Kuwait

Nominally a province of the Ottoman Empire, ruled from Constantinople from the 16th century until the latter part of the 19th century. In that time Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah or "Mubarak the Great" (r.1896-1915) enters into an agreement with Great Britain, which effectively established Kuwait as an autonomous British protectorate with a semi-autonomous position for the country.
Mid-1930s Kuwait began the development of its petroleum industry, the basis of the country's modern prosperity. On June 19, 1961 Kuwait gained full independence from Britain and in 1963 it became a member of the United Nations.
Kuwait's sovereignty were critically threatened when Iraq invaded and occupied Kuwait on August 2, 1990, claiming that Kuwait was harming Iraq economically by refusing to reduce its oil production. Many Kuwaitis were forced to flee to Saudi Arabia and other countries. Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, an international coalition of 30 states, led by the United States began a ground assault on 23 February 1991 that completely liberated Kuwait in four days. Kuwait has spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure damaged during 1990-91.

border countries: Iraq, Saudi Arabia

other Gulf States: Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

Kuwait is a member state of the League of Arab States

Official Name:
Dawlat al Kuwayt
local short form: Al Kuwayt
Int'l long form: State of Kuwait
Int'l short form: Kuwait
formerly: Qurain (before the 17th century).

ISO Country Code: kw

Local Time = UTC +3h

Country Calling Code: +965

Capital City: Kuwait (pop. about 238 000)

Other Towns:
Ahmadi, Jahra, Fahaheel.

Government:
Type: Constitutional Hereditary Amirate (Constitutional monarchy)
Independence: 19 June 1961
Constitution: approved and promulgated 11 November 1962.

Geography:
Location: Middle East, in the northwestern corner of the Arabian, or Persian Gulf.
Area: 17.820 sq. km. (about 6.880 sq. mi.)
Terrain: Flat sandy desert; no rivers or mountains.

Climate: Intensely hot and dry in summers; short, cool winters with limited rain.

People:
Nationality: Kuwaiti(s)
Population: 2.3 million, including non-Kuwaiti citizens.
GNI per capita PPP: $ 16 297 (year)
Ethnic groups: Kuwaitis 800 000 (35% of total), Arab, South Asian, Iranian, Southeast Asian.
Religion: Islam 85% (most Kuwaiti citizens are Muslim).
Languages: Arabic (official); English widely spoken.
Literacy: male 82%, female 75%.

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

Agriculture products: Practically no crops; fish.

Industries: Petroleum, petrochemicals, desalination, food processing, construction materials.

Exports partners: Japan 21.3%, South Korea 14.9%, USA 11.5%, Singapore 9.8%, Taiwan 9.3% (2003)

Imports partners: USA 14.7%, Japan 10.3%, Germany 9.6%, China 6.6%, UK 6.1%, Saudi Arabia 5.5%, Italy 5%, France 4.2% (2003)

Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)