Note to our readers: Background Notes are no longer being updated or produced. They are being replaced with Fact Sheets focusing on U.S. relations with countries and other areas and providing links to additional resources. For archived versions of Background Notes, visit http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/.
More information about Qatar is available on the Qatar Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-QATAR RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Qatar in 1972 following its independence from the United Kingdom. Bilateral relations are strong, with the United States and Qatar coordinating closely on regional diplomatic initiatives and cooperating to increase security in the Persian Gulf. The two countries have a defense pact, and Qatar hosts CENTCOM Forward Headquarters. Qatar has supported North Atlantic Treaty Organization and U.S. military operations in the region. Hundreds of Qataris study in the United States, and several U.S. universities have branch campuses in Qatar.
U.S. Assistance to Qatar
The United States provides no development assistance to Qatar.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The United States and Qatar have extensive economic links, especially in the hydrocarbons sector. The U.S. is one of the major equipment suppliers for Qatar's oil and gas industry, and U.S. companies have played a major role in the development of the oil and gas sector and petrochemicals. U.S. exports to Qatar include aircraft, machinery, vehicles, optical and medical instruments, and agricultural products. U.S. imports from Qatar include liquefied natural gas, aluminum, fertilizers, and sulfur. The United States and Qatar have signed a trade and investment framework agreement.
Qatar's Membership in International Organizations
Qatar and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Qatar is an observer to the Organization of American States and a member of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Arab League.
Bilateral Representation\
The U.S. Ambassador to Qatar is Susan L. Ziadeh; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Qatar maintains an embassy in the United States at 2555 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037 (tel. 202-274-1600).
More information about Qatar is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Qatar Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Qatar Page
U.S. Embassy: Qatar
History of U.S. Relations With Qatar
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information
