Kuwait
Official Country Name
Kuwait
Kuwait Overview
Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling Kuwaiti AL-SABAH dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on 2 August 1990. Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led, UN coalition began a ground assault on 23 February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure damaged during 1990-91. The AL-SABAH family has ruled since returning to power in 1991, and reestablished an elected legislature that in recent years has become increasingly assertive.
Kuwait Economy
Kuwait is a small, rich, relatively open economy with self-reported crude oil reserves of about 96 billion barrels - 10% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 95% of export revenues, and 80% 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. Kuwait continues its discussions with foreign oil companies to develop fields in the northern part of the country. High oil prices in recent years have helped build Kuwait's budget and trade surpluses and foreign reserves. As a result of this positive fiscal situation, the need for economic reforms is less urgent and the government has not earnestly pushed through new initiatives.
Kuwait Location
Kuwait is located in Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia
Region
Kuwait is located in Asia
Kuwait Population
Kuwait has population of 2,418,393 note: includes 1,291,354 non-nationals (July 2006 est.)
Kuwait Climate
Kuwait has dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters
Kuwait Terrain
flat to slightly undulating desert plain
Kuwait Natural Resources
petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas
Ethnic Groups in Kuwait
Kuwait has the following ethnic groups - Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%
Kuwait Religions
Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shi'a 30%), other (includes Christian, Hindu, Parsi) 15%
Kuwait Languages
Arabic (official), English widely spoken
Kuwait Capital
Kuwait capital is Kuwait
Kuwait Currency
Kuwait currency is Kuwaiti dinar
Map of Kuwait
