Population density: 55/km2 (144/mi2)
Main languages spoken: Arabic Only one in five inhabitants is native-born. Most are guest workers from the Indian subcontinent, Iran, and north African countries. Western expatriates enjoy a high standard of living and take no part in politics. Most Qataris are followers of the Wahhabi interpretation of Sunni Islam and espouse conservative religious views. However, women are not obliged to wear a veil and can hold a driving license. Expatriate Christians are allowed freedom to worship but not to promote Christianity. Since the advent of oil wealth, the Qataris, who were formerly nomadic Bedouins, have become a nation of city dwellers. Almost 90% of the population now inhabit the capital Doha and its suburbs. As a result, northern Qatar is dotted with depopulated and abandoned villages. THE URBAN/RURAL POPULATION SPLIT
 ETHNIC MAKEUP
 From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004 | 
