Demographics of Qatar: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:46, 8 November 2025

Template:Short description Template:EngvarB Template:Use dmy dates

Natives of the Arabian Peninsula, many Qataris (Template:Langx) are descended from a number of migratory Arab tribes that came to Qatar in the 18th century from mainly the neighboring areas of Nejd and Al-Hasa. Some are descended from Omani tribes. Qatar has about 2.6 million inhabitants as of early 2017, the vast majority of whom (about 92%) live in Doha, the capital.^[1] Foreign workers amount to around 88% of the population, the largest of which comprise South Asians, with those from India alone estimated to be around 700,000.^[2] Egyptians and Filipinos are the largest non-South Asian migrant group in Qatar. The treatment of these foreign workers has been heavily criticized with conditions suggested to be modern slavery. However the International Labour Organization published report in November 2022 that contained multiple reforms by Qatar for its migrant workers. The reforms included the establishment of the minimum wage, wage protection regulations, improved access for workers to justice, etc. It included data from last 4 years of progress in workers conditions of Qatar. The report also revealed that the freedom to change jobs was initiated, implementation of Occupational safety and health & labor inspection, and also the required effort from the nation's side.^[3]

Islam is the official religion, and Islamic jurisprudence is the basis of Qatar's legal system. A significant minority religion is Hindu due to the large number of Qatar's migrant workers coming from India.

Arabic is the official language and English is the lingua franca of business. Hindi-Urdu and Malayalam are among the most widely spoken languages by the foreign workers.^[4] Education in Qatar is compulsory and free for all citizens 6–16 years old. The country has an increasingly high literacy rate.

Population

Template:Historical populations Template:Historical populations

Foreigners

File:Construction laborers having an on the job meeting in Onaiza Qatar.jpg

Construction laborers in Doha

Foreigners constitute 85% to 90% of Qatar's population of 2.7 million, with migrant workers making up approximately 95% of the workforce.^[5] South Asia and the Philippines are the primary regions which migrants come from. Societal divisions exist depending on the origin of the foreigner, with Europeans, North Americans, and Arabs typically securing better job opportunities and social privileges than sub-Saharan Africans and South Asians.^[6] Socialization between foreigners and Qataris faces limitations due to language barriers and different religious and cultural customs.^[7]

The human rights of migrant workers is limited by the country's Kafala system, which stipulates their requirement of a Qatari sponsor and regulates their entry and exit.^[8] Prospective migrant workers from origin countries sometimes face exorbitant recruitment fees, surpassing government-set limits, paid to licensed and unlicensed recruitment entities. These charges, ranging from $600 to $5,000, often force workers into debt and compel them to sell family assets. Government-to-government agreements have emerged in recent years to mitigate opaque recruitment practices and worker exploitation. Many companies in Qatar skirt local laws, resulting in workers facing delayed or non-payment of wages. While some employers deposit wages into bank accounts, most workers are paid in cash without detailed pay slips, hindering evidence of payment and complicating remittances. Additionally, the confiscation of passports by employers is a common practice in Qatar which limits the workers' freedom of movement and exposes them to potential exploitation.^[9]

By nationality

A 2011–2014 report by the International Organization for Migration recorded 176,748 Nepali Citizens living in Qatar as migrant workers.^[10]^[11]^[12] In 2012 about 7,000 Turkish nationals lived in Qatar^[13] and in 2016 about 1,000 Colombian nationals and descendants lived in Qatar. No official numbers are published of the foreign population broken down by nationality, however a firm provided estimates as of 2019:^[14]

Country	Number	percent
Script error: No such module "flag".	700,000	Template:Percentage bar
Script error: No such module "flag".	400,000	Template:Percentage bar
Script error: No such module "flag".	400,000	Template:Percentage bar
Script error: No such module "flag".	330,000	Template:Percentage bar
Script error: No such module "flag".	300,000	Template:Percentage bar
Script error: No such module "flag".	236,000	Template:Percentage bar
Script error: No such module "flag".	180,000	Template:Percentage bar
Script error: No such module "flag".	140,000	Template:Percentage bar
Script error: No such module "flag".	60,000	Template:Percentage bar
Script error: No such module "flag".	54,000	Template:Percentage bar
Script error: No such module "flag".	51,000	Template:Percentage bar
Script error: No such module "flag".	40,000	Template:Percentage bar
Template:United States	40,000	Template:Percentage bar
Script error: No such module "flag".	30,000	Template:Percentage bar
Script error: No such module "flag".	30,000	Template:Percentage bar

Updated from countries' embassies:^[15]

Nationality	Population	Percent of total	Data Recency
Template:Country data India	700,000	21.8%	May 2019
Template:Country data Bangladesh	400,000	12.5%	Apr 2019
Template:Country data Nepal	400,000	12.5%	Jul 2018
Template:Country data Qatar	333,000	10.5%	Q1 2019
Template:Country data Egypt	300,000	9.35%	May 2018
Template:Country data Philippines	236,000	7.35%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Pakistan	150,000	4.7%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Sri Lanka	140,000	4.35%	Sep 2018
Template:Country data Sudan	60,000	1.9%	Jan 2019
Template:Country data Syria	54,000	1.7%	Nov 2015
Template:Country data Jordan	51,000	1.6%	May 2017
Template:Country data Lebanon	40,000	1.25%	Jan 2019
Template:Country data United States	40,000	1.25%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Kenya	30,000	1%	Mar 2019
Template:Country data Iran	30,000	1%	Dec 2013
Template:Country data Indonesia	27,350	0.85%	Apr 2019
Template:Country data Tunisia	26,000	0.8%	Nov 2018
Template:Country data Ethiopia	25,000	0.8%	Jan 2018
Template:Country data United Kingdom	22,000	0.7%	Apr 2018
Template:Country data Nigeria	11,000	0.35%	Sep 2018
Template:Country data China	>10,000	0.3%	Jan 2016
Template:Country data Turkey	10,000	0.3%	Jun 2018
Template:Country data Eritrea	10,000	0.3%	Aug 2016
Template:Country data Canada	9,200	0.3%	Mar 2019
Template:Country data Saudi Arabia	8,245	0.25%	Aug 2017
Template:Country data Ghana	8,000	0.25%	May 2018
Template:Country data Palestine	8,000	0.25%	Apr 2019
Template:Country data South Africa	6,500	0.2%	Apr 2019
Template:Country data Iraq	6,100	0.2%	Nov 2018
Template:Country data France	5,500	0.17%	Sep 2018
Template:Country data Uganda	5,000 – 6,000	~0.17%	Apr 2019
Template:Country data Malaysia	5,000	0.15%	Jan 2019
Template:Country data Spain	4,000	0.12%	Mar 2018
Template:Country data Afghanistan	3,500 – 4,000	~0.12%	Nov 2012
Template:Country data Australia	3,100	<0.10%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Thailand	3,065	0.1%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Ireland	3,000	0.1%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Greece	2,600	<0.10%	Mar 2019
Template:Country data Romania	2,500	<0.10%	Jun 2019
Template:Country data Russia	2,500	<0.10%	Mar 2018
Template:Country data Bahrain	2,349	<0.10%	Aug 2017
Template:Country data Italy	2,100	<0.10%	Nov 2016
Template:Country data Serbia	2,000	<0.10%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data South Korea	2,000	<0.10%	Dec 2018
Template:Country data Germany	1,800	<0.10%	Mar 2019
Template:Country data Brazil	1,500	<0.10%	Dec 2018
Template:Country data Portugal	1,500	<0.10%	2018
Template:Country data Ukraine	1,500	<0.10%	2019
Template:Country data Vietnam	1,400	<0.10%	Apr 2019
Template:Country data Netherlands	1,350	<0.10%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Albania	1,200	<0.10%	Jan 2017
Template:Country data UAE	1,027	<0.10%	Aug 2017
Template:Country data North Macedonia	1,000	<0.10%	Dec 2013
Template:Country data Poland	1,000	<0.10%	Sep 2019
Template:Country data New Zealand	989	<0.10%	Feb 2017
Template:Country data Japan	949	<0.10%	Oct 2017
Template:Country data Denmark	900	<0.10%	Feb 2017
Template:Country data Bosnia	750	<0.10%	Mar 2018
Template:Country data Belgium	700	<0.10%	Oct 2018
Template:Country data Mexico	550	<0.10%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Sweden	550	<0.10%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Croatia	500	<0.10%	Nov 2018
Template:Country data Cuba	~500	<0.10%	Jun 2019
Template:Country data Kyrgyzstan	500	<0.10%	May 2019
Template:Country data Austria	500	<0.10%	Nov 2016
Template:Country data Bulgaria	400	<0.10%	Apr 2019
Template:Country data El Salvador	400	<0.10%	Sep 2018
Template:Country data Hungary	400	<0.10%	Nov 2017
Template:Country data Singapore	400	<0.10%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Azerbaijan	350	<0.10%	Feb 2019
Template:Country data Venezuela	337	<0.10%	Dec 2014
Template:Country data Argentina	320	<0.10%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Czech Republic	300	<0.10%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Gambia	300	<0.10%	May 2017
Template:Country data Finland	250	<0.10%	Oct 2018
Template:Country data Switzerland	238	<0.10%	2018
Template:Country data Senegal	200	<0.10%	Mar 2016
Template:Country data Georgia	200	<0.10%	Feb 2018
Template:Country data Belarus	200	<0.10%	Jan 2017
Template:Country data Kazakhstan	200	<0.10%	Aug 2015
Template:Country data Colombia	200	<0.10%	Feb 2017
Template:Country data Moldova	160	<0.10%	2018
Template:Country data Norway	160	<0.10%	2015
Template:Country data Panama	120	<0.10%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Peru	100	<0.10%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Slovakia	100	<0.10%	Aug 2019
Template:Country data Ecuador	100	<0.10%	Dec 2014
Template:Country data Benin	82	<0.10%	Dec 2014
Template:Country data Dominican Republic	75	<0.10%	Aug 2019
Template:Country data Brunei	41	<0.10%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Liberia	40	<0.10%	Dec 2013
Template:Country data Zimbabwe	32	<0.10%	Jul 19
Template:Country data Uruguay	23	<0.10%	Jul 2019
Template:Country data Latvia	22	<0.10%	Jan 18

