Data compiled from energy agencies and industry analyses, including the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), show the U.S. has held the top spot since 2023 , overtaking long-time leader Qatar and reshaping global gas supply dynamics.

The LNG industry has undergone several distinct phases over the past three decades, driven by infrastructure investment, resource discoveries and changing demand patterns.

In the early years, Algeria led global LNG exports between 1990 and 1994, leveraging its pioneering facilities at Arzew. According to Britannica, Algeria was among the first countries to commercialise LNG exports, giving it an early strategic advantage.

That lead faded as newer producers scaled faster. By the mid-1990s, Indonesia took over (1995–2005), supported by large export terminals such as Bontang and Arun, and long-term contracts with Asian buyers, particularly Japan. Industry analyses from Incorrys note that this period coincided with a surge in LNG demand across the Asia-Pacific region.

From 2006 to 2021, Qatar dominated the global LNG market, setting a new benchmark for scale and efficiency.

Backed by the massive North Field, the world ’s largest natural gas reservoir, Qatar expanded production through its Ras Laffan industrial complex. According to industry data and EIA assessments, Qatar at times accounted for over 30% of global LNG supply, cementing its role as the central player in international gas markets.

Its success was built on long-term contracts, cost advantages and the ability to deliver large, consistent volumes to Europe and Asia.

The balance shifted again in 2022, when Australia briefly became the top exporter, driven by major offshore LNG projects including Gorgon, Wheatstone and Ichthys.

However, analysts note that Australia’s lead was short-lived, as production growth plateaued and operational constraints limited further expansion.

Since 2023, the United States has taken the lead, powered by the shale gas revolution and the rapid expansion of LNG export terminals along the Gulf Coast.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the country’s export capacity has grown sharply in recent years, supported by facilities in Texas and Louisiana. The U.S. model differs from traditional exporters, offering flexible contracts and destination-free cargoes, making it particularly attractive to buyers.

Strong demand from Europe — especially following efforts to reduce reliance on Russian pipeline gas — and continued growth in Asian markets have accelerated U.S. exports.

Geopolitics and demand reshape the market

The shift in LNG leadership reflects broader geopolitical and economic changes.

Britannica notes that LNG plays a critical role in global energy systems by enabling natural gas to be transported across oceans, linking producers and consumers that are not connected by pipelines.

According to estimated figures cited by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait have faced the highest number of Iranian missile or drone targets, followed by Qatar, Bahrain and Israel. The data reflects how the regional conflict increasingly involves countries hosting foreign military bases or strategic infrastructure.

The INSS estimates suggest that the UAE has been the most targeted country, with around 863 incidents, followed by Kuwait with 562.

Both countries host major US military facilities and play critical roles in regional logistics and defence cooperation. The UAE is home to Al Dhafra Air Base, which hosts US and allied forces, while Kuwait serves as a key staging hub for US operations in the Middle East.

According to The Guardian, Iran and its allies have increasingly relied on drones and ballistic missiles in recent years because they are cheaper, harder to intercept and capable of reaching targets across the region.

The INSS data also indicates that Qatar and Bahrain have experienced significant numbers of missile and drone targets, with 162 and 129 incidents, respectively.

Both countries host major US military installations. Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base is the largest US military base in the Middle East, while Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.

Because of their strategic importance, these locations are often viewed as potential targets during periods of regional escalation.

Israel is also listed among the countries affected, with an estimated 113 missile and drone targets.

The country has long been a central actor in regional tensions involving Iran and Iranian-backed groups. Iran has repeatedly denied directly targeting Israel in some incidents, while Israel has accused Tehran of orchestrating attacks through allied groups across the region.

Other neighbouring countries, including Jordan, Cyprus, Oman and Saudi Arabia, appear in the data with lower numbers of incidents.

Experts say unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become a defining feature of modern Middle Eastern conflicts.

According to Al Jazeera, Iran has significantly expanded its drone programme in recent years, developing systems capable of long-range strikes and supplying similar technology to allied groups across the region.

