History

Qatar announces that it will withdraw from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in January, citing its greater reliance of gas exports, although many regional analysts see it as a symbolic move away from Saudi influence.

Diplomatic crisis as Saudi Arabia leads an air, land and sea blockade by Arab countries, in an attempt to get Qatar to cut its alleged connections with terrorism and distance itself from Iran.

Government says it is abolishing the controversial labour sponsorship system or "kafala" that forces foreign workers to seek their employers' consent to change jobs or leave the country.

Qatar and four other GCC states take part in Saudi-led air strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Qatar and four other Arab states take part in US-led air strikes on Islamic State militants in Syria.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani takes over as emir after his father abdicates.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani visits Gaza, the first head of state to do so since Hamas took power there five years previously.

The Afghan Taliban say they are setting up a political office in Qatar to facilitate talks.

Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani says elections to the advisory council will be held in 2013, in what would be Qatar's first legislative elections, but these are repeatedly postponed.

Qatar joins international military operations in Libya, and goes on to arm Islamist opposition groups.

Qatar wins bid to host 2022 Fifa World Cup.

Qatar cuts trade ties with Israel over Gaza offensive. Was sole Gulf state to have trade ties with Israel.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar agree final delineation of borders and pledge to boost co-operation after diplomatic relations restored in March.

Qatar and the US launch a $14 billion joint project to build the world's largest liquefied natural gas plant. Most of the gas will be exported to the US.

Qatar's first written constitution comes into effect, providing for some democratic reforms.

Qatar-based US Central Command forward base serves as the nerve centre in the US-led military campaign in Iraq.

Qatar looms large in US plans for a possible war against Iraq. Its al-Udeid air base is developed and expanded. Washington says it will deploy US Central Command staff to Qatar.

Municipal elections, the first democratic polls since 1971, mark the start of a democratisation programme.

Al-Jazeera satellite TV launches, as an independent channel funded by the emir. Based in Qatar but broadcasting to much of the Arab world, it establishes a reputation for its news coverage and willingness to tackle controversial issues.

Sheikh Khalifa deposed by his son, Hamad, in a bloodless coup.

After Iraq invades Kuwait, Qatar says it will allow foreign forces on its soil. Qatari troops later take part in the liberation of Kuwait.

Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani takes power in a palace coup after infighting in the ruling family.

Qatar becomes independent on 3 September.

Oil revenues fund the expansion and modernisation of Qatar's infrastructure.

Oil reserves discovered. Exploitation is delayed by World War II, but oil comes to replace pearling and fishing as Qatar's main source of revenue.

Deal signed under which Britain controls Qatar's external affairs in return for guaranteeing its protection.

The Al-Thanis submit to Ottoman overlordship.

Al-Thani dynasty establishes control over Qatar, which tries to establish independence from Bahraini suzerainty.