% (2014 est.)
Major aquifers: Arabian Aquifer System
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 477.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 143.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 291.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 58 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: State of Qatar

conventional short form: Qatar

local long form: Dawlat Qatar

local short form: Qatar

etymology: the origin of the name is uncertain, but it dates back at least 2,000 years since a term "Catharrei" was used to describe the inhabitants of the peninsula by Pliny the Elder (1st century A.D.), and a "Catara" peninsula is depicted on a map by Ptolemy (2nd century A.D.)

note: closest approximation of the native pronunciation is gattar or cottar
Government type: absolute monarchy
Capital: name: Doha

geographic coordinates: 25 17 N, 51 32 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: derives from the Arabic term "dohat," meaning "roundness," and refers to the small rounded bays along the area's coastline
Administrative divisions: 8 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Khawr wa adh Dhakhirah, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Ash Shamal, Ash Shihaniyah, Az Za'ayin, Umm Salal
Independence: 3 September 1971 (from the UK)
National holiday: National Day, 18 December (1878), anniversary of Al Thani family accession to the throne; Independence Day, 3 September (1971)
Constitution: history: previous 1972 (provisional); latest drafted 2 July 2002, approved by referendum 29 April 2003, endorsed 8 June 2004, effective 9 June 2005

amendments: proposed by the Amir or by one third of Advisory Council members; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Advisory Council members and approval and promulgation by the emir; articles pertaining to the rule of state and its inheritance, functions of the emir, and citizen rights and liberties cannot be amended
Legal system: mixed legal system of civil law and Islamic (sharia) law (in family and personal matters)
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Qatar

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 20 years; 15 years if an Arab national
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: Amir TAMIM bin Hamad Al Thani (since 25 June 2013)

head of government: Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh KHALID bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani (since 28 January 2020);  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs KHALID bin Mohamed AL Attiyah (since 14 November 2017); Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs MOHAMED bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (since 14 November 2017)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the amir

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the amir
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (45 seats; 30 members directly elected by popular vote for 4-year re-electable terms; 15 members appointed by the monarch to serve until resignation or until relieved; note - legislative drafting authority rests with the Council of Ministers and is reviewed by the Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura

elections: first election held for 30 elected members on 2 October 2021 (next to be held in 2025); date of appointed members NA

election results: 30 nonpartisan members elected;  composition of elected members - men 30, women 0
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Court of Cassation (consists of the court president and several judges); Supreme Constitutional Court (consists of the chief justice and 6 members)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Supreme Judiciary Council, a 9-member independent body consisting of judiciary heads appointed by the Amir; judges appointed for 3-year renewable terms; Supreme Constitutional Court members nominated by the Supreme Judiciary Council and appointed by the monarch; term of appointment NA

subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Administrative Court; Courts of First Instance; sharia courts; Courts of Justice; Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Center, established in 2009, provides dispute resolution services for institutions and bodies in Qatar, as well as internationally
Political parties and leaders: political parties are banned
International organization participation: ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CD, CICA (observer), EITI (implementing country), FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador MISHAL bin Hamad bin Muhammad Al Thani (since 24 April 2017)

chancery: 2555 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 274-1600

FAX: [1] (202) 237-0682

email address and website:
info.dc@mofa.gov.qa

https://washington.embassy.qa/en

consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: chief of mission: ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Natalie A. BAKER (since October 2021)

embassy: 22 February Street, Al Luqta District, P.O. Box 2399, Doha

mailing address: 6130 Doha Place, Washington DC  20521-6130

telephone: [974] 4496-6000

FAX: [974] 4488-4298

email address and website:
PasDoha@state.gov

https://qa.usembassy.gov/chief of mission: ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Natalie A. BAKER (since October 2021)
Flag description: maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side; maroon represents the blood shed in Qatari wars, white stands for peace; the nine-pointed serrated edge signifies Qatar as the ninth member of the "reconciled emirates" in the wake of the Qatari-British treaty of 1916

note: the other eight emirates are the seven that compose the UAE and Bahrain; according to some sources, the dominant color was formerly red, but this darkened to maroon upon exposure to the sun and the new shade was eventually adopted
National symbol(s): a maroon field surmounted by a white serrated band with nine white points; national colors: maroon, white
National anthem: name: "Al-Salam Al-Amiri" (The Amiri Salute)

lyrics/music: Sheikh MUBARAK bin Saif al-Thani/Abdul Aziz Nasser OBAIDAN

note: adopted 1996; anthem first performed that year at a meeting of the Gulf Cooperative Council hosted by Qatar
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Al Zubarah Archaeological Site

