In pictures: Qatar National Day

qatar national day - photo gallery 1000x669

Qatar is an oil and gas-rich nation and has the third largest gas reserves in the world [EPA]

Before the discovery of oil, the economy of the Qatari region focused on fishing and pearl hunting. After the introduction of the Japanese cultured pearl, Qatar(***)s pearling industry faltered.[EPA]

Qataris commemorate the day when Sheikh Jassim, the founder of Qatar, succeeded his father, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Thani and led the country towards unity [Sara Hassan/Al Jazeera]

Qatari Heritage Police participate in the military parade [EPA]

Qatari women soldiers march down the seaside strip known as the (***)Corniche(***) [EPA]

Football is the most popular sport in the country and on December 2, 2010, Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup [Sara Hassan/Al Jazeera]

Many families came out for the National Day celebrations which was a state holiday [Sara Hassan/Al Jazeera]

In recent years Qatar has placed great emphasis on education. Citizens are required to attend government-provided education until high school [EPA]

Sheikh Qassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani (1878 - 1913) is considered its founder[Sara Hassan/Al Jazeera]

The International Monetary Fund states that Qatar has the highest GDP per capita in the world, followed by Liechtenstein. The World Factbook ranks Qatar at second, following Liechtenstein [Sara Hassan/Al Jazeera]

During the celebrations for Qatar National Day a boat show and fireworks display were provided for residents [Sara Hassan/Al Jazeera]

Qataris make up less than 10 per cent of the national population [Sara Hassan/Al Jazeera]

Much of the centre of the city was overtaken by residents celebrating the event [Sara Hassan/Al Jazeera]