Population and Demographics

In 2007, the country had a total population of approximately 907,229, of whom approximately 200,000 were believed to be citizens. Of the citizen population, Shi'a Muslims account for approximately 10 percent and Sunni Muslims comprise the remaining 90 percent. The majority of the expatriates are individuals from South and South East Asian and Arab countries working on temporary employment contracts along with their accompanying family members. Most foreign workers and their families live near the major employment centers of Doha, Al Khor, Messaeed, and Dukhan. They are of the following faiths: Sunni and Shi'a Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and Baha'is.

The Christian community is a diverse mix of Indians, Filipinos, Europeans, Arabs, and Americans. It includes Catholic, Orthodox, Coptic, Anglican, and other Protestant denominations. The Hindu community is almost exclusively Indian, while Buddhists include South and East Asians. Most Baha'is come from Iran. Religion is not indicated on national identity cards and passports, nor is it a criterion for citizenship in Qatar according to the Nationality Law.

Arabic serves as the official language. However English as well as many other languages are spoken in Qatar.

Facts and Figures

• Population: 907,229
• Age Structure:
  • 0-14 years: 23.1% (male 106,853/female 102,713)
  • 15-64 years: 72.9% (male 455,631/female 206,099)
  • 65 years and over: 4% (male 26,689/female 9,244)
• Median Age:
  • Total: 31.9 years
  • Male: 37.3 years
  • Female: 23.1 years
• Population Growth Rate: 2.386%
• Birth Rate: 15.56 births/1,000 population
• Death Rate: 4.82 deaths/1,000 population
• Net Migration Rate: 13.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population
• Sex Ratio:
  • At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  • Under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  • 15-64 years: 2.211 male(s)/female
  • 65 years and over: 2.887 male(s)/female
  • Total population: 1.852 male(s)/female
• Infant Mortality Rate:
  • Total: 17.46 deaths/1,000 live births
  • Male: 20.6 deaths/1,000 live births
  • Female: 14.16 deaths/1,000 live births
• Life Expectancy at Birth:
  • Total population: 74.14 years
  • Male: 71.6 years
  • Female: 76.82 years
• Total Fertility Rate: 2.75 children born/woman
• HIV/AIDS:
  • Adult prevalence rate: 0.09%
• Ethnic Groups:
  • Arab 40%
  • Indian 18%
  • Pakistani 18%
  • Iranian 10%
  • Other 14%
• Religions:
  • Muslim 77.5%
  • Christian 8.5%
  • Other 14%
• Languages:
  • Arabic (official)
  • English commonly used as a second language
• Literacy:
  • Total population: 89%
  • Male: 89.1%
  • Female: 88.6%