GDP (annual) in Qatar

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the value of all final goods and services produced in Qatar and is the broadest gauge of the size and pace of its economy. It is published by the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA) and is shaped by liquefied natural gas.

It is compiled through the demand, output and income approaches, which must reconcile. It is released in real terms as an annual rate of change, usually distinguishing hydrocarbon GDP from non-hydrocarbon GDP.

It is the main reference for assessing Qatar's cycle; the non-hydrocarbon component measures diversification and the boost from LNG capacity expansion, while the rest depends on gas. It underpins public spending and the country's large sovereign wealth funds.

It is released with a marked lag and early estimates are later revised. The weight of gas makes the headline volatile and a poor guide to non-energy activity.