Political and legal

Qatar became an independent nation on 3 September 1971.

His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani became the Ruler of the State of Qatar on 27 June 1995.

Today Qatar is pursuing a programme of progressive economic, social and political reform.

A new constitution was overwhelmingly approved in a nationwide referendum and came into effect in June, 2005. It provides for Qatar's first ever legislative elections and an independent judiciary and the election of two thirds of the 45-member Parliament - the Majlis al-Shura. Under the new constitution, the judiciary will be fully independent and judges cannot be dismissed "except in cases to be defined by law".

In November 2001, Qatar hosted the World Trade Organisation negotiations between 142 countries, culminating in the Doha Ministerial Declaration designed to implement trade reform, promote economic development and alleviate global poverty.

Qatar is a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2006-2007.

Qatar is a member of the Gulf Co-operation Council and contributes to the implementation of integration and cohesion among GCC member countries to meet the aspirations of its peoples in key areas such as security, stability, trade and economic development.