Saudi Arabia Articles

Kuwait

Kuwait is a sovereign emirate, which is situated on the coast of the Persian Gulf. Kuwait stands for “fortress built near water” in Arabic. The country is enclosed by Saudi Arabia to the south and Iraq to the north and west. The capital Kuwait city is located at 29 22 N, 47 58 E, on Kuwait Bay, a natural deep-water harbor. The National Day, 25th February is celebrated as the National holiday.

Kuwait possesses 5th largest oil reserves and it is the 4th richest country in the world. In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. Although Iraqis were overpowered by the UK forces, they set more than 700 Kuwaiti oil reserves on fire while retreating. That had caused a huge damage to the economy of the country which took a prolonged period to be retrieved.

HISTORY:- Tribes from central Arabia, known as Utub of Qurain, used to live in Kuwait, under the leadership of Banu Khaled in the 18th century. Kuwait was earlier known as Utub. The conflict between Banu Khaled and the Wahhabis of the Arabian Peninsula resulted in independence of Utab from Khaled. Sabah I bin Jaber was elected the first emir of Kuwait in 1756. For the Ottoman influence over the state, Kuwait came to be known as caza of the Ottomans. After the Anglo-Ottoman Convention of 1913, The emir of Kuwait, Mubarak Al-Sabah was acknowledged the ruler of the region by both the Ottomans and the British. After World War I, the influence of Ottomans had been reduced and British declared Kuwait as ‘independent sheikdom under British protectorate’. In 1961, the protectorate was ended. Iraq had invaded Kuwait. The British sent troops to evacuate the Iraqis. But the Arab League defended the land and recognized the independence in 1961 June.

GEOGRAPHY:- The geographic coordination of Kuwait is 29 30 N, 45 45 E. Kuwait is one of the smallest countries in the world, occupying 17,820 sq km (water-0 sq km) area. The coastline is 499 km long along with the Persian Gulf. The lowest point is Persian Gulf (0 m) and the highest point is an unnamed point (306 m). The country is formed of flat desert plains. It is the only country in the world with no water reservoir. It has 9 islands.

CLIMATE:-The climate is dry and desert with extremely hot and dry summers and short cool winters. In summer, temperature ranges from 42-49 degree C.

GOVERNMENT:- The country is a constitutional emirate. The Amir is hereditary. The constitution is adopted on 11th November 1962. Three branches of the government are:

1. Executive branch comprises Amir (head of state), prime minister (head of government), Council of Ministers (cabinet).

2. Legislative branch comprises a unicameral National Assembly (Majlis al-'Umma) (50 seats).

3. Judicial branch comprises High Court of Appeal.

In Kuwait, formation of any political party is considered illegal. But some de facto political blocs do exist. Suffrage is universal for all adult males except military or police people. The female suffrage has been imposed since 16th May 2005. From 2006 election, women have gained rights to participate as voters and to register candidature in parliamentary elections.

Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

Prime Minister Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS:-Kuwait is composed of six governorates (Al Ahmadi, Al 'Asimah, Al Farwaniyah, Al Jahra', Hawalli, Mubarak Al Kabir).

CULTURE:-Kuwaiti culture is mainly characterized by its hospitality. Kuwaitis greet each other by shaking hands or kissing on cheeks. Serving tea or coffee is another distinctive feature of its culture. It is very insulting on the host’s part, if the guest refuses to have the served tea or coffee. The popular Kuwaiti cuisine Machboos comprises mutton, chicken with cooked rice. Kuwaiti music is mainly practiced by women in private. Al-Fann is a popular wedding song while Al-Sameri is a popular wedding dance.

ECONOMY:-Kuwait is the 4th wealthiest country in the world. Kuwait is an open economic country with high GDP. It has 104 billion barrels of oil reserves, which is presumed to be world’s 10%.

GDP/PPP (2007 est.): $138.6 billion; per capita $55,300.

Real growth rate: 5.6%.

Inflation: 3.9%.

Unemployment: 2.2% (2004 est.).

Arable land: 1%.

Agriculture: practically no crops; fish.

Labor force: 1.167 million; non-Kuwaitis represent about 80% of the labor force.

Industries: petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, desalination, food processing, construction materials.

Budget:

Revenues: $66.92 billion

Expenditures: $36.39 billion (2007 est.)

Public debt: 7.8% of GDP (2007 est.)

Natural resources: petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas.

Exports: $59.57 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.): oil and refined products, fertilizers.

Imports: $17.74 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.): food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, cloths.

Major trading partners: Japan, South Korea, U.S., Singapore, Taiwan, Germany, UK, Saudi Arabia, Italy, France, China (2004).

Monetary unit: Kuwaiti dinar

LANGUAGE:-Arabic is the official language, but English is also widely spoken.

CITIES:- Kuwait city is the capital city. The largest city is As-Salimiyah. Salmiya and Hawalli are the main trade centers. Shuwaikh is the main industrial area.

POPULATION:-With the growth rate of growth rate 3.6%m, Kuwaiti population is 2,505,559.

Density per sq mi: 364

Literacy rate: 93.3% (2005 census)

RACE:-

Kuwaiti 45%

Other Arab 35%

South Asian 9%

Iranian 4%

Other 7%

RELIGION:-

Islam 85% (Sunni 70%, Shiite 30%)

Other 15% (including Christian, Hindu, Parsi)

HEALTH:-

Birth rate: 21.9 births / 1,000 population (2008 est.)

Death rate: 2.37 deaths / 1,000 population (2008 est.)

Infant mortality rate: total: 9.22 deaths / 1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:total population: 77.53 years

Total fertility rate: 2.81 children born / woman (2008 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA

Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 490

UNICEF:- UNICEF in Kuwait is working mainly on youth development, education, child health and protection. UNICEF has undertaken several projects in youth health, education, protection and projects on kindergarten education. UNICEF has set up baby care clinics, to fight malnutrition and obesity in children. Kuwaitis are massively unaware of family violence, moral abuse and negligence. UNICEF has been working on their upcoming projects to establish human rights.

TRANSPORTATION:-

Railways: 0 km.

Highways: total: 5,749 km (2004).

Waterways: none.

Ports and harbors: Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Kuwait, Mina' 'Abd Allah, Mina' al Ahmadi, Mina' Su'ud.

Airports: 7 (2007).