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Qatar’s oil and natural gas resources are the country’s main economic engine and government revenue source, driving Qatar’s high economic growth and per capita income levels, robust state spending on public entitlements, and booming construction spending, particularly as Qatar prepares to host the World Cup in 2022. Although the government has maintained high capital spending levels for ongoing infrastructure projects, low oil and natural gas prices in recent years have led the Qatari Government to tighten some spending to help stem its budget deficit.   Qatar’s reliance on oil and natural gas is likely to persist for the foreseeable future. Proved natural gas reserves exceed 25 trillion cubic meters - 13% of the world total and, among countries, third largest in the world. Proved oil reserves exceed 25 billion barrels, allowing production to continue at current levels for about 56 years. Despite the dominance of oil and natural gas, Qatar has made significant gains in strengthening non-oil sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, and financial services, leading non-oil GDP to steadily rise in recent years to just over half the total.   Following trade restriction imposed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt in 2017, Qatar established new trade routes with other countries to maintain access to imports.Qatar’s oil and natural gas resources are the country’s main economic engine and government revenue source, driving Qatar’s high economic growth and per capita income levels, robust state spending on public entitlements, and booming construction spending, particularly as Qatar prepares to host the World Cup in 2022. Although the government has maintained high capital spending levels for ongoing infrastructure projects, low oil and natural gas prices in recent years have led the Qatari Government to tighten some spending to help stem its budget deficit. Qatar’s reliance on oil and natural gas is likely to persist for the foreseeable future. Proved natural gas reserves exceed 25 trillion cubic meters - 13% of the world total and, among countries, third largest in the world. Proved oil reserves exceed 25 billion barrels, allowing production to continue at current levels for about 56 years. Despite the dominance of oil and natural gas, Qatar has made significant gains in strengthening non-oil sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, and financial services, leading non-oil GDP to steadily rise in recent years to just over half the total. Following trade restriction imposed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt in 2017, Qatar established new trade routes with other countries to maintain access to imports.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $245.66 billion (2020 est.)

$255.01 billion (2019 est.)

$253.05 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 1.6% (2017 est.)

2.1% (2016 est.)

3.7% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $85,300 (2020 est.)

$90,000 (2019 est.)

$91,000 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $191.29 billion (2018 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.6% (2019 est.)

0.2% (2018 est.)

0.3% (2017 est.)
Credit ratings: Fitch rating: AA- (2017)

Moody's rating: Aa3 (2017)

Standard & Poors rating: AA- (2017)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0.2% (2017 est.)

industry: 50.3% (2017 est.)

services: 49.5% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 24.6% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 17% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 43.1% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 1.5% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 51% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -37.3% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: tomatoes, dates, camel milk, sheep milk, goat milk, pumpkins/gourds, mutton, poultry, milk, eggplants
Industries: liquefied natural gas, crude oil production and refining, ammonia, fertilizer, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement, commercial ship repair
Industrial production growth rate: 3% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 1.953 million (2017 est.)
Unemployment rate: 8.9% (2017 est.)

11.1% (2016 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 0.4%

male: 0.2%

female: 1.5% (2018 est.)
Population below poverty line: NA
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 41.1 (2007)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.3%

highest 10%: 35.9% (2007)
Budget: revenues: 44.1 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 53.82 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -5.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 53.8% of GDP (2017 est.)

46.7% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 26.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Current account balance: $6.426 billion (2017 est.)

-$8.27 billion (2016 est.)
Exports: $70.93 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$92.05 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$102.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: Japan 17%, South Korea 16%, India 14%, China 13%, Singapore 7% (2019)
Exports - commodities: natural gas, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, ethylene polymers, fertilizers (2019)
Imports: $59.06 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$66.77 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$65.81 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: United States 15%, France 13%, United Kingdom 9%, China 9%, Germany 5%, Italy 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: aircraft, gas turbines, cars, jewelry, iron piping (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $15.01 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$31.89 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $167.8 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$157.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Exchange rates: Qatari rials (QAR) per US dollar -

3.641 (2020 est.)

3.641 (2019 est.)

3.641 (2018 est.)

3.64 (2014 est.)

