Kuwait

This article is about the country of Kuwait. For the capital city with the same name, see Kuwait City

Dawlat al Kuwayt

(In Detail)
National motto: None
Official language	Arabic
Capital	Kuwait
Emir	Jabir Al Sabah
Crown Prince	Saad Al Sabah
Prime minister	Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah
Area  - Total  - % water	Ranked 152nd 17,820 km² Negligible
Population  - Total (2001)  - Density	Ranked 141st 2,041,961 115/km²
Independence	June 19, 1961
Currency	Dinar
Time zone	UTC +3
National anthem	Al-Nasheed Al-Watani
Internet TLD	.KW
Calling Code	965

Table of contents

1 History 2 Politics 3 Governorates 4 Geography 5 Economy 6 Demographics 7 Culture 8 Miscellaneous topics 9 External links

History

Kuwait has been a part of the Abbasid empire from the 8th century, and was later incorporated in the Ottoman Empire (16th century), where it was eventually granted some degree of autonomy as a principality; the current ruling family are descendants from these princes.

The 17th century saw the Arabian Peninsula in tumultuous times. What is now Kuwait was land occupied by tribes being used for spice trades in India. In the 18th century, most locals made a living selling pearls. However, as pearl farming developed in Japan during the 1930s, Kuwait became impoverished. In 1899, growing British influence led to Kuwait becoming a British protectorate. Oil turned Kuwait into one of the richest countries in the Arab peninsula; in 1953 the country became the largest exporter of oil in the Gulf, attracting many immigrant laborers who were rarely granted citizenship. Kuwait, having amassed great wealth, was the first of the Gulf-Arab states to declare independence in 1961. This declaration was challenged by Iraq until 1963.

After being allied with Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War, Kuwait was invaded and annexed by Iraq in August 1990. The monarchy was deposed and an Iraqi governor installed. Authorized by the UN Security Council, an American-led coalition of 34 nations fought the Gulf War to free Kuwait and reinstate the Emir.

Politics

Chief of state is the Emir, a semi-heriditary title. The emir appoints the prime minister, who until recently was also the crown prince. A council of ministers aids the prime minister in his task as head of government. The parliament, or Majlis al-Umma, consists of 50 members, who are chosen in elections held every four years. As Kuwaiti citizenship is very restricted, only 10% of the population is eligible to vote.

See also: al-Sabah Royal Family

Governorates

Kuwait is divided into 6 governorates (muhafazat):

• Al Ahmadi
• Al Farwaniyah
• Al Asimah
• Al Jahra
• Hawalli
• Mobarak al kabeer

Kuwait consists mostly of desert, with little altitude difference. The climate is dry and hot. On the north coast of the Persian Gulf, an number of islands is situated, largest of which is Bubiyan. It is considered to be one of the fifteen lands that comprise the so-called "Cradle of Humanity"

The major cities are the capital Kuwait, Salmiya (most inhabitants) and Hawalli.

Economy

Kuwait is a small, rich, relatively open economy with proved crude oil reserves of 94 billion barrels (15 km³) - 10% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 90% of export revenues, and 75% of government income. Kuwait's climate limits agricultural development. Consequently, with the exception of fish, it depends almost wholly on food imports. About 75% of potable water must be distilled or imported. Higher oil prices put the FY99/00 budget into a $2 billion surplus. The FY00/01 budget covers only nine months because of a change in the fiscal year. The budget for FY01/02 envisioned higher expenditures for salaries, construction, and other general categories. Kuwait continues its discussions with foreign oil companies to develop fields in the northern part of the country.

Demographics

About 80% of the Kuwaiti population is Arab; the non-Kuwaiti Arabs contain a large group of Egyptians and also stateless Arabs, locally known as Bidoon (an Arabic word meaning without and different from Bedouin). Other large groups of immigrants include Indians, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, and Filipinos. Kuwait formerly had a large Palestinian population, though most of them were forced out of the country after PLO leader Yassir Arafat's support of Iraq during the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait.

The official language is Arabic, although English is generally understood. Some immigrants also speak their own local languages. About 85% of the Kuwait are Muslims, mostly Sunni.

Culture

• Music of Kuwait

• Communications in Kuwait
• Transportation in Kuwait
• Military of Kuwait
• Foreign relations of Kuwait

• Kuwait Information Office
• Kuwait News

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