Statistics

UN estimates

Period	Live births per year	Deaths per year	Natural change per year	CBR*	CDR*	NC*	TFR*	IMR*
1950–1955	1,000	0	1,000	47.5	13.8	33.7	6.97	126
1955–1960	2,000	0	1,000	44.3	11.3	33.0	6.97	110
1960–1965	2,000	1,000	2,000	41.0	8.8	32.1	6.97	90
1965–1970	4,000	1,000	3,000	38.6	6.8	31.8	6.97	71
1970–1975	5,000	1,000	4,000	34.8	5.2	29.6	6.77	53
1975–1980	7,000	1,000	6,000	35.7	4.0	31.7	6.11	38
1980–1985	10,000	1,000	9,000	33.2	3.1	30.1	5.45	28
1985–1990	11,000	1,000	10,000	25.4	2.5	22.9	4.50	23
1990–1995	11,000	1,000	10,000	22.8	2.2	20.6	4.01	18
1995–2000	10,000	1,000	9,000	19.2	2.1	17.1	3.30	14
2000–2005	13,000	1,000	12,000	18.8	1.9	16.9	3.01	11
2005–2010	18,000	2,000	16,000	14.1	1.6	12.5	2.40	9
* CBR = crude birth rate (per 1000); CDR = crude death rate (per 1000); NC = natural change (per 1000); IMR = infant mortality rate per 1000 births; TFR = total fertility rate (number of children per woman)
Source:^[16]

Registered births and deaths

	Average population	Live births	Deaths	Natural change	Crude birth rate (per 1000)	Crude death rate (per 1000)	Natural change (per 1000)	TFR
1970	108,000	3,616	464	3,152	33.4	4.3	29.1
1971	118,000	3,921	491	3,430	33.2	4.2	29.0
1972	129,000	4,038	563	3,475	31.2	4.4	26.8
1973	141,000	4,367	660	3,707	31.0	4.7	26.3
1974	152,000	4,562	688	3,874	30.0	4.5	25.5
1975	163,000	4,559	600	3,959	28.0	3.7	24.3
1976	172,000	4,893	609	4,284	28.4	3.5	24.9
1977	181,000	5,313	686	4,627	29.4	3.8	25.6
1978	190,000	5,977	645	5,332	31.4	3.4	28.0
1979	203,000	6,057	709	5,348	29.8	3.5	26.3
1980	222,000	6,750	662	6,088	30.5	3.0	27.5
1981	246,000	7,192	725	6,467	29.3	3.0	26.3
1982	275,000	8,032	789	7,243	29.2	2.9	26.3
1983	307,000	8,261	803	7,458	26.9	2.6	24.3
1984	338,000	8,613	642	7,971	25.5	1.9	23.6
1985	368,000	9,225	794	8,431	25.1	2.2	22.9
1986	373,395	9,942	784	9,158	25.2	2.0	23.2
1987	383,850	9,919	788	9,131	23.6	1.9	21.7
1988	395,209	10,842	861	9,981	24.5	1.9	22.6
1989	407,571	10,908	847	10,061	23.7	1.8	21.9
1990	420,779	11,022	871	10,151	23.3	1.8	21.5
1991	434,372	9,756	883	8,873	20.2	1.8	18.4
1992	448,571	10,459	944	9,515	21.4	1.9	19.5
1993	463,967	10,822	913	9,909	22.0	1.9	20.1
1994	480,330	10,561	964	9,597	21.3	1.9	19.4
1995	497,551	10,371	1,000	9,371	20.7	2.0	18.7
1996	515,576	10,317	1,015	9,302	20.1	2.0	18.1
1997	536,474	10,447	1,060	9,387	19.8	2.0	17.8
1998	560,990	10,781	1,157	9,624	19.6	2.1	17.5
1999	586,770	10,846	1,148	9,698	19.0	2.0	17.0
2000	613,969	11,438	1,173	10,265	19.4	2.0	17.4
2001	643,364	12,355	1,210	11,145	20.3	2.0	18.3
2002	676,498	12,388	1,220	11,168	19.8	2.0	17.8
2003	713,859	13,026	1,311	11,715	19.9	2.0	17.9
2004	798,059	13,589	1,341	12,248	19.0	1.9	17.1	2.78
2005	906,123	13,514	1,545	11,969	16.5	1.9	14.6	2.62
2006	1,042,947	14,204	1,750	12,454	14.5	1.8	12.7	2.48
2007	1,218,250	15,695	1,776	13,919	13.3	1.5	11.8	2.45
2008	1,448,479	17,480	1,942	15,538	12.1	1.3	10.8	2.43
2009	1,638,626	18,351	2,008	16,343	11.2	1.2	10.0	2.28
2010	1,715 098	19,504	1,970	17,534	11.4	1.1	10.3	2.08
2011	1,732,717	20,623	1,949	18,674	12.0	1.1	10.9	2.12
2012	1,832,903	21,423	2,031	19,392	11.7	1.1	10.6	2.05
2013	2,003,700	23,708	2,133	21,575	11.8	1.1	10.7	2.00
2014	2,216,180	25,607	2,197	23,410	11.5	1.1	10.4	2.00
2015	2,437,790	26,622	2,185	24,437	10.9	1.0	9.9	2.00
2016	2,617,634	26,816	2,207	24,609	10.2	0.9	9.3	1.85
2017	2,724,606	27,906	2,185	25,721	10.2	0.8	9.4	1.83
2018	2,760,170	28,069	2,274	25,795	10.2	0.9	9.3	1.75
2019	2,799,202	28,412	2,086	26,326	10.2	0.8	9.4	1.73
2020	2,833,679	29,015	2,734	26,281	10.2	1.0	9.2	1.67
2021	2,748,162	26,338	2,741	23,597	9.6	1.0	8.5	1.60
2022	2,932,241	26,316	2,645	23,671	9.0	1.0	8.0	1.51
2023	3,063,005	27,322	2,553	24,769	9.0	0.9	8.1
2024	3,143,491
Sources:^[17]^[18]

Population by sex and age group

(01.VII.2019):^[19]

Age Group	Male	Female	Total	%
Total	2,064,276	734,926	2,799,202	Template:Percentage bar
0–4	74,902	71,724	146,626	Template:Percentage bar
5–9	71,614	69,267	140,881	Template:Percentage bar
10–14	56,637	54,291	110,928	Template:Percentage bar
15–19	47,897	38,313	86,210	Template:Percentage bar
20–24	205,862	44,382	250,244	Template:Percentage bar
25–29	352,616	92,515	445,131	Template:Percentage bar
30–34	393,644	109,435	503,079	Template:Percentage bar
35–39	319,713	89,034	408,747	Template:Percentage bar
40–44	211,372	62,490	273,862	Template:Percentage bar
45–49	145,216	39,577	184,793	Template:Percentage bar
50–54	86,415	25,298	111,713	Template:Percentage bar
55–59	51,306	16,530	67,836	Template:Percentage bar
60–64	26,902	9,875	36,777	Template:Percentage bar
65–69	10,744	5,365	16,109	Template:Percentage bar
70–74	4,905	3,154	8,059	Template:Percentage bar
75–79	2,703	2,031	4,734	Template:Percentage bar
80+	1,828	1,645	3,473	Template:Percentage bar
Age group	Male	Female	Total	Percent
0–14	203,153	195,282	398,435	Template:Percentage bar
15–64	1,840,943	527,449	2,368,392	Template:Percentage bar
65+	20,180	12,195	32,375	Template:Percentage bar

Life expectancy

File:Life expectancy by WBG -Qatar -diff.png

Life expectancy at birth in Qatar

Period	Life expectancy in Years	Period	Life expectancy in Years
1950–1955	55.2	1985–1990	74.5
1955–1960	59.2	1990–1995	75.3
1960–1965	62.9	1995–2000	76.0
1965–1970	66.6	2000–2005	76.6
1970–1975	69.7	2005–2010	76.9
1975–1980	71.8	2010–2015	77.6
1980–1985	73.4
Source: UN World Population Prospects^[20]

Qatari people

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Native Qataris can be divided into three ethnic groups: Bedouin Arabs, hadar, and Afro-Arab, which can be considered a sub-category of the hadar. Some of the hadar are of Iranian descent.^[21] Qatari citizens comprise 11.6% of the country's population.^[22]

Citizenship

Two distinctions exist between Qatari citizens: those whose families migrated to Qatar before 1930, commonly referred to as "native" Qataris, and "naturalized", those whose families arrived after. Previously, the 1961 citizenship law defined Qatari citizens as only those families who have been in the country since the 1930s,^[23] though this was repealed in the 2005 citizenship law. In 2021, a law was signed by Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani restricting the rights to vote in local elections to native citizens, leading to minor demonstrations and public disapproval. This led Al Thani to later announce that he would amend the law to allow all citizens to vote in future elections.^[24]

Children of Qatari mothers and foreign fathers are not granted Qatari citizenship; however, as of 2018, they are granted permanent residency status, which entitles them to similar state benefits as Qatari citizens. Nonetheless, the government limits the number of permanency residency visas it issues each year.^[25] The 2005 citizenship law allows for revocation of citizenship without appeal, which has been used on a number of families with dual citizenship.^[26]

Ethnic groups

Qatar's population has been historically diverse due to its role as a trading center, a refuge for nomadic tribes, and a hub for the pearling industry. Ethnic groups and the differences among them are considered sensitive topics in Qatari society and are rarely discussed in official contexts.^[23]

