Qatar
State of Qatar
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +7.32%
Situated in Western Asia, Qatar has a population of approximately 2.86 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 11,586 km², translating to a density of 247 people per km². Its capital is Doha, and Arabic is the official language, while the Qatari riyal serves as the national currency.
Population
2,857,822
Area
11,586 km²
Density
247/km²
World Rank
#140
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0.1% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 9.9 per thousand against deaths at 0.9 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 15.1% of residents under 15 and 1.7% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Doha
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Western Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Arabic
- Currencies
- Qatari riyal (ر.ق)
- Calling Code
- +974
- Top-Level Domain
- .qa, قطر.
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 2,857,822
- Land Area
- 11,586 km²
- Population Density
- 247 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +7.32%
- Annual Growth
- +209,193 people
- Daily Growth
- +573 people
- World Population Share
- 0.04%
- Coordinates
- 25.50°, 51.25°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $76.7k, Qatar sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 0.1%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 35.1 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
82.4 years
GDP per Capita
$76,689
Birth Rate
9.9 per 1,000
Death Rate
0.9 per 1,000
Urban Population
99.3%
Fertility Rate
1.73 births/woman
Infant Mortality
4.9 per 1,000
Unemployment
0.1%
Literacy Rate
97.8%
Internet Users
99.7%
Under 15
15.1%
Over 65
1.7%
Health Spending
2.5% GDP
Gini Index
35.1
Age Distribution
0-14 years
431K
15-64 years
2.4M
65+ years
48K
Urbanization
Qatar is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 99.3% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. Doha serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net inward migration of 36288.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
2.8M
99.3%
19,433
0.7%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 82.4 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 4.9 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. The literacy rate of 97.8% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Qatar
Qatar has 2 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Qatar is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.7 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Qatar participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2,857,822 |
| 2030 | 3,724,398 |
| 2035 | 5,001,199 |
| 2040 | 6,483,218 |
| 2045 | 8,152,306 |
| 2050 | 9,984,983 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Qatar.
Largest Cities in Qatar
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Qatar by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Qatar?
The population of Qatar is approximately 2.9 million as of 2026, making it #140 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Qatar?
The capital of Qatar is Doha.
What languages are spoken in Qatar?
The main languages spoken in Qatar are Arabic.
How big is Qatar?
Qatar covers an area of 11,586 km² with a population density of 247 people per km².
Is Qatar growing or shrinking?
Qatar is growing at a rate of 7.32% per year, adding approximately 209,193 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Qatar?
The average life expectancy in Qatar is 82.4 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Qatar?
The GDP per capita of Qatar is $76,689.