The Planning and Statistics Authority has released the 75th issue of (Qatar; Monthly Statistics) bulletin; a series of statistical newsletters released on a monthly basis. In this issue, we highlighted the most important statistical changes that occurred in the country during March 2020 in addition to extracts from the results of the 2015 Census.
The most prominent change in this issue is the drop in the Market General Index (Point) at a monthly rate of 13.5% (compared to February 2020) and at an annual decrease of 18.8% (compared to March 2019). This month also witnessed a decrease in the total number and value of sold properties at a monthly rate of 20.1% and 3.2%, respectively (compared to February 2020), and at an annual rate of 19.8% and 1.6%, respectively (compared to March 2019). This decline is related to the current state in the State of Qatar; namely, the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The demographic statistics revealed that the total population of Qatar has increased from 2.761 million during March 2019 to 2.795 million at end of March 2020.
Regarding to Vital Statistics, 1116 live births have been registered during March 2020. Also, a decrease in the total Qatari live births by 42.8% compared to last month. On the other hand, 221 deaths were recorded during the same period, an increase of 11.6% compared to February 2020.
Moreover, March 2020 has experienced a monthly decrease by 12.8% and 29.6% respectively in marriage contracts and divorce certificates. The total number of marriage contracts was 280 contracts, whereas the total No. of divorces has reached 81 divorce cases; namely, one divorce for every 3 marriages.
As for the Social Security statements, reached 83 Million Qatari Riyals in March 2020, for 15092 beneficiaries.
Total electricity consumption during March 2020 was 2818.7 GWh attaining a monthly increase of 14.1% and an annual rise of 0.8%. While the total water consumption has reached 53329.6 Thousand m3 during the same month attaining a monthly increase of 7.6% and an annual rise of 4.7%.
Regarding the data of buildings permits issued, the total number of permits has reached 637 permits during March 2020, recording a monthly decrease of 4.1%.
Traffic accidents cases without counting the accidents without injuries, a total of 483 traffic cases were recorded during March 2020, showing a monthly decrease of 21.7%. Light injuries are accounted for the vast majority of traffic accidents cases during the same month, with 86%, followed by severe injuries by 11%. However, 14 deaths were recorded, equivalent to only 3% of total traffic accidents cases.
The total number of registered new vehicles during March 2020 has reached 4294 new vehicles. The figure showed a monthly decrease of 28.6% and an annual decrease of 31.2%.
As for the Banking Sector; Total Broad Money Supply (M2) recorded about 617.1 Billion Qatari Riyals during March 2020, an annual increase of 7.1% compared with March 2019. On the other hand, cash equivalents; including Commercial Bank Deposits, attained for 893.4 Billion Qatari Riyals during March 2020. The figure has recorded an annual increase of 5.5% compared to March 2019, when deposits recorded approximately 846.5 Billion Qatari Riyals.
Next issue will hopefully be released by the end of May 2020.