Bedouins, though constituting approximately 10 percent of the population, hold an outsized role in local culture. Many Qataris descend from tribes that migrated from Najd and Al-Hasa in the 18th century. Commonly called the bedu, they maintain ties, homes, and even passports in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. In the early 20th century, bedu migrated from the Arabian interior, with some traveling intermittently between Qatar and Bahrain. During the mid-20th century economic boom, many found work in the oil industry, police, army, and security services. The government settled Bedu families in the 1960s, discouraging the nomadic lifestyle. Today, many live in urban areas but return to the desert to stay connected to their roots. Many Bedu see themselves as noble and "pure" Arabs, often looking down on the settled population (hadar) as influenced by urban and Persian elements. Intermarriage between these groups is rare.^[23]

The hadar, a diverse group of settled Qatari citizens, includes Baharna, Huwala, Ajam (Iranians), and Afro-Arabs. Baharna Arabs, a group native to Qatar and often practicing Shia Muslims, sometimes face discrimination from the Sunni majority. Huwala Arabs, who are Sunni Muslims, migrated through the Persian Gulf to Persia and back to Qatar. Historically wealthier and better educated due to trade and pearling, their advantage has diminished as education became more accessible. The Ajam, ethnic Shia Persians, were active in boat building and still speak Persian. Qatar's Afro-Arab population descends from slaves brought from East Africa for the pearling industry. While some Arabs may view this group as "less" Qatari, most consider them full citizens. Despite occasional tensions, these groups are well integrated into Qatari society. Intermarriage is increasing, and Persian and African influences are evident in local culture.^[23]

Genetic studies

A 2023 study focusing on the Y-chromosome, which is passed down paternally, analyzed DNA samples from 379 unrelated Qatari men to investigate their genetic heritage and connections to other populations in the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East, and Africa. This research utilized 23 Y-STR markers, highly variable segments of DNA, to create genetic profiles and assess diversity within the Qatari male population.^[27]

The study revealed a high level of genetic diversity within the Qatari male population, with the marker DYS458 showing the most variation. Analysis of these genetic markers allowed for the prediction of Y-chromosome haplogroups, which are branches on the human Y-chromosome phylogenetic tree. The most prevalent haplogroup found in the Qatari sample was J1, accounting for approximately 49% of the individuals tested. This haplogroup is known to be common in the Arabian Peninsula and is associated with populations of Semitic origin, particularly Arabic speakers. The prominence of J1 in Qatar, forming a "star-like expansion cluster" in genetic networks, suggests a significant ancestral component linked to the broader Arabian region and potentially a more recent population expansion. Other haplogroups found in notable frequencies included J2, R1a, E1b1b, E1b1a, T, and L.^[27]

To understand Qatar's genetic placement within the region, the study compared Qatari Y-STR data with that of 38 other Middle Eastern populations. This analysis revealed that Qataris are genetically closest to Iraqi Arabs, followed by Saudi Arabian populations. Conversely, they showed the greatest genetic distance from groups like Kurdish Iraqis, Turkish populations from Dogukoy, and Palestinian Christian Arabs. These relationships were visualized using multidimensional scaling (MDS) plots, which graphically represent genetic distances between populations. The MDS analysis placed Qatar within a cluster of populations from the upper Arabian Peninsula, including Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine, suggesting shared genetic affinities within this broad geographical area. Further analysis using phylogenetic trees and population structure analysis (STRUCTURE) corroborated these findings, consistently grouping Qatar with Iraqi Arabs and highlighting its distinctiveness from other Arabian Peninsula populations in some analyses, while also showing broader connections within the Middle East.^[27]

The study also investigated gene flow, or migration patterns, using Bayesian statistical methods. The analysis suggested that the primary migration route influencing the Qatari population was from Yemen to Kuwait, passing through Qatar. This finding aligns with a model of coastal migration within the Arabian Peninsula. While there was evidence of bidirectional migration between Qatar and neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and the UAE, the strongest signal pointed towards this Yemen-Kuwait axis. This genetic evidence supports historical understandings of tribal movements and trade routes along the Arabian Gulf coast.^[27]

Religions

Template:Pie chart

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Qatar is an Islamic state with multi-religious minorities like most of the Persian Gulf countries with waves of migration over the last 30 years. The official state religion is Sunni Islam. The community is made up of Sunni and Shi'a Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and small groups of Buddhists and Baha'is.^[28] Muslims form 65.5% of the Qatari population, followed by Christians at 15.4%, Hindus at 14.2%, Buddhists at 3.3% and the rest 1.9% of the population follow other religions or are unaffiliated. Qatar is also home to numerous other religions mostly from the Middle East and Asia.^[29]

Languages

Arabic

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Arabic is the official language of Qatar according to Article 1 of the Constitution.^[30] Arabic in Qatar not only serves as a symbol of national identity but is also the medium of official communication, legislation, and education. The government has instituted policies to reinforce the use of Arabic, including the Arabic Language Protection Law enacted in 2019, which mandates the use of Arabic in governmental and public functions and penalizes non-compliance. Arabic speakers constitute a minority of the 2.8 million population, at around 11%.^[31]

Qatari Arabic, a dialect of Gulf Arabic, is the primary dialect spoken. As the prestige dialect within the nation, Qatari Arabic not only functions in everyday communication but also plays a significant role in maintaining cultural identity and social cohesion among the Qatari people. The vocabulary of Qatari Arabic incorporates a plethora of loanwords from Aramaic, Persian, Turkish, and more recently, English. Phonetically, it conserves many classical Arabic features such as emphatic consonants and interdental sounds, which distinguish it from other Arabic dialects that have simplified these elements. Syntactically, Qatari Arabic exhibits structures that align with other Gulf dialects but with unique adaptations, such as specific verb forms and negation patterns.^[32]

In Qatari Arabic, like many Arabic dialects, there is a significant phonological distinction between long and short vowels. This distinction is crucial for both pronunciation and meaning. Long vowels in Qatari Arabic are generally held for approximately twice the duration of their short counterparts. This length distinction can affect the meaning of words, making vowel length phonemically significant. Qatari Arabic typically includes five long vowels: Script error: No such module "IPA"., Script error: No such module "IPA"., Script error: No such module "IPA"., Script error: No such module "IPA"., and Script error: No such module "IPA".. These long vowels are integral to maintaining the clarity and meaning of words. Short vowels in Qatari Arabic are Script error: No such module "IPA"., Script error: No such module "IPA"., and Script error: No such module "IPA".. These vowels are shorter in duration and can be less emphasized in casual speech. In some dialectical variations, short vowels may even be dropped entirely in certain environments, a process known as vowel reduction. This feature is common in rapid, informal speech and can lead to significant variations in pronunciation from the standard forms of the language. The distinction between long and short vowels in Qatari Arabic not only affects pronunciation but also plays a role in the grammatical structure of words, influencing verb conjugations, noun cases, and the definiteness of nouns through the use of the definite article /al-/.^[32]

As English is considered the prestige lingua franca in Qatar, bilingual locals have incorporated elements of English into Qatari Arabic when communicating on an informal level. This mixture of English terms and phrases in Qatari Arabic speech is colloquially known as Qatarese.^[33] The practice of interchanging English and Arabic words is known as code-switching and is mostly seen in urban areas and among the younger generation.^[32]

As a result of mass migration, a South Asian pidgin form of Qatari Arabic has emerged in modern times.^[32]

English

English is the de facto second language of Qatar, and is very commonly used in business. Because of Qatar's varied ethnic landscape, English has been recognized as the most convenient medium for people of different backgrounds to communicate with each other.^[34] The history of English use in the country dates back to the mid-19th and early 20th centuries when the British Empire would frequently draft treaties and agreements with the emirates of the Persian Gulf. One such treaty was the 1916 protectorate treaty signed between Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani and the British representative Percy Cox, under which Qatar would be placed under British administration in exchange for protection. Another agreement drafted in English came in 1932 and was signed between the Qatari government and the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. These agreements were mainly facilitated by foreign interpreters due to neither party possessing the required language skills for such complex arrangements. For instance, a translator and native Arabic speaker named A. A. Hilmy interpreted the 1932 agreement for Qatar.^[35]

French

Despite Qatar's population comprising only 1% French speakers, the country was admitted to the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie as an associate member in 2012. It was not required to join as an observer state prior to its full admittance.^[36]

Other languages

Qatar's linguistic diversity is significantly shaped by its large expatriate population from South Asia and the Philippines. The most common Asian languages among migrants are Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. Hindi and Malayalam are particularly prevalent, with large communities of speakers from India. For example, Malayalam is spoken by a significant portion of the Indian community originating from the southern state of Kerala, who make up the majority of the country's Indian diaspora. Similarly, the widespread presence of languages such as Bengali, Tamil, and Urdu is attributed to a large portion of expatriates from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and other parts of India.^[31]

In 2015, there were more newspapers printed by the government in Malayalam than in Arabic or English.^[37]

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar, the importance of these languages was particularly recognized in public health communications. The Qatari government utilized Asian languages extensively in its awareness campaigns to ensure that critical health information reached all population segments, including those who might not speak Arabic or English proficiently. This multilingual approach involved disseminating information through various channels such as radio, printed pamphlets, and digital media.^[31]

References

Template:Reflist

Demographics of Qatar: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:46, 8 November 2025