“Iran’s military strategy is derived from its political structure. Their political aim is to safeguard their own territorial integrity and stop foreign intervention targeted at overthrowing their rule,” a military specialist and former defence official, speaking to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity, said .

These drones, including models such as the Shahed series, have been used in conflicts across the Middle East and beyond.

Analysts say the relatively low cost of drones compared with conventional missiles makes them attractive for asymmetric warfare.

According to Al-Ansari, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, has been in touch with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi. He also referred to “the call reported by the media between the US envoy and the Iranian Foreign Minister.”

Just days ago, US President Donald Trump , during a press briefing, disclosed that he had been contacted by Tehran; however, he has subsequently posted on his social media platform Truth Social, encouraging Iranian protesters to "take over your institutions" and promising that "help is on its way." Coining a new acronym "MIGA!!" which means Make Iran Great Again.

The figures, published by World’s Top Exports , offer a clear picture of where Qatar’s energy-rich economy is finding its strongest demand, and how global geopolitical changes are shaping those relationships.

According to the numbers, China leads by a wide margin, importing $18.9 billion worth of Qatari exports in 2024. South Korea follows with $12.8 billion, while India takes the third spot at $11.2 billion. These markets rely heavily on Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG), which remains the country’s strongest economic driver.

The dominance of Asian buyers is not new, but it is becoming more pronounced as global LNG demand rises. Japan, Singapore and Taiwan all feature among Qatar’s top 10 export markets, reflecting long-term energy agreements and the region’s push for more reliable energy supplies.

Japan imported $6.72 billion worth of Qatari goods, while Singapore and Taiwan brought in $6.67 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively. Many of these countries have been diversifying their energy mixes in response to supply shocks linked to the Russia-Ukraine war — further boosting their reliance on Gulf producers.

The UAE also remains a major customer, accounting for $6 billion in Qatari exports. Pakistan and Thailand also appear on the list, importing $3.7 billion and $3.1 billion in 2024. Italy is the only European country in the top 10, with $2.7 billion, highlighting how Asia continues to outpace Europe as Qatar’s primary export destination.

Within that total, there are some 128 confirmed “bases” in around 49 foreign countries, meaning many sites are smaller “forward operating locations,” cooperative security sites, or rotational deployments rather than full-scale bases.

These installations are spread across all inhabited continents. In East Asia and the Pacific, significant bases include those in Japan (e.g. Kadena, Futenma) and South Korea (notably Camp Humphreys).

In the Middle East , Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base plays a central role, hosting U.S. Air Force and coalition forces. In Africa, installations like Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti and Camp Simba in Kenya serve counter-terror and intelligence missions.

While many hosts see these bases as partnerships for training, logistics, or regional security, critics argue they raise serious issues of national sovereignty, local social stress, and geopolitical friction.

Current flashpoints elevate base vulnerabilities

In 2025, regional tensions have underscored both their strengths and risks:

Globally, as of 2025, there are about 101.07 males for every 100 females in the world population. That slight male majority is driven largely by higher birth ratios favouring boys, though over time that tilt tends to fade as women live longer on average.

However, beyond childhood, the balance shifts in many countries toward more women, especially in older age brackets.

Countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain appear in deep blue places where men heavily outnumber women. According to projections, Qatar’s male-to-female ratio is approximately 246 men per 100 women, the highest in the world currently.

Much of this is due to labour migration. That is, Gulf states import huge numbers of male workers for industries such as construction, oil, and infrastructure. These migrant populations skew the sex balance dramatically.

On the flip side, much of Europe, parts of Latin America, and Russia lean strongly towards red (more women than men). In Russia, for example, decades of elevated male mortality (from lifestyle, health, or conflicts) have dramatically thinned the male ranks.

Eastern European nations also show pronounced female majorities, a legacy of war losses and health – and a reminder that sex ratios are shaped by far more than birth preferences.

Then there are the more subtle shades: nations whose ratios are near parity — light pink or light blue. Ghana, for instance, has approximately 99.7 men for every 100 women in 2025, essentially balanced.

India and China, with their massive populations (and well-documented gender biases), still register as having more men than women on aggregate.

