Qatar is a strong and thriving nation located on a small peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia. The official religion is Islam, whereby Islamic law is upheld throughout the country. Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid 1800's, Qatari culture places emphasis not only on faith, family values and tradition, but also on loyalty, ambition and economic progress.

Qatar also has a large expatriate community, where the government and the citizens of Qatar go to great lengths to make their guests feel at home. As the various national groups have sought to maintain their national identities, Qatar has become a wonderful kaleidoscope of heritage, tradition and culture.

As the Gulf Region's number one hydrocarbon producer, Qatar controls 5% of the world's natural gas reserves. This has enabled it to develop one of the world's fastest growing economies, with an estimated increase of 7.9 % per year. Being the second richest country in the world after Lichtenstein, with a per capita income of $ 40,000 per year, Qatar has also established itself as a key business hub and recently placed focus on developing the industrial and social sectors, as well as increasing private and foreign investment in non-energy sectors.

Qatar has also proven itself to be a nation that is transforming socially and politically at a fast pace and so has become a role model for economic and social change in the region. Although it is ruled as an absolute monarchy, Qatari citizens enjoy a very high standard of living, as they are offered many social services, pay no income tax and benefit from all amenities of a modern state. The official language is Arabic, although English is widely spoken and understood.