Contents

Population

Foreigners

By nationality

Statistics

UN estimates

Registered births and deaths

Population by sex and age group

Life expectancy

Qatari people

Citizenship

Ethnic groups

Genetic studies

Religions

Languages

Arabic

English

French

Other languages

References

Further reading

Navigation menu

@@ Line 35: / Line 35: @@
 |archive-date=26 June 2018
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626135815/https://www.mdps.gov.qa/en/statistics1/StatisticsSite/Pages/Population.aspx
-|url-status=dead
 }}</ref> [[Foreign worker]]s amount to around 88% of the population, the largest of which comprise [[South Asia]]ns, with those from [[India]] alone estimated to be around 700,000.<ref>{{cite web
 |url=http://priyadsouza.com/population-of-qatar-by-nationality-in-2017/
@@ Line 42: / Line 41: @@
 |archive-date=22 November 2018
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122162153/http://priyadsouza.com/population-of-qatar-by-nationality-in-2017/
-|url-status=dead
 }}</ref> [[Egyptians]] and [[Filipinos]] are the largest non-South Asian migrant group in Qatar. The treatment of these foreign workers has been heavily criticized with [[Human rights in Qatar#Slavery|conditions]] suggested to be [[Slavery in the 21st century #Forced migrant labor|modern slavery]]. However the [[International Labour Organization]] published report in November 2022 that contained multiple reforms by Qatar for its migrant workers. The reforms included the establishment of the minimum wage, wage protection regulations, improved access for workers to justice, etc. It included data from last 4 years of progress in workers conditions of Qatar. The report also revealed that the freedom to change jobs was initiated, implementation of Occupational safety and health & labor inspection, and also the required effort from the nation's side.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-01 |title=Four years of labour reforms in Qatar |url=http://www.ilo.org/beirut/countries/qatar/qatar-office/WCMS_859880/lang--en/index.htm |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=www.ilo.org |language=en}}</ref>
 [[Islam]] is the official religion, and Islamic jurisprudence is the basis of Qatar's legal system. A significant minority religion is [[Hindu]] due to the large number of Qatar's migrant workers coming from [[India]].
-[[Arabic language|Arabic]] is the official language and [[English language|English]] is the [[lingua franca]] of business. [[Hindi]]-[[Urdu language|Urdu]] and [[Bengali Language|Malayalam]] are among the most widely spoken languages by the foreign workers.<ref>
+[[Arabic language|Arabic]] is the official language and [[English language|English]] is the [[lingua franca]] of business. [[Hindi]]-[[Urdu language|Urdu]] and [[Malayalam]] are among the most widely spoken languages by the foreign workers.<ref>
 {{cite web
 |url=http://www.onlineqatar.com/info/tourist-info.aspx
@@ Line 66: / Line 64: @@
 |2020 |2846118
 |2023 |3063005
-|footnote = Source: [[Qatar Statistics Authority]]<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/StatisticsSite/pages/population.aspx?p=1| title = Qatar Planning and Statistics Authority – Monthly Figures on Total Population}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.qsa.gov.qa/eng/publication/annabs/2012/1_Population2012.pdf| title = Qatar Statistics Authority – Population 2012| access-date = 8 August 2013| archive-date = 14 May 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140514065333/http://www.qsa.gov.qa/eng/publication/annabs/2012/1_Population2012.pdf| url-status = dead}}</ref>
+|footnote = Source: [[Qatar Statistics Authority]]<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/StatisticsSite/pages/population.aspx?p=1| title = Qatar Planning and Statistics Authority – Monthly Figures on Total Population}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.qsa.gov.qa/eng/publication/annabs/2012/1_Population2012.pdf| title = Qatar Statistics Authority – Population 2012| access-date = 8 August 2013| archive-date = 14 May 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140514065333/http://www.qsa.gov.qa/eng/publication/annabs/2012/1_Population2012.pdf}}</ref>
 }}
 {{Historical populations
@@ Line 86: / Line 84: @@
 ==Foreigners==
 [[File:Construction laborers having an on the job meeting in Onaiza Qatar.jpg|thumb|Construction laborers in Doha]]
-Foreigners constitute 85% to 90% of Qatar's population of 2.7 million, with migrant workers making up approximately 95% of the workforce.<ref>{{cite book |title=Qatar |chapter=Qatar: Events of 2019 |date=12 December 2019 |chapter-url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2020/country-chapters/qatar |publisher=[[Human Rights Watch]] |access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref> [[South Asia]] and [[the Philippines]] are the primary regions which migrants come from. Societal divisions exist depending on the origin of the foreigner, with Europeans, North Americans, and Arabs typically securing better job opportunities and social privileges than sub-Saharan Africans and South Asians.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pattison|first1=Pete|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/dec/19/this-world-cup-should-be-remembered-for-its-racism-but-qatar-is-not-the-victim|title=This World Cup should be remembered for its racism. But Qatar is not the victim|work=The Guardian|date=19 December 2022|accessdate=4 May 2024}}</ref> Socialization between foreigners and Qataris faces limitations due to language barriers and different religious and cultural customs.<ref name="expatica">{{cite web|last1=Camacho|first1=Beatriz|url=https://www.expatica.com/qa/living/integration/culture-and-social-etiquette-in-qatar-70936/|title=Culture and social etiquette in Qatar|publisher=Expatica|accessdate=4 May 2024}}</ref>
+Foreigners constitute 85% to 90% of Qatar's population of 2.7 million, with migrant workers making up approximately 95% of the workforce.<ref>{{cite book |title=Qatar |chapter=Qatar: Events of 2019 |date=12 December 2019 |chapter-url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2020/country-chapters/qatar |publisher=[[Human Rights Watch]] |access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref> [[South Asia]] and [[the Philippines]] are the primary regions which migrants come from. Societal divisions exist depending on the origin of the foreigner, with Europeans, North Americans, and Arabs typically securing better job opportunities and social privileges than sub-Saharan Africans and South Asians.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pattison|first1=Pete|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/dec/19/this-world-cup-should-be-remembered-for-its-racism-but-qatar-is-not-the-victim|title=This World Cup should be remembered for its racism. But Qatar is not the victim|work=The Guardian|date=19 December 2022|access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> Socialization between foreigners and Qataris faces limitations due to language barriers and different religious and cultural customs.<ref name="expatica">{{cite web|last1=Camacho|first1=Beatriz|url=https://www.expatica.com/qa/living/integration/culture-and-social-etiquette-in-qatar-70936/|title=Culture and social etiquette in Qatar|publisher=Expatica|access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>
-The [[Human rights in Qatar|human rights]] of migrant workers is limited by the country's [[Kafala system]], which stipulates their requirement of a Qatari sponsor and regulates their entry and exit.<ref>{{cite book|chapter-url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2020/country-chapters/qatar#:~:text=Qatar%20has%20a%20migrant%20labor,another%20100%2C000%20are%20domestic%20workers.|title=World Report 2020: Qatar|chapter=Qatar: Events of 2019 |date=12 December 2019 |publisher=Human Rights Watch|accessdate=4 May 2024}}</ref> Prospective migrant workers from origin countries sometimes face exorbitant recruitment fees, surpassing government-set limits, paid to licensed and unlicensed recruitment entities. These charges, ranging from $600 to $5,000, often force workers into debt and compel them to sell family assets. Government-to-government agreements have emerged in recent years to mitigate opaque recruitment practices and worker exploitation. Many companies in Qatar skirt local laws, resulting in workers facing delayed or non-payment of wages. While some employers deposit wages into bank accounts, most workers are paid in cash without detailed pay slips, hindering evidence of payment and complicating remittances. Additionally, the confiscation of passports by employers is a common practice in Qatar which limits the workers' freedom of movement and exposes them to potential exploitation.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Jureidini|first1=Ray|url=https://www.qscience.com/docserver/fulltext/migrant_labour_recruitment_to_qatar_web_final.pdf?expires=1665482663&id=id&accname=guest&checksum=C9DF5F994160EFE41252627025A24608|title=Migrant Labour Recruitment to Qatar|chapter=Executive Summary and Recommendations|isbn=978-9927-101-75-5|year=2014|publisher=Qatar Foundation}}</ref>
+The [[Human rights in Qatar|human rights]] of migrant workers is limited by the country's [[Kafala system]], which stipulates their requirement of a Qatari sponsor and regulates their entry and exit.<ref>{{cite book|chapter-url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2020/country-chapters/qatar#:~:text=Qatar%20has%20a%20migrant%20labor,another%20100%2C000%20are%20domestic%20workers.|title=World Report 2020: Qatar|chapter=Qatar: Events of 2019 |date=12 December 2019 |publisher=Human Rights Watch|access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> Prospective migrant workers from origin countries sometimes face exorbitant recruitment fees, surpassing government-set limits, paid to licensed and unlicensed recruitment entities. These charges, ranging from $600 to $5,000, often force workers into debt and compel them to sell family assets. Government-to-government agreements have emerged in recent years to mitigate opaque recruitment practices and worker exploitation. Many companies in Qatar skirt local laws, resulting in workers facing delayed or non-payment of wages. While some employers deposit wages into bank accounts, most workers are paid in cash without detailed pay slips, hindering evidence of payment and complicating remittances. Additionally, the confiscation of passports by employers is a common practice in Qatar which limits the workers' freedom of movement and exposes them to potential exploitation.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Jureidini|first1=Ray|url=https://www.qscience.com/docserver/fulltext/migrant_labour_recruitment_to_qatar_web_final.pdf?expires=1665482663&id=id&accname=guest&checksum=C9DF5F994160EFE41252627025A24608|title=Migrant Labour Recruitment to Qatar|chapter=Executive Summary and Recommendations|isbn=978-9927-101-75-5|year=2014|publisher=Qatar Foundation}}</ref>