This demographic snapshot also arrives amid renewed global debate about gender and leadership.

At the 2025 UN General Assembly, voices are growing louder for the appointment of a female U.N. Secretary-General , breaking an 80-year run of male leadership.

Elsewhere, new reports warn that artificial intelligence may disproportionately threaten women’s jobs (28% at risk vs 21% for men) unless action is taken to address the gender digital divide.

The remarks came a day after an Israeli airstrike targeted a residential compound in Doha, where members of Hamas’s politburo were staying. The strike killed Khalil al-Hayya’s son, his office manager, three aides, and a Qatari internal security officer. Hamas said its senior negotiators survived.

Netanyahu defended the attack, calling it a continuation of Israel’s campaign against those responsible for the October 7 massacre. “Yesterday, we acted along those lines. We went after the terrorist masterminds who committed the October 7th massacre,” he said.

Israel launched an airstrike on Hamas’ political leadership headquarters in Qatar on Tuesday, September 9, as top officials convened to discuss a U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza. The strike on the soil of a U.S. ally marked a major escalation, angering Qatar, which condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms.” Hamas claimed its senior leaders survived but confirmed the death of five members, including the son of Gaza chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya. The United States said it was notified before the strike but distanced itself, with President Donald Trump calling the incident “unfortunate” and unhelpful to peace efforts.

U.S. think tank warns on Qatar LNG reliance

The Foundation for Defence of Democracies has urged Taiwan to reduce reliance on Qatar for liquefied natural gas (LNG), warning of Beijing’s potential influence over energy supplies. In a tabletop exercise, the group highlighted Taiwan’s dependence on LNG imports, with nearly 30% coming from Qatar under a 27-year supply deal. The report cautioned that China could exploit this reliance through economic pressure, cyberattacks, or maritime blockades, putting Taiwan’s energy security and semiconductor industry at risk. The think tank advised diversification, increased U.S. energy cooperation, and renewable investments.

Qatar firms recognised among Asia’s best workplaces

Great Place to Work named its 2025 Best Workplaces in Asia, with multiple Qatar-based companies making the list. The rankings, drawn from surveys of nearly 7.5 million employees, recognised firms such as Hilton, DHL Express, Marriott International, Cisco, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Chalhoub Group. Jules Youssef, Managing Director for Qatar and the Gulf, said the recognition reflected strong workplace cultures, employee well-being initiatives, and innovative management practices that highlight Qatar’s expanding business ecosystem.

Qatar denounces Israeli ‘crimes’ at UN rights council

At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Qatar’s Permanent Representative Dr. Hend bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. She condemned the targeting of Hamas political bureau residences in Doha, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the killing of journalists and aid workers. Dr. Al Muftah called for urgent international action to hold Israel accountable and to support the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Banking sector posts steady growth in July

Qatar’s banking sector recorded a 4.5% year-to-date rise in public sector loans to QR1,406.9bn in July 2025, according to QNB Financial Services. While private sector loans remained flat, the loan-to-deposit ratio rose to 134.3% from 132 in June, as loan growth outpaced deposits. Total banking assets stood at QR2.117 trillion, up 3.4% compared to year-end 2024. Analysts noted that public sector deposits rose modestly, led by increases in government and semi-government segments, while liquid assets represented a healthy 31% of total assets.

Around 10 Israeli jets are believed to have been involved in the attacks which were described as targeted in order to avoid collateral damage. Senior figures including Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas's leader in Gaza and Khaled Mashaal, its leader abroad, were among the targets, according to Israeli media. Qatar described the strike as "cowardly" and a violation of international law.

Amana's report indicated that regional responses were expected to be limited, given Israel's military strength and the damage done to groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas itself, which might once have been expected to extract revenge.

The implications for ceasefire talks which have been brokered by Qatar is significant, as it has previously tried to take a neutral position in the conflict .

[This article was updated to clarify that the US said it was not given advanced notice of the Israeli strikes.]

According to data compiled by 24/7 Wall St. from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps programme, a joint project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, more than one in four adults in these counties drink excessively far above the national average of fewer than one in five.

