Qatar, a nation rich in oil and gas natural reserves, is located in the Middle East and is neighboured by Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. With a land area of 4,184 square miles, the population was estimated to be 825,000 at the start of 2008.
Since 2004, Qatar has been divided into seven municipalities (Arabic: baladiyah).
Qatar's traditional cuisine has been strongly influenced by migrants from Iran and India, and more recently North Africa.