Legal system: discretionary system of law controlled by the amir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law is significant in personal matters
Suffrage: none
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: Amir and Prime Minister KHALIFA
bin Hamad Al Thani (since 22 February 1972); Crown Prince HAMAD bin
Khalifa Al Thani (appointed 31 May 1977; son of Amir and Minister of
Defense)
cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the amir
Legislative branch: unicameral Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura): constitution calls for elections for part of this consultative body, but no elections have been held; seats - (30 total)
Judicial branch: Court of Appeal
Political parties and leaders: none
Member of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GATT, GCC,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,
INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC,
OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador ABD AL-RAHMAN bin Saud bin Fahd Al Thani
chancery: Suite 1180, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20037
telephone: [1] (202) 338-0111
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Kenton W. KEITH embassy: 149 Ali Bin Ahmed St., Farig Bin Omran (opposite the television station), Doha mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha telephone: [974] 864701 through 864703 FAX: [974] 861669
Flag: maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side