Kuwait

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Achaemenid Empire 500 BCE

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Basra Province 1897

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Jahra-castle

Kuwait (Arabic: الكويت‎), officially the State of Kuwait (دولة الكويت), is a country in Western Asia. Situated in the northern edge of Eastern Arabia at the tip of the Persian Gulf, it shares borders with Iraq to the north and Saudi Arabia to the south. As of the early 21st century, Kuwait has a population of over 4 million people, with Kuwaitis forming a minority of the population.

History

The area known as Kuwait was historically part of the larger region of Mesopotamia, and human habitation can be traced back to the Ubaid period. By the 18th century, the small coastal region began to emerge as a distinct entity, when it was established as a sheikhdom under the nominal rule of the Ottoman Empire. In the late 19th century, fearing Ottoman annexation, Kuwait sought British protection, leading to the signing of the 1899 Anglo-Kuwaiti Agreement, which gave Britain control over Kuwait's foreign affairs.

The discovery of oil in 1938 transformed Kuwait's economy and society. By the 1950s and 1960s, it had become one of the world's largest oil exporters and its citizens enjoyed a high standard of living. Kuwait's modern infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems were largely financed by oil revenues.

Kuwait's sovereignty was challenged by Iraq, leading to the Gulf War in 1990, when Iraqi forces invaded and annexed Kuwait. A US-led coalition intervened, and Kuwait was liberated in February 1991. The country has since rebuilt and remains a significant oil producer.

Geography

Kuwait is located at the head of the Persian Gulf, with a coastline of 499 km. It has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The country is mostly flat, except for the Al-Jahra area in the west and the Ahmadi region in the south.

Politics

Kuwait is a constitutional emirate with a semi-democratic political system. The political system is divided between an elected parliament, the National Assembly, and appointed government officials, with the Emir serving as the head of state. The Emir's powers are significant, but there are checks and balances through the parliament, which can challenge the government and its policies.

Economy

Kuwait's economy is heavily dependent on oil, which accounts for nearly half of its GDP and 95% of export revenues. The country has one of the largest oil reserves in the world. The government has been pushing towards economic diversification, but progress has been slow. Kuwait's currency, the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD), is the highest-valued currency unit in the world.

Culture

Kuwaiti culture is a mix of traditional Arab customs and modernity. The country is known for its maritime heritage, music, and theatre. Kuwaiti cuisine is similar to that of other Arabian Gulf countries and includes dishes such as machboos and muhammar. The country has a vibrant art scene and is home to the Kuwait National Museum, the Tareq Rajab Museum, and the Al-Qurain Martyr's Museum.

Demographics

Kuwait has a diverse population, with Kuwaitis constituting about a third of the population, while the rest are expatriates. The official language is Arabic, although English is widely spoken. Islam is the state religion, with the majority of Kuwaitis being Sunni Muslims.

Education

Education in Kuwait is state-funded and compulsory until the age of 14. The country has a high literacy rate, and there are several universities and colleges offering higher education, including the Kuwait University.

See also

• List of cities in Kuwait
• Kuwaiti dinar
• Military of Kuwait