 ===By nationality===
-A 2011–2014 report by the [[International Organization for Migration]] recorded 176,748 [[Nepali people|Nepali Citizen]]s living in [[Qatar]] as migrant workers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nepal.iom.int/jupgrade/index.php/en/press-room/18-topic-details/115-art-latest-news-28|title=Nepalese Migrant workers in Qatar from Terai|access-date=4 May 2016|archive-date=29 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129113132/http://nepal.iom.int/jupgrade/index.php/en/press-room/18-topic-details/115-art-latest-news-28|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://nepal.iom.int/jupgrade/index.php/en/press-room/18-topic-details/115-art-latest-news-28|title= Iom International Report claims half of Nepalese migrant workers in foreign are Madhesi people from Terai, mainly to Qatar, Malaysia, UAE, Saudi Arabia and UAE|access-date= 4 May 2016|archive-date= 29 November 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181129113132/http://nepal.iom.int/jupgrade/index.php/en/press-room/18-topic-details/115-art-latest-news-28|url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://nepalitimes.com/regular-columns/Comment/time-for-madhesi-people-to-know-real-friends,595|title=Half of madhesi people of Terai are in Qatar}}</ref> In 2012 about 7,000 Turkish nationals lived in Qatar<ref>"[http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkish-school-in-qatar-to-help-spread-turkish-culture_272917.html Turkish school in Qatar to help spread Turkish culture]" ([https://web.archive.org/web/20150926174720/http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkish-school-in-qatar-to-help-spread-turkish-culture_272917.html Archive]). ''[[Today's Zaman]]''. Wednesday February 29, 2012. Retrieved on September 26, 2015.</ref> and in 2016 about 1,000 Colombian nationals and descendants lived in Qatar. No official numbers are published of the foreign population broken down by nationality, however a firm provided estimates as of 2019:<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-08-15|title=Population of Qatar by nationality in 2019|url=http://priyadsouza.com/population-of-qatar-by-nationality-in-2017/|access-date=2021-11-21|website=Priya DSouza Communications|language=en-GB|archive-date=22 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122162153/http://priyadsouza.com/population-of-qatar-by-nationality-in-2017/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
+A 2011–2014 report by the [[International Organization for Migration]] recorded 176,748 [[Nepali people|Nepali Citizen]]s living in [[Qatar]] as migrant workers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nepal.iom.int/jupgrade/index.php/en/press-room/18-topic-details/115-art-latest-news-28|title=Nepalese Migrant workers in Qatar from Terai|access-date=4 May 2016|archive-date=29 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129113132/http://nepal.iom.int/jupgrade/index.php/en/press-room/18-topic-details/115-art-latest-news-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://nepal.iom.int/jupgrade/index.php/en/press-room/18-topic-details/115-art-latest-news-28|title= Iom International Report claims half of Nepalese migrant workers in foreign are Madhesi people from Terai, mainly to Qatar, Malaysia, UAE, Saudi Arabia and UAE|access-date= 4 May 2016|archive-date= 29 November 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181129113132/http://nepal.iom.int/jupgrade/index.php/en/press-room/18-topic-details/115-art-latest-news-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://nepalitimes.com/regular-columns/Comment/time-for-madhesi-people-to-know-real-friends,595|title=Half of madhesi people of Terai are in Qatar}}</ref> In 2012 about 7,000 Turkish nationals lived in Qatar<ref>"[http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkish-school-in-qatar-to-help-spread-turkish-culture_272917.html Turkish school in Qatar to help spread Turkish culture]" ([https://web.archive.org/web/20150926174720/http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkish-school-in-qatar-to-help-spread-turkish-culture_272917.html Archive]). ''[[Today's Zaman]]''. Wednesday February 29, 2012. Retrieved on September 26, 2015.</ref> and in 2016 about 1,000 Colombian nationals and descendants lived in Qatar. No official numbers are published of the foreign population broken down by nationality, however a firm provided estimates as of 2019:<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-08-15|title=Population of Qatar by nationality in 2019|url=http://priyadsouza.com/population-of-qatar-by-nationality-in-2017/|access-date=2021-11-21|website=Priya DSouza Communications|language=en-GB|archive-date=22 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122162153/http://priyadsouza.com/population-of-qatar-by-nationality-in-2017/}}</ref>
 {| class="wikitable centre"
 |-
@@ Line 97: / Line 95: @@
 |-
 |{{IND}} || 700,000 || {{percentage bar|21.8}}
-|-
-|{{QAT}} || 600,000 || {{percentage bar|18.7}}
 |-
 |{{BAN}} || 400,000 || {{percentage bar|12.5}}
 |-
 |{{NEP}} || 400,000 || {{percentage bar|12.5}}
+|-
+|{{QAT}} || 330,000 || {{percentage bar|10.5}}
 |-
 |{{EGY}} || 300,000 || {{percentage bar|9.35}}
@@ Line 127: / Line 125: @@
 |}
-Another firm has given estimations from countries' embassies:<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20221130070654/http://priyadsouza.com/population-of-qatar-by-nationality-in-2017/ archived from [http://priyadsouza.com/population-of-qatar-by-nationality-in-2017/ the original] </ref>
+Updated from countries' embassies:<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20221130070654/http://priyadsouza.com/population-of-qatar-by-nationality-in-2017/ archived from [http://priyadsouza.com/population-of-qatar-by-nationality-in-2017/ the original] </ref>
 {| class="wikitable classable sortable"
@@ Line 460: / Line 458: @@
 |-
 | 1986
-| 395,000
+| 373,395
 |9,942|| 784||9,158
 |25.2||2.0||23.2||
 |-
 | 1987
-| 420,000
+| 383,850
 |9,919|| 788||9,131
 |23.6||1.9||21.7||
 |-
 | 1988
-| 442,000
+| 395,209
 |10,842|| 861||9,981
 |24.5||1.9||22.6||
 |-
 | 1989
-| 460,000
+| 407,571
 |10,908|| 847||10,061
 |23.7||1.8||21.9||
 |-
 | 1990
-| 474,000
+| 420,779
 |11,022|| 871||10,151
 |23.3||1.8||21.5||
 |-
 | 1991
-| 483,000
+| 434,372
 |9,756|| 883||8,873
 |20.2||1.8||18.4||
 |-
 | 1992
-| 488,000
+| 448,571
 |10,459|| 944||9,515
 |21.4||1.9||19.5||
 |-
 | 1993
-| 491,000
+| 463,967
 |10,822|| 913||9,909
 |22.0||1.9||20.1||
 |-
 | 1994
-| 495,000
+| 480,330
 |10,561|| 964||9,597
 |21.3||1.9||19.4||
 |-
 | 1995
-| 501,000
+| 497,551
 |10,371||1,000||9,371
 |20.7||2.0||18.7||
 |-
 | 1996
-| 512,000
+| 515,576
 |10,317||1,015||9,302
 |20.1||2.0||18.1||
 |-
 | 1997
-| 529,000
+| 536,474
 |10,447||1,060||9,387
 |19.8||2.0||17.8||
 |-
 | 1998
-| 549,000
+| 560,990
 |10,781||1,157||9,624
 |19.6||2.1||17.5||
 |-
 | 1999
-| 570,000
+| 586,770
 |10,846||1,148||9,698
 |19.0||2.0||17.0||
 |-
 | 2000
-| 591,000
+| 613,969
 |11,438||1,173||10,265
 |19.4||2.0||17.4||
 |-
 | 2001
-| 608,000
+| 643,364
 |12,355||1,210||11,145
 |20.3||2.0||18.3||
 |-
 | 2002
-| 624,000
+| 676,498
 |12,388||1,220||11,168
 |19.8||2.0||17.8||
 |-
 | 2003
-| 654,000
+| 713,859
 |13,026||1,311||11,715
 |19.9||2.0||17.9||
 |-
 | 2004
-| 715,000
+| 798,059
 |13,589||1,341||12,248
 |19.0||1.9||17.1||2.78
 |-
 | 2005
-| 821,000
+| 906,123
 |13,514||1,545||11,969
 |16.5||1.9||14.6||2.62
 |-
 | 2006
-| 978,000
+| 1,042,947
 |14,204||1,750||12,454
 |14.5||1.8||12.7||2.48
 |-
 | 2007
-|1,178,000
+|1,218,250
 |15,695||1,776||13,919
 |13.3||1.5||11.8||2.45
 |-
 | 2008
-|1,448,000
+|1,448,479
 |17,480||1,942||15,538
 |12.1||1.3||10.8||2.43
 |-
 | 2009
-|1,639,000
+|1,638,626
 |18,351||2,008||16,343
 |11.2||1.2||10.0||2.28
 |-
 | 2010
-|1,715,000
+|1,715 098
 |19,504||1,970||17,534
 |11.4||1.1||10.3||2.08
 |-
 | 2011
-|1,733,000
+|1,732,717
 |20,623||1,949||18,674
 |12.0||1.1||10.9||2.12
 |-
 | 2012
-|1,833,000
+|1,832,903
 |21,423||2,031||19,392
 |11.7||1.1||10.6||2.05
 |-
 | 2013
-|2,004,000
+|2,003,700
 |23,708||2,133||21,575
 |11.8||1.1||10.7||2.00
 |-
 | 2014
-|2,216,000
+|2,216,180
-|25,443||2,366||23,007
+|25,607||2,197|| align="right" |23,410
 |11.5||1.1||10.4||2.00
 |-
 | 2015
-|2,438,000
+|2,437,790
-|26,622||2,317||24,305
+|26,622||2,185|| align="right" |24,437
 |10.9||1.0||9.9||2.00
 |-
 | 2016
-|2,618,000
+|2,617,634
-|26,816||2,347||24,469
+|26,816||2,207|| align="right" |24,609
 |10.2||0.9||9.3||1.85
 |-
 | 2017
-|2,725,000
+|2,724,606
-|27,906||2,294||25,612
+|27,906||2,185|| align="right" |25,721
 |10.2||0.8||9.4||1.83
 |-
 | 2018
-|2,760,000
+|2,760,170
-|28,069||2,385||25,684
+|28,069||2,274|| align="right" |25,795
 |10.2||0.9||9.3||1.75
 |-
 | 2019
-|2,799,000
+|2,799,202
-|28,412||2,200||26,212
+|28,412||2,086|| align="right" |26,326
 |10.2||0.8||9.4||1.73
 |-
 | 2020
-|2,834,000
+|2,833,679
-|29,014||2,811||26,203
+|29,015||2,734|| align="right" |26,281
 |10.2||1.0||9.2||1.67
 |-
 | 2021
-|2,748,000
+|2,748,162
-|26,319||2,841||23,478
+|26,338||2,741|| align="right" |23,597
 |9.6||1.0||8.5||1.60
 |-
 | 2022
-|2,932,000
+|2,932,241
-|26,316||2,792||23,524
+|26,316||2,645|| align="right" |23,671
 |9.0||1.0||8.0||1.51
 |-
 | 2023
-|3,063,000
+|3,063,005
-|27,414||2,651||24,763
+|27,322||2,553|| align="right" |24,769
 | 9.0|| 0.9|| 8.1||
 |-
-|colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" |'''Sources:'''<ref>[http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/dyb/dyb2.htm#2001] United nations. Demographic Yearbooks</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.qix.gov.qa/portal/page/portal/qix/subject_area?subject_area=176 |title=Domains |access-date=2015-06-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701123930/http://www.qix.gov.qa/portal/page/portal/qix/subject_area?subject_area=176 |archive-date=2015-07-01 }} Qatar Information Exchange]</ref>
+| 2024
+|3,143,491
+||||| align="right" |
+| || || ||
+|-
+|colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" |'''Sources:'''<ref>[http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/dyb/dyb2.htm#2001] United nations. Demographic Yearbooks</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.qix.gov.qa/portal/page/portal/qix/subject_area?subject_area=176 |title=Domains |access-date=2015-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701123930/http://www.qix.gov.qa/portal/page/portal/qix/subject_area?subject_area=176 |archive-date=2015-07-01 }} Qatar Information Exchange]</ref>
