The Qatar peninsula, shaped a bit like a thumb, juts northward into the Arabian Gulf from the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is about 160km long and 55km to 80km wide. This is one flat country - the highest part is only 40m (130ft) above sea level. It's also dry, with most of the country covered in gravelly desert with virtually no natural vegetation. Archaeological digs have shown that the Qatar peninsula was inhabited during the Stone Age, when the region's climate was milder than it is today. Qatari culture revolves almost entirely around Islam. The practical art of weaving has produced some beautiful Bedouin artefacts, such as tents, rugs, cushions and saddlebags. 

Doha is the capital.