The total number of vessels arriving at Qatar's ports increased by an annual rate of 53.2% in January this year as compared to the same period in 2018, official data showed on Sunday.
This also resulted in an increase in the total net tonnage of ships at an annual rate of 159.1%, compared to January last year.
The figures were revealed in the 61st issue of the Qatar Monthly Statistics bulletin, released by the Planning and Statistics Authority.
The rise in shipping numbers comes as the authorities ramp up operations at the country's ports, including Hamad Port, whose success lies in having diversified and expanded its business base and playing a significant role in meeting the needs of local markets as well as servicing the country’s major projects.
Also, since the start of the unjust blockade in June 2017, some new shipping routes have been launched connecting key destinations with Qatar while existing services to/from established routes have been enhanced.
Meanwhile, total electricity consumption in January was 2,034.3 GWh, marking a monthly decrease of 18.5% compared to December 2018 and an annual drop of 12.2%, according to the data. On the other hand, water consumption in January also saw a monthly decrease of 2.4% and an annual drop of 11.6%.
The statistics further revealed that a total of 591 traffic cases were recorded in January this year, a monthly increase of 13.2%. Light injuries accounted for the vast majority of traffic accidents that month, with 89%, followed by severe injuries at 9%. Twelve deaths were also recorded, equivalent to some 2% of total traffic accidents.
The data also showed that there were a total of 5,598 registered new vehicles in January, which represented a monthly increase of 6.4% and an annual decrease of 10%.
A prominent change mentioned in the 61st issue of the bulletin is a rise in the number of marriage contracts at a monthly rate of 8.5%. Also, there is a drop in the total number of divorce certificates by 7.6%, compared to December 2018.
The total number of marriage contracts in January was 308, while the number of divorces reached 97 cases, which translates to one divorce for every three marriages.
As for building permits, the total number of permits reached 790 in January - marking a monthly increase of 16.7%.
In the banking sector, Total Broad Money Supply (M2) of about QR562.3bn was recorded in January, an annual decrease of 6.1% compared to the same period last year.
Qatar population
Demographic statistics issued by the Planning and Statistics Authority showed that the total population of Qatar had increased to 2.77mn at the end of January from 2.64mn in January 2018, an annual rise of 4.6%, QNA reported,
Regarding vital statistics, 2,195 live births were registered this January, a 0.8% monthly increase compared to December 2018. Also, there was a 0.2% increase in the number of Qatari live births in the same period.
On the other hand, 165 deaths were recorded during the same period, a decrease of 16.7% compared to December 2018.
Meanwhile, the Planning and Statistics Authority's website showed that the total population in the country at the end of February was 2,772,947.
