
Kuwait Guide
Kuwait – information about the country
Country name | Kuwait |
Official name | State of Kuwait |
Capital | Kuwait |
Continent | Asia |
Area | 17,818 km2 |
Population | 3,065,850 (2011) |
Foundation of a state | 6/19/1961 |
The highest mountains | Šakaja 290 m |
State system | a constitutional monarchy without political parties with a unicameral parliament |
The biggest cities | Kuwait (capital) 150,000 (agglomeration 900,000), Havalí 140,000 |
Official language | Arabic |
Ethnicity/National Composition | Kuwaiti Arabs 43.5%, other Arabs 51.5%, Asians 5% |
Religious affiliation | Sunni Muslims 63%, Shia Muslims 27%, Christians 7%, Hindus 3% |
Currency | 1 Kuwaiti dinar (KWD) = 1000 fils |
gross domestic product (GDP) | US$39,874 (2012) |
Average life expectancy of the population | 77.20 years (2006) |
Structure of GDP | agriculture and fishing 0.3%, mining and industry 14.5%, construction 3.2%, services 40% |
Kuwait – Neighboring States
State | Capital | Area | Population |
Iraq | Baghdad | 438,317 km2 | 34,035,000 |
Saudi Arabia | Riyadh | 2,149,690 km2 | 29,994,272 |
Country overview
According to Abbreviationfinder, Kuwait is an independent Arab emirate at the northwestern tip of the Persian Gulf, wedged between Saudi Arabia to the south and Iraq to the west and north. It also includes the large island of Búbijan and a number of smaller islands off the coast. It was occupied by Iraq in 1990 and regained sovereignty only after the war, which caused great economic and ecological damage.
Kuwait is an emirate in southwestern Asia. Common borders with Iraq – in the north, west, with Saudi Arabia – in the south. The capital is Kuwait City. The official language is Arabic.
Most of the territory is covered with deserts.
Kuwait is a coastal country of the Persian Gulf. The prevailing landscape is flat, the climate is tropical. There are hot summers with frequent droughts and warm winters, as well as sandstorms are not uncommon.
Resorts and attractions in Kuwait
When tourists have visited all the popular Arab countries, they begin to pay attention to the less popular ones. One such country is Kuwait. This is a small state with a calm tourist environment. Tours to Kuwait are an opportunity to visit ancient palaces, luxurious mosques, real Arab markets and, of course, look at the life of the locals.
Arabic in its traditions, Muslim in beliefs and religion, Kuwait offers its guests an out-of-the-ordinary experience. Thanks to the discovery of oil wells, this country is extremely far from the traditional poverty of the third world. This is a modern state in which there is a place for the ancient traditions and lifestyle of the Bedouin tribes.
Interesting Facts
Kuwait was founded in the 17th century by a group of clans from the Bedouin Anaza tribe.
In Kuwait, women have equal political rights with men.
Country data
Location: Middle East
Time zone: CET + 2 (during summer time: CET + 1)
Total area: 17,818 km²
Land area: 17,818 km²
Water area: 0 km²
Length of the state border: 462 km
Bordering countries:
Iraq: 240 km
Saudi Arabia: 222 km
Coastline: 499 km
Capital: Kuwait City
Governorates: 6
Al Ahmadi, Al ‘Asimah, Al Farwaniyah, Al Jahra’, Hawalli, Mubarak al Kabir
Electric current: 220 V / 50 Hz
Telephone code: 00 965 (Source: Allcitycodes)
Highest point: 306 m
Population
Population: approx. 2.7 million residents (Countryaah, 2021)
Population growth: 1.7% per year
Population density (residents per km²): 152
Life expectancy: 76 (male), 79 (female)
Official language: Arabic
Religions:
- 77% Muslim
- 17% Christians
- 6% other
Climate
Kuwait has a severe desert climate.
Summer:
- May to early October
- very hot, with temperatures above 45 ° C
- frequent sandstorms
- low humidity
- no rains
Winter:
- Mid October to late April
- Daytime temperatures around 20 ° C
- Humidity around 70%
- occasional rain falls
Currency / finance
Currency unit: Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
Division: 1 dinar = 1,000 fils
ATMs: Available in the major cities.
International credit cards: These are accepted in larger hotels and shops.
Regulations: Foreign and national currencies can be imported and exported in unlimited amounts.
A declaration is required from an equivalent value of over 3,000 KWD.
Iraqi and Israeli currencies are not allowed to be introduced.
Customs regulations
The following may be carried duty-free: 500 cigarettes or 900 g tobacco
(Information applies to people aged 18 and over)
Tourists and people in transit can bring items of personal use with them duty-free.
Alcohol, drugs, pornographic magazines, pork and some other foods are prohibited from entering Kuwait.
Travel advice
The security risk when traveling to Kuwait is very high. The border region with Iraq in particular should be avoided over a large area.
The border areas with Iraq are restricted military areas. This may only be entered with a special permit.
Behavioral advice
Photographing military facilities and people is prohibited.
There are still many minefields in the south of the country. Therefore, paved roads should never be left.
Kuwait is an Islamic country. You should take this into account when choosing your clothing.
Economy
Almost the entire economy is geared towards the export of oil. The resources still available are very large.
Other branches of industry do not play a significant role.
Industries: building materials, natural gas and oil extraction, food production
Natural resources: natural gas, oil, fish, shrimp
Land use:
- Usable land: 0%
- Grain cultivation: 0%
- Pasture area: 8%
- Forests: 0%
- other: 92%
Plants
Most of the green areas have been artificially created, with the date palm being the most common tree.
In the large desert areas there are only a few shrubs and bushes.
Animals
Due to the lack of living space, there are no wild animals in Kuwait. There are only a few farm animals and pets.