3.64 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Electricity - production: 39.78 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption: 37.24 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity: 8.796 million kW (2016 est.)
Electricity - from fossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources: 1% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Crude oil - production: 1.464 million bbl/day (2018 est.)
Crude oil - exports: 1.15 million bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - imports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - proved reserves: 25.24 billion bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 273,800 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption: 277,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 485,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 12,300 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas - production: 166.4 billion cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption: 39.9 billion cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports: 126.5 billion cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves: 24.07 trillion cu m (1 January 2018 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 454,701 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 3,917,570 (2019)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 138.33 (2019)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: telecom infrastructure in Qatar demonstrated resilience during the pandemic, following surge in Internet usage; highest fixed-line and mobile penetrations in Middle East with almost 100% LTE coverage; operator deployed 5G across the country with positive subscribership, primarily around Doha; largest user of the Internet in the Middle East; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020)

domestic: fixed-line nearly 16 per 100 and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership nearly 132 telephones per 100 persons (2020)

international: country code - 974; landing points for the Qatar-UAE Submarine Cable System, AAE-1, FOG, GBICS/East North Africa MENA and the FALCON submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and the UAE; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; retains full ownership of two commercial satellites, Es'hailSat 1 and 2 (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: TV and radio broadcast licensing and access to local media markets are state controlled; home of the satellite TV channel Al-Jazeera, which was originally owned and financed by the Qatari government but has evolved to independent corporate status; Al-Jazeera claims editorial independence in broadcasting; local radio transmissions include state, private, and international broadcasters on FM frequencies in Doha; in August 2013, Qatar's satellite company Es'hailSat launched its first communications satellite Es'hail 1 (manufactured in the US), which entered commercial service in December 2013 to provide improved television broadcasting capability and expand availability of voice and Internet; Es'hailSat launched its second commercial satellite in 2018 with aid of SpaceX (2019)
Internet country code: .qa
Internet users: total: 2,881,060 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 100% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 296,126 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 3 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 251

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 29,178,923 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 12,666,710,000 (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: A7
Airports: total: 6 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 4

over 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2021)
Heliports: 1 (2021)
Pipelines: 288 km condensate, 221 km condensate/gas, 2383 km gas, 90 km liquid petroleum gas, 745 km oil, 103 km refined products (2013)
Roadways: total: 7,039 km (2016)
Merchant marine: total: 129

by type: bulk carrier 9, container ship 4, general cargo 4, oil tanker 5, other 107 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Doha, Musay'id, Ra's Laffan

LNG terminal(s) (export): Ras Laffan

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: Qatari Amiri Land Force (QALF, includes Emiri Guard), Qatari Amiri Navy (QAN, includes Coast Guard), Qatari Amiri Air Force (QAAF); Internal Security Forces: Mobile Gendarmerie (2021)
Military expenditures: 4% of GDP (2021 est.)

4% of GDP (2020 est.)

3.4% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $8.44 billion)

3.3% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $8.23 billion)

3.4% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $8.22 billion)
Military and security service personnel strengths: information varies; approximately 15,000 active personnel (10,000 Land Force, including Emiri Guard; 3,000 Navy; 2,000 Air Force) (2021)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Qatari military's inventory includes a broad mix of older and modern weapons systems, mostly from the US and Europe; in the 2010s, Qatar embarked on an extensive military expansion and modernization program with large air, ground, and naval equipment purchases; since 2010, France and the US are the top suppliers (2021)
Military service age and obligation: conscription for males aged 18-35 introduced in 2013; compulsory service times range from 4-12 months, depending on the cadets educational and professional circumstances; since 2018, women have been permitted to serve in the armed forces, including as uniformed officers and pilots (2021)

note - as of 2020, the military incorporated about 2,000 conscripts annually
Military - note: as of 2021, Qatar hosted more than 8,000 US military forces and the regional headquarters for the US Central Command (CENTCOM; established 1983) at various military facilities, including the large Al Udeid Air Base; Qatar also hosted as many as 5,000 Turkish military forces at two bases established in 2014 and 2019

Qatar (as of early 2022) has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitmentsas of 2021, Qatar hosted more than 8,000 US military forces and the regional headquarters for the US Central Command (CENTCOM; established 1983) at various military facilities, including the large Al Udeid Air Base; Qatar also hosted as many as 5,000 Turkish military forces at two bases established in 2014 and 2019

Qatar (as of early 2022) has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: nonenone
Refugees and internally displaced persons: stateless persons: 1,200 (mid-year 2021)


