ay:
Independence Day, 3 September (1971)

Constitution:
ratified by public referendum on 29 April 2003, endorsed by the
amir on 8 June 2004, effective on 9 June 2005

Legal system:
discretionary system of law controlled by the amir, although civil
codes are being implemented; Shari'a law dominates family and
personal matters

Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa al-Thani (since 27 June 1995
when, as crown prince, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin Hamad
al-Thani, in a bloodless coup); Crown Prince TAMIM bin Hamad bin
Khalifa al-Thani, fourth son of the monarch (selected Heir Apparent
by the monarch on 5 August 2003); note - Amir HAMAD also holds the
positions of Minister of Defense and Commander-in-chief of the Armed
Forces
head of government: Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Khalifa al-Thani,
brother of the monarch (since 30 October 1996); First Deputy Prime
Minister HAMAD bin Jasim bin Jabir al-Thani (since 16 September
2003, also Foreign Minister since 1992); Second Deputy Prime
Minister Abdallah bin Hamad al-ATIYAH (since 16 September 2003, also
Electricity and Water Minister since 1999 and Energy and Industry
Minister since 1992)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary
note: in April 2003, Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-member
Central Municipal Council (CMC), which has consultative powers aimed
at improving the provision of municipal services; the first election
for the CMC was held in March 1999

Legislative branch:
unicameral Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (35 seats; members
appointed)
note: no legislative elections have been held since 1970 when there
were partial elections to the body; Council members have had their
terms extended every four years since; the new constitution, which
came into force on 9 June 2005, provides for a 45-member
Consultative Council, or Majlis al-Shura; the public would elect
two-thirds of the Majlis al-Shura; the amir would appoint the
remaining members; preparations are underway to conduct elections to
the Majlis al-Shura in early 2007

Judicial branch:
Court of Appeal
note: under a judiciary law issued in 2003, the former two court
systems, civil and Islamic law, were merged under a higher court,
the Court of Cassation, established for appeals

Political pa