 |}
@@ Line 844: / Line 847: @@
 ==Qatari people==
 {{Main|Qataris}}
-Native Qataris can be divided into three ethnic groups: [[Bedouin|Bedouin Arabs]], ''hadar'', and [[Afro-Arab]], which can be considered a sub-category of the hadar. Some of the hadar are of Iranian descent.<ref>{{cite book |author=Carol R. Ember and Melvin Ember |title=Countries and Their Cultures |url= |location= |publisher=Macmillan Reference USA |page=1825 |date=2001 |isbn=9780028649498}}</ref> Qatari citizens comprise 11.6% of the country's population.<ref>{{Citation |last=Folse |first=Mark R. |title=The United States Marine Corps |date=2020-02-26 |work=Military History |url=https://doi.org/10.1093/obo/9780199791279-0190 |access-date=2025-02-11 |publisher=Oxford University Press |doi=10.1093/obo/9780199791279-0190 |isbn=978-0-19-979127-9|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
+Native Qataris can be divided into three ethnic groups: [[Bedouin|Bedouin Arabs]], ''hadar'', and [[Afro-Arab]], which can be considered a sub-category of the hadar. Some of the hadar are of Iranian descent.<ref>{{cite book |author=Carol R. Ember and Melvin Ember |title=Countries and Their Cultures |url= |location= |publisher=Macmillan Reference USA |page=1825 |date=2001 |isbn=978-0-02-864949-8}}</ref> Qatari citizens comprise 11.6% of the country's population.<ref>{{Citation |last=Folse |first=Mark R. |title=The United States Marine Corps |date=2020-02-26 |work=Military History |publisher=Oxford University Press |doi=10.1093/obo/9780199791279-0190 |isbn=978-0-19-979127-9}}</ref>
 ===Citizenship===
-Two distinctions exist between Qatari citizens: those whose families migrated to Qatar before 1930, commonly referred to as "native" Qataris, and "naturalized", those whose families arrived after. Previously, the 1961 citizenship law defined Qatari citizens as only those families who have been in the country since the 1930s,<ref name="marine1"/> though this was repealed in the 2005 [[Qatari nationality law|citizenship law]]. In 2021, a law was signed by Emir [[Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani]] restricting the rights to vote in [[Consultative Assembly of Qatar|local elections]] to native citizens, leading to minor demonstrations and public disapproval. This led Al Thani to later announce that he would amend the law to allow all citizens to vote in future elections.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/qatar/freedom-world/2024|title=Qatar: Freedom in the World Country Report|publisher=Freedom House|year=2024|accessdate=28 May 2024}}</ref>
+Two distinctions exist between Qatari citizens: those whose families migrated to Qatar before 1930, commonly referred to as "native" Qataris, and "naturalized", those whose families arrived after. Previously, the 1961 citizenship law defined Qatari citizens as only those families who have been in the country since the 1930s,<ref name="marine1"/> though this was repealed in the 2005 [[Qatari nationality law|citizenship law]]. In 2021, a law was signed by Emir [[Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani]] restricting the rights to vote in [[Consultative Assembly of Qatar|local elections]] to native citizens, leading to minor demonstrations and public disapproval. This led Al Thani to later announce that he would amend the law to allow all citizens to vote in future elections.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/qatar/freedom-world/2024|title=Qatar: Freedom in the World Country Report|publisher=Freedom House|year=2024|access-date=28 May 2024}}</ref>
-Children of Qatari mothers and foreign fathers are not granted Qatari citizenship; however, as of 2018, they are granted [[permanent residency]] status, which entitles them to similar state benefits as Qatari citizens. Nonetheless, the government limits the number of permanency residency visas it issues each year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/02/15/qatar-submission-un-committee-rights-child|title=Qatar: Submission to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child|publisher=Human Rights Watch|date=15 February 2023|accessdate=29 May 2024}}</ref> The 2005 citizenship law allows for [[Denaturalization|revocation of citizenship]] without appeal, which has been used on a number of families with [[dual citizenship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/05/12/qatar-families-arbitrarily-stripped-citizenship|title=Qatar: Families Arbitrarily Stripped of Citizenship|publisher=Freedom House|date=12 May 2019|accessdate=28 May 2024}}</ref>
+Children of Qatari mothers and foreign fathers are not granted Qatari citizenship; however, as of 2018, they are granted [[permanent residency]] status, which entitles them to similar state benefits as Qatari citizens. Nonetheless, the government limits the number of permanency residency visas it issues each year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/02/15/qatar-submission-un-committee-rights-child|title=Qatar: Submission to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child|publisher=Human Rights Watch|date=15 February 2023|access-date=29 May 2024}}</ref> The 2005 citizenship law allows for [[Denaturalization|revocation of citizenship]] without appeal, which has been used on a number of families with [[dual citizenship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/05/12/qatar-families-arbitrarily-stripped-citizenship|title=Qatar: Families Arbitrarily Stripped of Citizenship|publisher=Freedom House|date=12 May 2019|access-date=28 May 2024}}</ref>
 ===Ethnic groups===
-Qatar's population has been historically diverse due to its role as a trading center, a refuge for nomadic tribes, and a hub for the [[Pearl diving|pearling]] industry. Ethnic groups and the differences among them are considered sensitive topics in Qatari society and are rarely discussed in official contexts.<ref name="marine1">{{cite web|url=https://info.publicintelligence.net/MCIA-QatarCultureGuide.pdf|title=Qatar Cultural Field Guide|publisher=[[United States Marine Corps]]|location=[[Quantico, Virginia]]|pages=21–24|date=August 2010|accessdate=28 May 2024}}</ref>
+Qatar's population has been historically diverse due to its role as a trading center, a refuge for nomadic tribes, and a hub for the [[Pearl diving|pearling]] industry. Ethnic groups and the differences among them are considered sensitive topics in Qatari society and are rarely discussed in official contexts.<ref name="marine1">{{cite web|url=https://info.publicintelligence.net/MCIA-QatarCultureGuide.pdf|title=Qatar Cultural Field Guide|publisher=[[United States Marine Corps]]|location=[[Quantico, Virginia]]|pages=21–24|date=August 2010|access-date=28 May 2024}}</ref>
 [[Bedouin]]s, though constituting approximately 10 percent of the population, hold an outsized role in local culture. Many Qataris descend from tribes that migrated from [[Najd]] and [[Al-Ahsa Oasis|Al-Hasa]] in the 18th century. Commonly called the ''bedu'', they maintain ties, homes, and even passports in [[Saudi Arabia]] and other Gulf states. In the early 20th century, bedu migrated from the Arabian interior, with some traveling intermittently between Qatar and Bahrain. During the mid-20th century economic boom, many found work in the [[Energy in Qatar|oil industry]], [[Law enforcement in Qatar|police]], [[Army of Qatar|army]], and security services. The government settled Bedu families in the 1960s, discouraging the nomadic lifestyle. Today, many live in urban areas but return to the desert to stay connected to their roots. Many Bedu see themselves as noble and "pure" Arabs, often looking down on the settled population (hadar) as influenced by urban and [[Persian people|Persian]] elements. [[Interethnic marriage|Intermarriage]] between these groups is rare.<ref name="marine1"/>
-The ''hadar'', a diverse group of settled Qatari citizens, includes [[Baharna]], [[Huwala people|Huwala]], [[Ajam]] (Iranians), and [[Afro-Arabs]]. Baharna Arabs, a group native to Qatar and often practicing [[Shia Islam|Shia Muslims]], sometimes face discrimination from the [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] majority. Huwala Arabs, who are Sunni Muslims, migrated through the [[Persian Gulf]] to [[Persia]] and back to Qatar. Historically wealthier and better educated due to trade and pearling, their advantage has diminished as education became more accessible. The Ajam, ethnic Shia Persians, were active in [[boat building]] and still speak [[Persian language|Persian]]. Qatar’s Afro-Arab population descends from slaves brought from [[East Africa]] for the pearling industry. While some Arabs may view this group as "less" Qatari, most consider them full citizens. Despite occasional tensions, these groups are well integrated into Qatari society. Intermarriage is increasing, and Persian and African influences are evident in local culture.<ref name="marine1"/>
+The ''hadar'', a diverse group of settled Qatari citizens, includes [[Baharna]], [[Huwala people|Huwala]], [[Ajam]] (Iranians), and [[Afro-Arabs]]. Baharna Arabs, a group native to Qatar and often practicing [[Shia Islam|Shia Muslims]], sometimes face discrimination from the [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] majority. Huwala Arabs, who are Sunni Muslims, migrated through the [[Persian Gulf]] to [[Persia]] and back to Qatar. Historically wealthier and better educated due to trade and pearling, their advantage has diminished as education became more accessible. The Ajam, ethnic Shia Persians, were active in [[boat building]] and still speak [[Persian language|Persian]]. Qatar's Afro-Arab population descends from slaves brought from [[East Africa]] for the pearling industry. While some Arabs may view this group as "less" Qatari, most consider them full citizens. Despite occasional tensions, these groups are well integrated into Qatari society. Intermarriage is increasing, and Persian and African influences are evident in local culture.<ref name="marine1"/>
 === Genetic studies ===
-A 2023 study focusing on the [[Y chromosome|Y-chromosome]], which is passed down paternally, analyzed DNA samples from 379 unrelated Qatari men to investigate their genetic heritage and connections to other populations in the [[Arabian Peninsula]], the [[Middle East]], and [[Africa]]. This research utilized [[List of Y-STR markers|23 Y-STR markers]], highly variable segments of DNA, to create genetic profiles and assess diversity within the Qatari male population.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Almohammed |first1=Eida Khalaf |last2=Hadi |first2=Abdullah |last3=Al-Asmakh |first3=Maha |last4=Lazim |first4=Hayder |date=2023-09-01 |title=The Qatari population's genetic structure and gene flow as revealed by the Y chromosome |journal=PLOS ONE |language=en |volume=18 |issue=9 |pages=e0290844 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0290844 |doi-access=free |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=10473524 |pmid=37656680|bibcode=2023PLoSO..1890844A }}</ref>
