Qatar is a constitutional hereditary monarchy. In an April 2003 referendum, Qatari voters approved a new constitution that made the country a democracy. The Qatari constitution, which came into effect in 2005, lays the foundations for the principle of an independent judiciary and provides for parliamentary elections.

The Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, rules with the assistance of the Council of Ministers and an Advisory Council. He holds both legislative and executive powers. The Council of Ministers is responsible for proposing draft laws and decrees, and for supervising the implementation of laws and decrees.

The Emir’s wife, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah, contributes tremendously to the country’s development and influence. The www.mozahbintnasser.com.qa website offers extensive coverage of Sheikha Mozah’s projects in education, health, family and culture both on the national and international levels.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani 

The country is a member of:

• United Nations
• OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries)
• OAPEC (Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries)
• Arab League
• WTO (World Trade Organization)
• IMF (International Monetary Fund)
• World Bank
• OIC (Organization of the Islamic Conference)
• GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates)