Thread: Qatar tops list of world's richest countries

Qatar tops Forbes list of world's richest countries

By Katerina Nikolas
Feb 26, 2012 in World

Topping the Forbes list of world's richest countries is the small Arab emirate of Qatar, with a population of just 1.7 million people.

According to the Forbeslist per capita income in Qatar is $88,222, almost double that of the U.S. which ranks in seventh place with a per capita income of $46,860. Income is calculated on GDP adjusted for purchasing power. Qatar's wealth is based on oil and gas, and the Islamic nation is ruled by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah Al Thani.
Qatar is using its wealth to become an influential voice in international politics, notably being a key player in the negotiations between the West and the National Transitional Council, during the Libyan conflict. It also provided substantial amounts of armaments to the rebel forces in Libya, and stood accused of providing separate funding to the Islamic militants lead by Abdul Hakim.
On the domestic front Qatar recently purchased the world's most expensive painting when it paid a record breaking $250 million for Paul Cézanne's "The Card Players." Qatar acquired the label as the world’s biggest buyer in the art market in terms of value.
According to Emirates 247 the wealth in Qatar is not evenly distributed and much of the population remains very poor.

The complete list of Forbe's top 10 countries wealth wise is:
1. Qatar
2. Luxembourg
3. Singapore
4. Norway
5. Brunei
6. United Arab Emirates
7. U.S.A.
8. Hong Kong
9. Switzerland
10.Netherlands

Qatar tops Forbes list of world's richest countries

I just saw this on 60 Minutes.

They have NO TAXES.
Education is free.
Health care is free.
Electricity is free.
When you die your funeral is free.