+A 2023 study focusing on the [[Y chromosome|Y-chromosome]], which is passed down paternally, analyzed DNA samples from 379 unrelated Qatari men to investigate their genetic heritage and connections to other populations in the [[Arabian Peninsula]], the [[Middle East]], and [[Africa]]. This research utilized [[List of Y-STR markers|23 Y-STR markers]], highly variable segments of DNA, to create genetic profiles and assess diversity within the Qatari male population.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Almohammed |first1=Eida Khalaf |last2=Hadi |first2=Abdullah |last3=Al-Asmakh |first3=Maha |last4=Lazim |first4=Hayder |date=2023-09-01 |title=The Qatari population's genetic structure and gene flow as revealed by the Y chromosome |journal=PLOS ONE |language=en |volume=18 |issue=9 |article-number=e0290844 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0290844 |doi-access=free |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=10473524 |pmid=37656680|bibcode=2023PLoSO..1890844A }}</ref>
 The study revealed a high level of genetic diversity within the Qatari male population, with the marker DYS458 showing the most variation. Analysis of these genetic markers allowed for the prediction of Y-chromosome [[Haplogroup|haplogroups]], which are branches on the human Y-chromosome [[phylogenetic tree]]. The most prevalent haplogroup found in the Qatari sample was [[Haplogroup J-M267|J1]], accounting for approximately 49% of the individuals tested. This haplogroup is known to be common in the Arabian Peninsula and is associated with populations of Semitic origin, particularly Arabic speakers. The prominence of J1 in Qatar, forming a "star-like expansion cluster" in genetic networks, suggests a significant ancestral component linked to the broader Arabian region and potentially a more recent population expansion. Other haplogroups found in notable frequencies included [[Haplogroup J-M172|J2]], [[Haplogroup R1a|R1a]], [[Haplogroup E-M215|E1b1b]], [[Haplogroup E-V38|E1b1a]], [[Haplogroup T-M184|T]], and [[Macro-haplogroup L|L]].<ref name=":0" />
@@ Line 868: / Line 871: @@
 ==Religions==
+{{Pie chart
+| thumb = right
+| caption = Religion in Qatar (ARDA 2020 est.)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thearda.com/world-religion/national-profiles?u=183c|title=Religions in Qatar &#124; Arda|website=www.thearda.com|access-date=12 September 2025}}</ref>
+| label1 = [[Sunni]]
+| value1 = 65.57
+| color1 = Green
+| label2 = [[Shia]]
+| value2 = 12.49
+| color2 = Light Green
+| label3 = [[Christianity]]
+| value3 = 13.87
+| color3 = Blue
+| label4 = [[Hinduism]]
+| value4 = 3.3
+| color4 = Orange
+| label5 = [[Buddhism]]
+| value5 = 1.9
+| color5 = Yellow
+| label6 = [[Irreligion|None]]
+| value6 = 2.24
+| color6 = Black
+| label7 = Other
+| value7 = .63
+| color7 = White
+}}
 {{Main|Religion in Qatar}}
-Qatar is an Islamic state with multi-religious minorities like most of the [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|Persian Gulf countries]] with waves of migration over the last 30 years. The official state religion is Sunni [[Islam]]. The community is made up of [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] and [[Shia Islam|Shi’a]] [[Islam in Qatar|Muslims]], [[Christianity in Qatar|Christians]], [[Hindus]], and small groups of [[Buddhism|Buddhists]] and [[Baháʼí Faith|Baha’is]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Qatar |url=https://rpl.hds.harvard.edu/religion-context/country-profiles/qatar |access-date=2023-05-25 |website=rpl.hds.harvard.edu |language=en}}</ref> [[Muslims]] form 65.5% of the Qatari population, followed by [[Christians]] at 15.4%, Hindus at 14.2%, Buddhists at 3.3% and the rest 1.9% of the population follow other religions or are unaffiliated. Qatar is also home to numerous other religions mostly from the [[Middle East]] and [[Asia]].<ref name=pewrel>{{cite web|title=Religious Composition by Country|url=http://www.pewforum.org/uploadedFiles/Topics/Religious_Affiliation/globalReligion-tables.pdf|work=Global Religious Landscape|publisher=Pew Forum|access-date=9 July 2013}}</ref>
+Qatar is an Islamic state with multi-religious minorities like most of the [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|Persian Gulf countries]] with waves of migration over the last 30 years. The official state religion is Sunni [[Islam]]. The community is made up of [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] and [[Shia Islam|Shi'a]] [[Islam in Qatar|Muslims]], [[Christianity in Qatar|Christians]], [[Hindus]], and small groups of [[Buddhism|Buddhists]] and [[Baháʼí Faith|Baha'is]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Qatar |url=https://rpl.hds.harvard.edu/religion-context/country-profiles/qatar |access-date=2023-05-25 |website=rpl.hds.harvard.edu |language=en}}</ref> [[Muslims]] form 65.5% of the Qatari population, followed by [[Christians]] at 15.4%, Hindus at 14.2%, Buddhists at 3.3% and the rest 1.9% of the population follow other religions or are unaffiliated. Qatar is also home to numerous other religions mostly from the [[Middle East]] and [[Asia]].<ref name=pewrel>{{cite web|title=Religious Composition by Country|url=http://www.pewforum.org/uploadedFiles/Topics/Religious_Affiliation/globalReligion-tables.pdf|work=Global Religious Landscape|publisher=Pew Forum|access-date=9 July 2013}}</ref>
 ==Languages==
 ===Arabic===
 {{Main|Qatari Arabic}}
-[[Arabic language|Arabic]] is the official language of Qatar according to Article 1 of the [[Constitution of Qatar|Constitution]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Qatar_2003.pdf?lang=en|title=Qatar's Constitution of 2003|publisher=Constitute Project|access-date=14 February 2019}}</ref> Arabic in Qatar not only serves as a symbol of national identity but is also the medium of official communication, legislation, and education. The government has instituted policies to reinforce the use of Arabic, including the Arabic Language Protection Law enacted in 2019, which mandates the use of Arabic in governmental and public functions and penalizes non-compliance. Arabic speakers constitute a minority of the 2.8 million population, at around 11%.<ref name="ahmad1">{{cite journal|first1=Ahmad|last1=Rizwan|last2=Hillman|first2=Sara|url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/multi-2020-0119/html|title=Laboring to communicate: Use of migrant languages in COVID-19 awareness campaign in Qatar|journal=Multilingua|volume=40|issue=5|publisher=De Gruyter Mouton|pages=303–337|doi=10.1515/multi-2020-0119|date=30 November 2020|accessdate=11 May 2024|hdl=10576/25979|hdl-access=free}}</ref>
+[[Arabic language|Arabic]] is the official language of Qatar according to Article 1 of the [[Constitution of Qatar|Constitution]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Qatar_2003.pdf?lang=en|title=Qatar's Constitution of 2003|publisher=Constitute Project|access-date=14 February 2019}}</ref> Arabic in Qatar not only serves as a symbol of national identity but is also the medium of official communication, legislation, and education. The government has instituted policies to reinforce the use of Arabic, including the Arabic Language Protection Law enacted in 2019, which mandates the use of Arabic in governmental and public functions and penalizes non-compliance. Arabic speakers constitute a minority of the 2.8 million population, at around 11%.<ref name="ahmad1">{{cite journal|first1=Ahmad|last1=Rizwan|last2=Hillman|first2=Sara|url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/multi-2020-0119/html|title=Laboring to communicate: Use of migrant languages in COVID-19 awareness campaign in Qatar|journal=Multilingua|volume=40|issue=5|publisher=De Gruyter Mouton|pages=303–337|doi=10.1515/multi-2020-0119|date=30 November 2020|access-date=11 May 2024|hdl=10576/25979|hdl-access=free}}</ref>
-[[Qatari Arabic]], a dialect of [[Gulf Arabic]], is the primary dialect spoken. As the [[Prestige (sociolinguistics)|prestige dialect]] within the nation, Qatari Arabic not only functions in everyday communication but also plays a significant role in maintaining cultural identity and social cohesion among the Qatari people. The vocabulary of Qatari Arabic incorporates a plethora of loanwords from [[Aramaic]], [[Persian language|Persian]], [[Turkish language|Turkish]], and more recently, [[English language|English]]. Phonetically, it conserves many [[classical Arabic]] features such as emphatic consonants and interdental sounds, which distinguish it from other Arabic dialects that have simplified these elements. Syntactically, Qatari Arabic exhibits structures that align with other Gulf dialects but with unique adaptations, such as specific verb forms and negation patterns.<ref name="shockley">{{cite thesis|last1=Shockley|first1=Mark Daniel|url=https://commons.und.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4391&context=theses|title=The vowels of Urban Qatari Arabic |publisher=University of North Dakota|type=thesis|date=1 December 2020|accessdate=11 May 2024}}</ref>
+[[Qatari Arabic]], a dialect of [[Gulf Arabic]], is the primary dialect spoken. As the [[Prestige (sociolinguistics)|prestige dialect]] within the nation, Qatari Arabic not only functions in everyday communication but also plays a significant role in maintaining cultural identity and social cohesion among the Qatari people. The vocabulary of Qatari Arabic incorporates a plethora of loanwords from [[Aramaic]], [[Persian language|Persian]], [[Turkish language|Turkish]], and more recently, [[English language|English]]. Phonetically, it conserves many [[classical Arabic]] features such as emphatic consonants and interdental sounds, which distinguish it from other Arabic dialects that have simplified these elements. Syntactically, Qatari Arabic exhibits structures that align with other Gulf dialects but with unique adaptations, such as specific verb forms and negation patterns.<ref name="shockley">{{cite thesis|last1=Shockley|first1=Mark Daniel|url=https://commons.und.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4391&context=theses|title=The vowels of Urban Qatari Arabic |publisher=University of North Dakota|type=thesis|date=1 December 2020|access-date=11 May 2024}}</ref>