Topic: Photos of Virgin Islands

Topic: Introduction
Background: The Danes secured control over the southern Virgin Islands of Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix during the 17th and early 18th centuries. Sugarcane, produced by African slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish holdings, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848. On 6 September 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over the northern Virgin Islands of Saint Thomas and Saint John and inflicted severe damage to structures, roads, the airport on Saint Thomas, communications, and electricity. Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Maria passed over the island of Saint Croix in the southern Virgin Islands, inflicting considerable damage with heavy winds and flooding rains.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico
Geographic coordinates: 18 20 N, 64 50 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area: total: 1,910 sq km

land: 346 sq km

water: 1,564 sq km
Area - comparative: twice the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Coastline: 188 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate: subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November
Terrain: mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little flat land
Elevation: highest point: Crown Mountain 474 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
Natural resources: pleasant climate, beaches foster tourism
Land use: agricultural land: 11.5% (2018 est.)

arable land: 2.9% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 2.9% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 5.7% (2018 est.)

forest: 57.4% (2018 est.)

other: 31.1% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 1 sq km (2012)
Population distribution: while overall population density throughout the islands is relatively low, concentrations appear around Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas and Christiansted on St. Croix
Natural hazards: several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and severe droughts and floods; occasional earthquakes
Geography - note: important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean
Map description: Virgin Islands map showing the three major islands that make up the US territory in the Caribbean Sea.Virgin Islands map showing the three major islands that make up the US territory in the Caribbean Sea.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 105,413 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Virgin Islander
Ethnic groups: Black 76%, White 15.6%, Asian 1.4%, other 4.9%, mixed 2.1% (2010 est.)

note: 17.4% self-identify as Latino
Languages: English 71.6%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 17.2%, French or French Creole 8.6%, other 2.5% (2010 est.)
Religions: Protestant 65.5%, Roman Catholic 27.1%, other Christians 2.2%, other 1.5%, none 3.7% (2010 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 19.71% (male 10,671/female 10,192)

15-24 years: 10.16% (male 5,219/female 5,535)

25-54 years: 36.07% (male 17,844/female 20,342)

55-64 years: 14.24% (male 7,222/female 7,859)

65 years and over: 19.82% (2021 est.) (male 9,424/female 11,562)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 66

youth dependency ratio: 32

elderly dependency ratio: 34

potential support ratio: 2.9 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 41.8 years

male: 40.6 years

female: 42.8 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: -0.45% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 11.63 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 8.78 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -7.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: while overall population density throughout the islands is relatively low, concentrations appear around Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas and Christiansted on St. Croix
Urbanization: urban population: 96.1% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: -0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 52,000 CHARLOTTE AMALIE (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.87 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 7.65 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 8.65 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 80.27 years

male: 77.08 years

female: 83.65 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 98.7% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 1.3% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: NA
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 99.4% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 0.6% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: NA

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: lack of natural freshwater resources; protection of coral reefs; solid waste management; coastal development; increased boating and overfishing
Climate: subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November
Land use: agricultural land: 11.5% (2018 est.)

arable land: 2.9% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 2.9% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 5.7% (2018 est.)

forest: 57.4% (2018 est.)

other: 31.1% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 96.1% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: -0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2017 est.)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 146,500 tons (2012 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Virgin Islands

former: Danish West Indies

abbreviation: VI

etymology: the myriad islets, cays, and rocks surrounding the major islands reminded Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgin followers (Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Virgenes), which over time shortened to the Virgins (las Virgenes)
Government type: unincorporated organized territory of the US with local self-government; republican form of territorial government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches
Dependency status: unincorporated organized territory of the US with policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the federal government under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior
Capital: name: Charlotte Amalie

geographic coordinates: 18 21 N, 64 56 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: originally called Taphus in Danish - meaning "tap house" or "beer house" because of its many beer halls - the town received a more dignified name in 1691 when it was named Charlotte Amalie in honor of Danish King Christian V’s wife, Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel (1650–1714)
Administrative divisions: none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 islands at the second order; Saint Croix, Saint John, Saint Thomas
Independence: none (territory of the US)
National holiday: Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 31 March (1917)
Constitution: history: 22 July 1954 - the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands functions as a constitution for this US territory

amendments: amended several times, last in 2012
Legal system: US common law
Citizenship: see United States
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; note - island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections
Executive branch: chief of state: President Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. (since 20 January 2021); Vice President Kamala D. HARRIS (since 20 January 2021)

