Qatar

The country has an area of 4,254 square miles and a population of more than 1.9 million, of whom 250,000 are citizens and nationals. Of the citizen population, Sunni Muslims constitute the vast majority, while Shi'a Muslims account for less than 5 percent. There are fewer than 500 Baha'i and Christian citizens.

The majority of noncitizens are from South and Southeast Asia and Arab countries and are in the country on temporary employment contracts, in some cases accompanied by family members. Most noncitizens are Sunni or Shi'a Muslims, Christians, Hindus, or Buddhists. Most foreign workers and their families live near the major employment centers of Doha, Al Khor, Mesaieed, and Dukhan.

While the Government does not release figures regarding religious affiliation, some membership estimates for noncitizens available from Christian community groups are as follows: Roman Catholics (80,000-100,000), Anglicans (10,000-15,000), Egyptian Copts (3,000), and Greek and other Eastern Orthodox (no estimate available). The Hindu community is almost exclusively from India (estimated at more than 100,000), while Buddhists come from South, Southeast, and East Asia, and are estimated at more than 150,000-200,000. There are an estimated 500 Baha'is of Iranian origin, some of whom are Qatari nationals.