Country explorer: Qatar

Qatar has experienced transformative economic growth, underscored by dramatic increases in GDP per capita that significantly outpace those of its regional peers and high-income countries, positioning it as one of the wealthiest nations globally, while maintaining low unemployment rates and managing inflation effectively.

Qatar has experienced robust population growth, significant net migration inflows, declining fertility rates, and increasing life expectancy, marking its distinct transformation compared to many high-income countries which often face aging populations and slower population growth.

Qatar has demonstrated substantial improvements in providing its population with access to basic needs such as clean cooking fuels, electricity, safely managed drinking water, and sanitation facilities, rivaling high-income countries and surpassing many of its peers in the region.

Qatar has experienced substantial human development as evidenced by improvements in the Human Development Index, significant reductions in child mortality, marked increases in literacy rates, and enhanced education quality, distinguishing it as a nation that has achieved notable progress comparable to high-income countries, reflecting its successful investment in public well-being and education systems.

Qatar has exhibited a discernible shift in its environment and energy profile, marked by a significant reduction in per capita CO2 emissions from the world's highest levels, alongside a modest introduction of renewable energy sources into its electricity production mix, in a context of finite natural freshwater resources and negligible forest area.

Qatar has demonstrated remarkable growth in technology and innovation, reflected by widespread Internet adoption, a high number of mobile subscriptions per capita, significant investment in research and development (especially compared to regional peers), and a substantial increase in scientific and technical publications, positioning itself as a leading innovator in the Middle East.

Qatar has seen a dramatic increase in its expatriate population, a significant improvement in gender equality, stable high levels of self-reported life satisfaction, and a notable decrease in its age dependency ratio, indicating a unique blend of cultural openness, progressive societal changes, and economic dynamism uncommon among its regional peers.

Qatar has experienced significant governance shifts, notably with improvements in the rule of law and a notable position in combating corruption, as seen through rising scores in the Corruption Perception Index to levels high among its regional peers, despite challenges in political civil liberties and press freedom where it still seeks progress.