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QATAR : A GEODEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Dr. R.
C. S. TARAGI , GIS Coordinator and
Mansoor Ahmed Al Malki, GIS Technologist
Central Statistical Organization, The State of
Qatar
Qatar conducted its second General Housing and Population Census in March 1997. It made good use of the Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques in conducting the census, sharing the geographic information maintained and made available on-line by other agencies through Qatar's GISnet. Most of the results of this census are now made available to the users at different levels of administrative hierarchy e.g., National, Municipality, Zone and Census Block.
This article analyses some of the results of this census using the techniques of GIS. The demographic profile of the country is highlighted by interpreting it in terms of its geographic distribution and interrelationship. It shows the spatial variations in the distribution pattern and relationship that exist from one place to other in different population parameters.
a. Population Distribution & Growth
Qatar has a population of little over half million (522,023) as per the 1997 Census, recording a growth of 41.4 per cent over the past census held in 1986. The population distribution in Qatar is highly concentrated where more than 80 per cent population of the country lives only in less than 10 per cent geographic. Doha and Rayyan are the most populated areas accounting for 83 per cent population of the country. A few clusters of population out side these areas can be seen in Al Wakrah (4.6 %), Umm Salal (3.52 %), Al Khor ( 3.41 %), Al Jumayliyah (1.9 %) and Mesaieed (1.5 %).
The population density calculated at the census block level shows a greater variation in the spatial distribution of population. The inner Doha area is highly densely populated where in some pockets more than 20,000 persons dwell in an area of just one sq. km. Also in other parts of Doha and areas of Rayyan circular to Doha a moderately high and high density of population exceeding 1000 persons per sq. km. is noticed. Contrary to this, a vast area consisting of majority of census blocks of out side Doha and Rayyan just have a density of less than one. A few pockets of moderately high density, however, can also be seen in Al Khor, Madinat Al Shamal, Al Khuratiyat, Umm Slal Mohammed, Umm Slal Ali, Umm Al Amad, Dukhan, Al Khattiya, Al Wukair, AL Wakrah and Mesaieed.
The population of many zones in Al Khor, Al Rayyan and in the fringe areas of Doha has more than doubled during past ten years whereas many parts of old Doha registered a negative growth ranging from -10 to -100 per cent. This reflects the spatial trend of the residential areas being developed in the country. There has been continuous migration of the locals from old Doha areas to Doha fringe, Rayyan and Umm Slal areas. In the country side the scenario has not changed much except some notable increase in areas having new industrial activity, e.g., Raslaffan. Interestingly, Al Shamal has shown a decrease in population in 1997 over 1986.
Map 1. Population Distribution
Map 2. Population Density
b. Sex and Age
Nearly two-third of Qatar's population consists of males, reflecting a very low female sex ratio overall. Like other Gulf countries this fact can be attributed to the presence of higher number of expatriate male workers' population living as singles. At the local level, however, there are significant variations in the ratio and in some cases even females out number the males, as is the case of zone 43, 65, 66 and 67.Other areas with relatively better female sex ratio (above 900) are observed in outer Doha and Rayyan. The female sex ratio on the contrary is low to very low in old Doha area and in the out side urban areas. Exceptionally, the industrial area of Zone 57 has just 3 females per 1000 of males. This spatial variation in sex ratio explains some of the obvious characteristics of population distribution in the country.
Significant number of expatriate workers in the country leads to a higher proportion of population belonging to the age groups 15-44 (59.4%) and 45-59 (11.6%). This proportion is further higher in the areas outside Doha and Rayyan. Males out number females in these categories mainly for the reason stated above. The proportion of females is however significantly higher in the lower age groups of 0-4 (male - 7.3%, female - 13.28%), 5-14 (male - 13.34%, female - 24.04%). A little above 2 percent of the population falls in the age group of 75 and above.
Map 3. Sex Ratio Map
Map 4. Age Groups
c. Literacy
About 85 per cent of Qatar's population (aged 10 and above) are literates as per the 1997 census. It is above 90 per cent in some of the zones in outer Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, Mesaieed and Dukhan. In few areas of Doha and in rural areas a low literacy ranging between 50 to 65 percent is recorded. Of the total literate population majority (27.8%) fall in the category of read and write only. Primary, Preparatory and Secondary combined together form 41.4 percent. Little less than 1 percent literates are having a post graduate and higher degree. The ratio of population in graduation and higher level is better in Doha and Mesaieed. The proportion of illiterates has gone down from 22.4 percent in 1986 to 15.3 per cent in 1997.
Map 5. Literacy Map
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6. Educational Levels
D. Manpower
Three fourth of Qatar's population falls in the age group of 15 and above which is considered for analysing the manpower issues of employment, labour force participation and occupation. Of this population (382511), about three fourth are considered as economically active that include the categories of employed, unemployed but previously employed and seeking work for the first time. The remaining one fourth is economically inactive population including students, housewives, disabled and unemployed not seeking job. Housewives constitute half of this population. There has been a nominal decrease in the proportion of economically active population during 1986-97. The proportion of seeking work for the first time, unemployed not seeking work and of students has marginally gone up.
The proportion of economically active population to the total population is much higher in the industrial area and old Doha area. It is also dominating in the areas mainly associated with higher proportion of expatiates living as singles that include parts of Doha and Rayyan, Mesaieed, Al Khor and Dukhan. Subsequently, the share of employed population in economically active population is also higher in these areas. The unemployed population previously employed and seeking work for the first time are more in number and proportion in new Doha and Rayyan areas.
One tenth of the employed population constitute of professionals whereas 2.5 percent are legislators, senior officials and managers. Significant proportion belongs to elementary occupations (26.7 %) and craft and related trade workers (21.3 %).
Half of the employed population in Qatar belongs to the private sector. The government sector is closely followed by 31 percent while the mixed sector has only 3 percent of it. The domestic sector interestingly has a significant proportion of 16 percent of employed population.
One fifth of the employed population is engaged in construction activity. This is closely followed by public administration ( 17.8 %) and domestic services (16.1%). There are 10.9 % in wholesale and retail trade and repair. Only 3.2 percent of the employed population are in agriculture, hunting and forestry while that in fishing is just 0.5 percent. Most of the construction, public administration and trade activities are concentrated in Doha and Rayyan whereas the northern half of the country has some notable agricultural activities.
Map 7.Econmically active & Inactive
Map 8. Employed Population
Qatar's overall population characteristics are similar to that of any other Gulf country in the Middle East and are influenced by the presence of significant number of expatriate population living there. Having no significant variations in the topographic conditions from one part of the country to other the distribution of population is guided mostly by the developmental activities that are taking place. The geographic influence however can be seen in the distribution of early settlements that has been built along the coastal areas keeping in view the basic necessities of water and related aspects of energy, transportation and communication. Since more than three fourth of the population is concentrated in Doha and Rayyan the economic and developmental activities taking place in these areas influence the population more. In general, a low population density, the higher literacy rates, a very low proportion of unemployed population, high life expectancy all reflect a higher level of human resource development in Qatar and a higher status of living of population.