Qatar is officially a hereditary ‘Constitutional Monarchy’ with its ruler taking the title ‘Emir’. Succession is within the Al Thani family; if there is no Al Thani son in the immediate line to serve as Heir Apparent, power can be transferred to another member of the Al Thani family, chosen by the Emir.The country’s first (provisional) constitution was written in 1970 and amended in 1972. A 150-article permanent constitution became effective on 9 June 2005.