 In Qatari Arabic, like many Arabic dialects, there is a significant phonological distinction between long and short [[vowel]]s. This distinction is crucial for both pronunciation and meaning. Long vowels in Qatari Arabic are generally held for approximately twice the duration of their short counterparts. This length distinction can affect the meaning of words, making [[vowel length]] phonemically significant. Qatari Arabic typically includes five long vowels: {{IPA|/aː/}}, {{IPA|/eː/}}, {{IPA|/iː/}}, {{IPA|/oː/}}, and {{IPA|/uː/}}. These long vowels are integral to maintaining the clarity and meaning of words. Short vowels in Qatari Arabic are {{IPA|/a/}}, {{IPA|/u/}}, and {{IPA|/i/}}. These vowels are shorter in duration and can be less emphasized in casual speech. In some dialectical variations, short vowels may even be dropped entirely in certain environments, a process known as [[vowel reduction]]. This feature is common in rapid, informal speech and can lead to significant variations in pronunciation from the standard forms of the language. The distinction between long and short vowels in Qatari Arabic not only affects pronunciation but also plays a role in the grammatical structure of words, influencing verb conjugations, noun cases, and the definiteness of nouns through the use of the definite [[Article (grammar)|article]] /al-/.<ref name="shockley"/>
-As English is considered the prestige [[lingua franca]] in Qatar, bilingual locals have incorporated elements of English into Qatari Arabic when communicating on an informal level. This mixture of English terms and phrases in Qatari Arabic speech is colloquially known as ''Qatarese''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arabic-perfect.com/arabic-translations/qatari-arabic/|title=Qatari Arabic|publisher=Arabic Perfect|accessdate=11 May 2024}}</ref> The practice of interchanging English and Arabic words is known as [[code-switching]] and is mostly seen in urban areas and among the younger generation.<ref name="shockley"/>
+As English is considered the prestige [[lingua franca]] in Qatar, bilingual locals have incorporated elements of English into Qatari Arabic when communicating on an informal level. This mixture of English terms and phrases in Qatari Arabic speech is colloquially known as ''Qatarese''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arabic-perfect.com/arabic-translations/qatari-arabic/|title=Qatari Arabic|publisher=Arabic Perfect|access-date=11 May 2024}}</ref> The practice of interchanging English and Arabic words is known as [[code-switching]] and is mostly seen in urban areas and among the younger generation.<ref name="shockley"/>
 As a result of mass migration, a South Asian [[pidgin]] form of Qatari Arabic has emerged in modern times.<ref name="shockley"/>
 ===English===
-[[English language|English]] is the de facto second language of Qatar, and is very commonly used in business. Because of Qatar's varied ethnic landscape, English has been recognized as the most convenient medium for people of different backgrounds to communicate with each other.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HKnhDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA12|title=The Report: Qatar 2015|publisher=Oxford Business Group|year=2015|page=12|isbn=9781910068274}}</ref> The history of English use in the country dates back to the mid-19th and early 20th centuries when the [[British Empire]] would frequently draft treaties and agreements with the emirates of the [[Persian Gulf]]. One such treaty was the 1916 protectorate treaty signed between [[Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani]] and the British representative [[Percy Cox]], under which Qatar would be placed under British administration in exchange for protection. Another agreement drafted in English came in 1932 and was signed between the Qatarian government and the [[Anglo-Persian Oil Company]]. These agreements were mainly facilitated by foreign interpreters due to neither party possessing the required language skills for such complex arrangements. For instance, a translator and native Arabic speaker named A. A. Hilmy interpreted the 1932 agreement for Qatar.<ref>{{cite thesis|url=http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/1505/1/1505.pdf|author=Qotbah, Mohammed Abdullah|title=Needs analysis and the design of courses in English for academic purposes : a study of the use of English language at the University of Qatar|year=1990|publisher=Durham theses, Durham University|website=etheses.dur.ac.uk|page=8|access-date=14 February 2019}}</ref>
+[[English language|English]] is the de facto second language of Qatar, and is very commonly used in business. Because of Qatar's varied ethnic landscape, English has been recognized as the most convenient medium for people of different backgrounds to communicate with each other.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HKnhDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA12|title=The Report: Qatar 2015|publisher=Oxford Business Group|year=2015|page=12|isbn=978-1-910068-27-4}}</ref> The history of English use in the country dates back to the mid-19th and early 20th centuries when the [[British Empire]] would frequently draft treaties and agreements with the emirates of the [[Persian Gulf]]. One such treaty was the 1916 protectorate treaty signed between [[Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani]] and the British representative [[Percy Cox]], under which Qatar would be placed under British administration in exchange for protection. Another agreement drafted in English came in 1932 and was signed between the Qatari government and the [[Anglo-Persian Oil Company]]. These agreements were mainly facilitated by foreign interpreters due to neither party possessing the required language skills for such complex arrangements. For instance, a translator and native Arabic speaker named A. A. Hilmy interpreted the 1932 agreement for Qatar.<ref>{{cite thesis|url=http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/1505/1/1505.pdf|author=Qotbah, Mohammed Abdullah|title=Needs analysis and the design of courses in English for academic purposes: a study of the use of English language at the University of Qatar|year=1990|publisher=Durham theses, Durham University|website=etheses.dur.ac.uk|page=8|access-date=14 February 2019}}</ref>
 ===French===
-Despite Qatar's population comprising only 1% French speakers, the country was admitted to the [[Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie]] as an associate member in 2012. It was not required to join as an observer state prior to its full admittance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=7oJILSPwFfJSG&b=8479733&ct=12488349|title=AJC Stunned by Qatar's Admission to Francophonie Organization|publisher=Global Jewish Advocacy|date=14 October 2012|access-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193813/http://www.ajc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=7oJILSPwFfJSG&b=8479733&ct=12488349|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
+Despite Qatar's population comprising only 1% French speakers, the country was admitted to the [[Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie]] as an associate member in 2012. It was not required to join as an observer state prior to its full admittance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=7oJILSPwFfJSG&b=8479733&ct=12488349|title=AJC Stunned by Qatar's Admission to Francophonie Organization|publisher=Global Jewish Advocacy|date=14 October 2012|access-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193813/http://www.ajc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=7oJILSPwFfJSG&b=8479733&ct=12488349|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>
 ===Other languages===
 Qatar's linguistic diversity is significantly shaped by its large expatriate population from [[South Asia ]] and [[the Philippines]]. The most common Asian languages among migrants are [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Urdu language|Urdu]], [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]. Hindi and Malayalam are particularly prevalent, with large communities of speakers from [[India]]. For example, Malayalam is spoken by a significant portion of the Indian community originating from the southern state of [[Kerala]], who make up the majority of the country's Indian diaspora. Similarly, the widespread presence of languages such as Bengali, Tamil, and Urdu is attributed to a large portion of expatriates from [[Bangladesh]], [[Pakistan]], and other parts of India.<ref name="ahmad1"/>
-In 2015, there were more newspapers printed by the government in Malayalam than in Arabic or English.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HKnhDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA12|title=The Report: Qatar 2015|publisher=Oxford Business Group|year=2015|page=15|isbn=9781910068274}}</ref>
+In 2015, there were more newspapers printed by the government in Malayalam than in Arabic or English.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HKnhDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA12|title=The Report: Qatar 2015|publisher=Oxford Business Group|year=2015|page=15|isbn=978-1-910068-27-4}}</ref>
 During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar]], the importance of these languages was particularly recognized in public health communications. The Qatari government utilized Asian languages extensively in its awareness campaigns to ensure that critical health information reached all population segments, including those who might not speak Arabic or English proficiently. This multilingual approach involved disseminating information through various channels such as radio, printed pamphlets, and digital media.<ref name="ahmad1"/>
@@ Line 901: / Line 931: @@
 ==Further reading==
-* {{cite book |last=Ferdinand |first=Klaus |year=1993 |title=Bedouins of Qatar |editor=Ida Nicolaisen |location=London |publisher=Thames and Hudson |isbn=9780500015735 |oclc=990430539}}
+* {{cite book |last=Ferdinand |first=Klaus |year=1993 |title=Bedouins of Qatar |editor=Ida Nicolaisen |location=London |publisher=Thames and Hudson |isbn=978-0-500-01573-5 |oclc=990430539}}
 {{Demographics of Qatar}}

Demographics of Qatar: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:46, 8 November 2025

Population

Foreigners

By nationality

Statistics

UN estimates

Registered births and deaths

Population by sex and age group

Life expectancy

Qatari people

Citizenship

Ethnic groups

Genetic studies

Religions

Languages

Arabic

English

French

Other languages

References

Further reading

Navigation menu

Search