Qatar’s population crossed 2.6 million at the end of last month, from about 2.5 million recorded during the same period last year, with an annual increase by 5.2%, shows the monthly data released by the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics.
The monthly statistics for March covering a wide range of areas show an increase in the number of passenger arrivals and departures at Doha International Airport (HIA), newly registered vehicles, traffic violations and road accidents on year-on- year and month-on-month basis.
The passenger movement at Hamad International Airport (HIA) recorded an increase from last year, with a total of 1,605,000 arrivals in March (an increase by 5.3 %) compared to the same period last year, while departures recorded an annual increase by 4.9%. However, when compared to February this year, arrivals to Doha n March decreased by 2.1%, with a total of 428,000 passengers. At the same time, the total number of departures from Doha increased by 16.6 %, reaching approximately 439,000 passengers.
Aircraft movement at HIA (landing and takeoffs) reached about 21,841 during March, with an increase of 12.4% compared to the previous month. A total of 7,823 new vehicles were registered last month, with an increase of 25.7% compared to February when as many as 6,225 new vehicles were registered.
The number of traffic violations increased by 3.4% during the same period reaching 163,538, from 158,213 cases recorded in February. Violations related to traffic signals saw an increase while those caught by surveillance cameras decreased, compared to the previous month.
The monthly bulletin also highlighted climate indicators which shows an increase in average temperature by 30% and a decrease in average humidity of 5% last month, in comparison to the previous month. The report showed that more than 40% of treated wastewater have been reused in agriculture during March.
A total of 2,072 babies were born in Qatar in March while 184 people died. As many as 370 marriage contracts were agreed upon during the same period while 105 divorce declarations were also recorded.
The bulletin showed an increase of 24.5% in electricity consumption in March amounting to 2,540 GWh and a decrease by 12.4% in water consumption, with a total value of 44,775,000 m3.
The report also shows a significant 40.1% increase in building permits in March compared to the previous month, with 667 permits issued last month. Doha, Al-Rayyan and Al-Dha'ayen municipalities recorded the increase.