head of government: Governor Albert BRYAN, Jr. (since 7 January 2019), Lieutenant Governor Tregenza ROACH (since 7 January 2019)

cabinet: Territorial Cabinet appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate

elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state; president and vice president serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of the Virgin Islands do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 6 November 2018 with a runoff on 20 November 2018 (next to be held in November 2022)

election results: Albert BRYAN, Jr. elected governor in the second round; percent of vote in first round - Albert BRYAN, Jr. (Democratic Party) 38.1%, Kenneth MAPP (independent) 33.5%, Adlah "Foncie" DONASTORG, Jr. (independent) 16.5%, other 11.9%; percent of vote in second round- Albert BRYAN, Jr. (Democratic Party) 54.5%, Kenneth MAPP (independent) 45.2%, other .3%Albert BRYAN, Jr. elected governor in the second round; percent of vote in first round - Albert BRYAN, Jr. (Democratic Party) 38.1%, Kenneth MAPP (independent) 33.5%, Adlah "Foncie" DONASTORG, Jr. (independent) 16.5%, other 11.9%; percent of vote in second round- Albert BRYAN, Jr. (Democratic Party) 54.5%, Kenneth MAPP (independent) 45.2%, other .3%
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Legislature of the Virgin Islands (15 seats; senators directly elected in single- and multi-seat constituencies by simple majority popular vote to serve 2-year terms)

the Virgin Islands directly elects 1 delegate to the US House of Representatives by simple majority vote to serve a 2-year term

elections: Legislature of the Virgin Islands last held on 6 November 2018 (next to be held in November 2020)
US House of Representatives last held on 6 November 2018 (next to be held in November 2020)

election results: Legislature of the Virgin Islands - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 13, independents 2; composition - men 11, women 4, percent of women 26.7%

delegate to US House of Representatives - seat by party - Democratic Party 1; composition - 1 woman

note: the Virgin Islands to the US House of Representatives can vote when serving on a committee and when the House meets as the Committee of the Whole House, but not when legislation is submitted for a “full floor” House vote
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands (consists of the chief justice and 2 associate justices); note - court established by the US Congress in 2004 and assumed appellate jurisdiction in 2007

judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Virgin Islands Senate; justices serve initial 10-year terms and upon reconfirmation, during the extent of good behavior; chief justice elected to position by peers for a 3-year term

subordinate courts: Superior Court (Territorial Court renamed in 2004); US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (has appellate jurisdiction over the District Court of the Virgin Islands; it is a territorial court and is not associated with a US federal judicial district); District Court of the Virgin Islands
Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party [Stacey PLASKELL]
Independent Citizens' Movement or ICM [Dale BLYDEN]
Republican Party [John CANEGATA]
International organization participation: AOSIS (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UPU, WFTU (NGOs)
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territory of the US)
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (territory of the US)
Flag description: white field with a modified US coat of arms in the center between the large blue initials V and I; the coat of arms shows a yellow eagle holding an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in the left with a superimposed shield of seven red and six white vertical stripes below a blue panel; white is a symbol of purity, the letters stand for the Virgin Islands
National anthem: name: Virgin Islands March

lyrics/music: multiple/Alton Augustus ADAMS, Sr.

note: adopted 1963; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the US, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Tourism, trade, other services, and rum production are the primary economic activities of the US Virgin Islands (USVI), accounting for most of its GDP and employment. The USVI receives between 2.5 and 3 million tourists a year, mostly from visiting cruise ships. The islands are vulnerable to damage from storms, as evidenced by the destruction from two major hurricanes in 2017. Recovery and rebuilding have continued, but full recovery from these back-to-back hurricanes is years away. The USVI government estimates it will need $7.5 billion, almost twice the territory’s GDP, to rebuild the territory.   The agriculture sector is small and most food is imported. In 2016, government spending (both federal and territorial together) accounted for about 27% of GDP while exports of goods and services, including spending by tourists, accounted for nearly 47%. Federal programs and grants, including rum tax cover-over totaling $482.3 million in 2016, contributed 32.2% of the territory’s total revenues. The economy picked up 0.9% in 2016 and had appeared to be progressing before the 2017 hurricanes severely damaged the territory’s infrastructure and the economy.Tourism, trade, other services, and rum production are the primary economic activities of the US Virgin Islands (USVI), accounting for most of its GDP and employment. The USVI receives between 2.5 and 3 million tourists a year, mostly from visiting cruise ships. The islands are vulnerable to damage from storms, as evidenced by the destruction from two major hurricanes in 2017. Recovery and rebuilding have continued, but full recovery from these back-to-back hurricanes is years away. The USVI government estimates it will need $7.5 billion, almost twice the territory’s GDP, to rebuild the territory. The agriculture sector is small and most food is imported. In 2016, government spending (both federal and territorial together) accounted for about 27% of GDP while exports of goods and services, including spending by tourists, accounted for nearly 47%. Federal programs and grants, including rum tax cover-over totaling $482.3 million in 2016, contributed 32.2% of the territory’s total revenues. The economy picked up 0.9% in 2016 and had appeared to be progressing before the 2017 hurricanes severely damaged the territory’s infrastructure and the economy.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $3.872 billion (2016 est.)