Digging deeper, 41 of these top 50 “drunkest” counties are in Wisconsin, making the Badger State by far the most concentrated region on the list.

Even outside public perception of Wisconsin as “ America ’s beer capital,” the data shows this trend extends well beyond social stereotypes; Outagamie County, home to Appleton, ranks number 1, where about 31% of adults report binge or heavy drinking.

In a broader metro-area analysis, 7 of the 10 drunkest U.S. cities, including Appleton, Green Bay, and Madison are located in Wisconsin.

Why it matters

1. Health risks soar.

Excessive alcohol use is a major preventable risk factor your health—linked to chronic illnesses like liver disease, cancer, heart disease, and mental-health issues, alongside accidents and impaired driving.

2. Wisconsin leads—and that spotlight demands awareness.

While the state appears on top in statistics, it also raises questions about cultural norms, access to treatment, and alcohol policies across the region.

3. Geography plays a role.

The regional clustering suggests local customs, social environments, and even economic factors influence drinking behaviors.

That long, narrow nation stretches into South America’s Pacific coast for 4,270 kilometres. This comparison shines a light on Chile’s extraordinary geography and the sheer variety of climates contained within its thin boundaries.

From the Atacama Desert in the north to the glaciers of Patagonia in the far south, Chile stretches over 33 degrees of latitude. It occupies a narrow strip of land between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, measuring 4,270 kilometres from north to south while averaging only about 175 kilometres wide.

The country’s present shape emerged from a combination of rugged topography and historical events: the Andes formed a natural barrier to the east, and colonial expansion, followed by 19th‑century wars, extended Chile’s reach north and south.

Travelling the length of Chile is like journeying from London to Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso or from New York to Bogotá—it’s that long.

This extreme length produces remarkable environmental contrasts. In southern Chile, including Tierra del Fuego, a maritime climate prevails; some parts receive up to 4,000 millimetres of rain a year, though cities such as Punta Arenas get a much more modest 410 millimetres.

Central Chile around Santiago enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, averaging around 275 millimetres of annual rainfall. At the northern extreme, the Atacama Desert sees almost no rainfall because the cold Humboldt Current suppresses cloud formation.

In just a few thousand kilometres, you move from snow‑capped Andean peaks and fjords to fertile valleys and some of the driest landscapes on Earth.

Understanding the Moon’s Scale

Placing Chile and the Moon in the same sentence invites curiosity about the Moon’s true size. Astronomers describe the Moon as a mid‑sized natural satellite: Universe Today reports its diameter as approximately 3,474 kilometres.

Space.com , citing NASA data, notes that the Moon’s mean radius is 1,737.5 kilometres, giving a mean diameter of about 3,475 kilometres, and that it orbits Earth at an average distance of roughly 384,400 kilometres.

In other words, the Moon spans just over a quarter of Earth’s width and sits about thirty Earth diameters away. If our planet were scaled to the size of a nickel, the Moon would be no bigger than a coffee bean.

The Qatar Chamber reported that trade between Qatar and India has exceeded QR48 billion (13 billion), reflecting the deepening economic ties between the two countries. Officials highlighted the sectors driving growth, including energy and infrastructure cooperation.

Japan, Qatar pledge closer regional cooperation

Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi met Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi in Kuwait on the sidelines of regional talks. Both sides reaffirmed commitments to strengthen cooperation on regional stability and global challenges, according to MENAFN reports.

Carney-Amir call underscores Qatar-Canada partnership

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a phone call with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussing bilateral ties and coordination on international issues. The conversation underscored Qatar’s growing role in Canada’s foreign policy priorities.

Qatar hosts OIC meeting on resilient food systems

Doha hosted a three-day meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s regional consultation groups to address food security challenges. The Ministry of Municipality led discussions on building resilient food systems for OIC member states, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a hub for global dialogue on sustainability.

Qatar to stage third Real Estate Forum

Preparations are underway for the third edition of the Real Estate Forum in Doha, aimed at solidifying Qatar’s standing as a premier investment destination. The event will bring together investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to showcase opportunities in the real estate sector.