In 2004 Qatar's population stood at 744,029. Local Qatar’s account for around 20% of the total population, with the remainder made up of expatriates, mostly from the Indian subcontinent, but also from other Arab countries, Europe, and the US. The growth rate is very high, at around nine or ten per cent and the July 2005 population estimate (according to the CIA World Fact book) was over 850,000.

The Qatari flag is maroon with a whit a white serrated band that has nine points on the hoist side. The flag was adopted in 1971 - the year that Qatar declared its independence. According to the Qatari Foreign Ministry, the white color of the flag reflects the internationally Population Age Breakdown Recognized symbol of peace while the maroon color symbolizes the bloodshed during the several wars Qatar had undergone, particularly in the second half of the 19th century. The nine-point serrated line indicates that Qatar is the ninth member of the 'reconciled emirates' of the Arabian Gulf in the wake of concluding the Qatari-British treaty in 1916.

The flags of Bahrain and Qatar are very similar, with only a slight deference in color, depicting the two countries' historical links. The Qatari flag can be seen mainly on public and governmental buildings, schools, ships and private cars. More flags can be seen hoisted around the city during sports events, national celebrations or major diplomatic meetings.

Qatar local time is three hours ahead of UCT (Universal Coordinated Time - formerly known as GM1). It is fixed across the country and there is no summer time saving. So when it is 12:00 in Doha, it is 13:00 in the UAE, 09:00 in London, 04:00 in New York, 18:00 in Tokyo, and 14:30 in New Delhi (not allowing for any daylight saving in those countries).

The working week in Qatar runs from Sunday to Thursday with Friday (the holy day for Muslims) and Saturday off. However, some business offices choose to take only Friday off, or give just a half day on Thursday. Government offices recently amended their working hours to 06:00 to 14:00, matching those of Qatar Petroleum and most of the oil, gas and petrochemicals companies. Banks open from 07:30 until 13:00 although some branches, especially those located in shopping malls sometimes open in the evenings.

Commercial offices have two shifts. The first from 07:30 to 12:00 and then from 15:30 to 19:30, though this may vary. As a result, siesta is a common practice among locals and residents who tend to stay up late and then have to wake early for their first shift, making that afternoon nap a necessity.

Major shopping malls are usually open from 10:00 until 24:00 but the majority of them close on Friday Mornings. Timings for independent shops vary but are generally from 08:30 to 12:30 and 16:00 to 21:00. Many are closed all day Friday, although some do open late afternoon. Timings change during the holy month of Ramadan with government offices working two or three hours less and commercial shops usually closing during Iftar (the breaking of the fast just after sunset) and re-opening later in the evening. Shopping malls that remain open during the day (without serving any food or beverage between dawn and dusk) usually close later than usual - sometimes as late as 02:00. Late shopping and hanging out in malls for evening coffee during Ramadan is very common, so don't be surprised if you can't find a place to park at midnight.

The two major public holidays in Qatar are religious ones: Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha. Eid al Fitr marks the ending of the fasting month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (Hijri calendar). During this month, Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink, cigarettes, sexual acts and unclean thoughts from dawn until dusk.

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar months, thus the beginning and the ending of Ramadan is not fixed but instead is decided on the sighting of the moon. As a result, holidays will only be determined 24 hours in advance.

Eid al Fitr is usually marked by a three-day celebration where almost every business in the country shuts down for the occasion. In this month many Muslims pay Zakat al Fitr (charity of Ramadan). Eid al Adha, the festival of the sacrifice, commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son to God. It follows Eid al Fitr by around 70 days and is marked by a four-day celebration. Many mark this religious occasion by carrying out the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. On the occasion of this Eid, some Muslims slaughter sheep and distribute the meat to the poor. Besides these two religious celebrations there are two other fixed holidays: Accession Day and Independence Day.

Electricity and water are provided by the state operated corporation, Kahramaa. The electric supply operates at 220 - 240 volts and 50 Hz. As both old and new construction still exist in the capital, both two and three-pin plug mains are found, but adapters are available in most supermarkets and other corner shops. Most people tend to drink bottled water either purchased from grocery stores or delivered in large bottles for a water dispenser. Kahramaa also offers online services such as bill payment and account balance at either www.kahramaa.com.qa or via the Qatar e-government website, www.e.gov.qa.

Tourist photography is generally acceptable but some care must be taken when photographing people, particularly women. On the whole photographs of local women should be avoided and most photos taken of people should be preceded by a polite request for permission. Photography of government facilities is generally frowned upon and it is legally prohibited to photograph defence facilities. Mosques and airports carry a general sensitivity to photography and you may be requested to refrain from taking your holiday snaps with these backdrops.