The State of Qatar which became independent in 1970 was part of the Ottoman State until the end of W.W.I when it became a British protectorate. 

Geographically Qatar is located in a peninsula in the Gulf bordering Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It has a total land area of 11,400 square kilometres, with a population of approximately 550,000. After the Second World War production of oil and gas started in Qatar on which its economy is based. Qatar now produces over 65,000 bpd with a revenue of $ 3 billion in 1998. Qatar also has a very ambitious programme to develop its substantial gas reserves. Qatar is also a member of OPEC. The Qatari Riyal, like most Gulf currencies, is linked to the US$ at an exchange rate of 3.640 Riyals to the US$.