MID-1800s. Al Khalifa, Bahrain's ruling family, establish Qatar.
1915. Al Khalifa family expels the Turks from Qatar.
1916. Qatar signs treaty to receive protection from United Kingdom.
1949. Sheikh Abdullah abdicates in favor of his son Ali.
1950s. Oil is discovered in commercial quantities.
1971. Qatar declares independence from the British.
1973. World oil crisis. Qatar's oil revenue increases dramatically.
1981. Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates form the Gulf Cooperation Council.
1995. Sheikh Hamad deposes his father, Sheikh Khalifa, in a bloodless coup.
1997. Economic reform program launched.
1999. The first municipal elections are held.