$3.759 billion (2015 est.)

$3.622 billion (2014 est.)

note: data are in 2013 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 0.9% (2016 est.)

0.3% (2015 est.)

-1% (2014 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $37,000 (2016 est.)

$35,800 (2015 est.)

$34,500 (2014 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate): $5.182 billion (2016 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1% (2016 est.)

2.6% (2015 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 2% (2012 est.)

industry: 20% (2012 est.)

services: 78% (2012 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 68.2% (2016 est.)

government consumption: 26.8% (2016 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 7.5% (2016 est.)

investment in inventories: 15% (2016 est.) NA

exports of goods and services: 46.7% (2016 est.)

imports of goods and services: -64.3% (2016 est.)
Agricultural products: fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle
Industries: tourism, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, electronics
Industrial production growth rate: NA
Labor force: 48,550 (2016 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1%

industry: 19%

services: 80% (2003 est.)
Unemployment rate: 10.4% (2017 est.)

11% (2016 est.)
Population below poverty line: 28.9% (2002 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 1.496 billion (2016 est.)

expenditures: 1.518 billion (2016 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -0.4% (of GDP) (2016 est.)
Public debt: 53.3% of GDP (2016 est.)

45.9% of GDP (2014 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 28.9% (of GDP) (2016 est.)
Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
Exports: $1.81 billion (2016 est.)

$1.537 billion (2015 est.)
Exports - partners: Haiti 14%, Guadeloupe 7%, Malaysia 7%, Martinique 7%, Barbados 7%, British Virgin Islands 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: refined petroleum, jewelry, recreational boats, watches, rum (2019)
Imports: $2.489 billion (2016 est.)

$1.549 billion (2015 est.)
Imports - partners: India 18%, Algeria 14%, South Korea 9%, Argentina 9%, Sweden 7%, Brazil 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, crude petroleum, rubber piping, jewelry, beer (2019)
Debt - external: NANA
Exchange rates: the US dollar is usedthe US dollar is used

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Electricity - production: 704 million kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption: 654.7 million kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity: 325,000 kW (2016 est.)
Electricity - from fossil fuels: 98% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources: 2% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Crude oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
Crude oil - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - imports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - proved reserves: 0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption: 1,240 bbl/day (2016 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 3,285 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 23,480 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves: 0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 76,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 73 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 59,121 (2018)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 204.5 (2019)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: modern system with total digital switching, uses fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay; good interisland and international connections; broadband access; expansion of FttP (Fiber to the Home) markets; LTE launches; regulatory development and expansion in several markets point to investment and focus on data (2020)

domestic: full range of services available; fixed-line roughly 72 per 100 persons, no recent teledensity numbers available for mobile-cellular usage, although it was approximately 75 per 100 in 2010 (2018)

international: country code - 1-340; landing points for the BSCS, St Thomas-ST Croix System, Southern Caribbean Fiber, Americas II, GCN, MAC, PAN-AM and SAC submarine cable connections to US, the Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth stations - NA (2020)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: about a dozen TV broadcast stations including 1 public TV station; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are available; 24 radio stations
Internet country code: .vi
Internet users: total: 68,268 (2019 est.)

percent of population: 64% (2019 est.)

Topic: Transportation
Airports: total: 2 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021)
Roadways: total: 1,260 km (2008)
Merchant marine: total: 1,868

by type: bulk carrier 91, container ship 39, general cargo 1,205, oil tanker 118, other 415 (2019)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay, Frederiksted, Limetree Bay

Topic: Military and Security
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: nonenone