COUNTRY INFORMATION |
Introduction |
At the northwest extreme of the Persian Gulf, Kuwait is dwarfed by its neighbors. The flat, almost featureless landscape conceals huge oil and gas reserves, which put Kuwait among the world's first oil-rich states. In 1990 Iraq invaded, claiming Kuwait as its 19th province. A US-led alliance, under the aegis of the UN, expelled Iraqi forces following a short war in 1991 and restored the rule of the al-Sabah dynasty. Kuwait has now built a wall separating its territory from Iraq. |
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Climate |
 |
Summer temperatures can soar to over 40°C (104°F), but winters can be cold, with frost at night. |
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People |
Languages |
Arabic, English |
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URBAN/RURAL POPULATION DIVIDE |
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Kuwait is a conservative Sunni Muslim society (27% of the population are Shi'ite). Women have considerable freedom, although the amir's decree providing for female enfranchisement has been repeatedly rejected by the National Assembly. Kuwait's oil wealth has drawn in thousands of workers from other Arab countries and south Asia. The Palestine Liberation Organization's support for the Iraqi invasion led to most Palestinians, hitherto more numerous in Kuwait than elsewhere in the Arabian peninsula, being driven out. Native Kuwaitis are outnumbered by resident foreign nationals. |
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Economy |
GNP (US$) |
35771
|
M |
GNP World rank |
54
|
|
Inflation |
2 |
% |
Unemployment |
2 |
% |
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StrengthsRecovery of oil and gas production. Large overseas investments. Stable banking system. WeaknessesOverreliance of economy on oil and gas. Adverse consequences of Iraqi invasion. Strategic vulnerability deters investment. Reliance on imported skilled labor, food, and raw materials. Delays in enacting privatization package. |
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Politics |
Lower house |
Last election |
1999 |
Next election |
2003 |
Upper house |
Last election |
Not applicable |
Next election |
Not applicable |
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In 1992 Amir Shaikh Jaber restored the National Assembly. There was then a government of "national unity" until 1999, when elections strengthened the amir's Islamist and liberal opponents. The Council of Ministers resigned in 2001 in the face of Assembly criticism. In the new cabinet the ruling al-Sabah family still holds the top posts. |
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International Affairs |
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Strategically important as a major exporter of crude oil and natural gas, Kuwait has always maintained very close links with the West, which have deepened since the war with Iraq, and on which it depends for its future security. In 2002 Iraq promised to respect the common border, but has yet to return the POWs and detained Kuwaiti nationals. |
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Defence |
Expenditure (US$) |
3210 |
M |
Portion of GDP |
10 |
% |
|
Army |
385 main battle tanks (150 M-84, 218 M-1A2, 17 Chieftain) |
Navy |
10 patrol boats |
Airforce |
82 combat aircraft (F/A-18, Mirage F1-CK/BK) |
Nuclear capab. |
None |
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In August 1990 Kuwait's 11,000-strong, partly volunteer army was easily overrun by vastly superior Iraqi forces. Since its liberation, defense pacts have been signed with the USA, the UK, France, and Russia. Kuwait is rearming fast, with weapons purchased from major Western suppliers. |
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Resources |
Minerals |
Oil, natural gas, salt |
|
Oil reserves (barrels) |
96.5bn barrels |
Oil production (barrels/day) |
2.14m b/d |
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The oil industry is Kuwait's most profitable sector, accounting for over 80% of export earnings. Although badly hit by the Gulf War, when a number of wells were deliberately fired, it was quickly rehabilitated. Kuwait also possesses valuable reserves of natural gas. Other resources are dates, fish, ammonia, and chemicals. |
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Environment |
Protected land |
2 |
% |
Part protected land |
No data |
% |
|
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The Iraqi invasion and the subsequent war caused an ecological disaster. Although the effects of this did not prove as grave as some observers first feared, marine life has been damaged and many thousands of hectares of cultivated land have been obliterated. Millions of land mines still litter border areas. Water is scarce. |
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Communications |
Main airport |
Kuwait International, Kuwait City |
Passengers per year |
3870016 |
|
Motorways |
280
|
km |
Roads |
3590
|
km |
Railways |
0
|
km |
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Kuwait has a system of radial expressways around the capital and good connecting roads to Saudi Arabia. |
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International Aid |
Donated (US$) |
165
|
M |
Received (US$) |
Not applicable
|
M |
|
The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development continued to give aid even during the invasion crisis. |
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Health |
Life expectancy |
76 |
Life expect. World rank |
33 |
Population per doctor |
526 |
Infant mortality (per 1000 births) |
9 |
|
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Principal causes of death |
Heart diseases, accidents, cancers, perinatal deaths |
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Despite theft of equipment during the Iraqi invasion, Kuwait has restored its Western-standard health care service. Nationals receive free treatment. |
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Education |
Literacy |
83 |
% |
Expend. % GNP |
7 |
%
|
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PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION IN FULL TIME EDUCATION |
|
Primary |
77 |
% |
Secondary |
65 |
% |
Tertiary |
19 |
% |
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Kuwaiti citizens receive free education from nursery to university. Since the liberation, more emphasis has been placed on technology in the curriculum. |
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Criminality |
Crime rate trend |
Up 8% 1996–1998 |
|
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Murder |
1 |
per 100,000 population |
Rape |
0 |
per 100,000 population |
Theft |
345 |
per 100,000 population |
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Isolated acts of terrorism occur. There have been complaints of human rights abuses. |
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Wealth |
Cars |
317 |
per 1,000 population |
Telephones |
244 |
per 1,000 population |
Televisions |
486 |
per 1,000 population |
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As well as the oil-rich elite, most Kuwaitis enjoy high incomes, and the government has repeatedly rescued citizens who have suffered stock market or other financial losses. School and university leavers are guaranteed jobs. Capital is easily transferred abroad and there are effectively no exchange controls. |
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Media |
Newspapers |
There are 7 daily newspapers, including Al-Qabas and As-Seyassah |
TV services |
1 state-controlled service |
Radio services |
1 state-controlled service |
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Tourism |
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Most Western visitors to Kuwait go specifically to see relatives working in the oil industry. The limited tourism from neighboring Arab states, notably Saudi Arabia, has not recovered since the 1990–1991 Gulf War. |
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History |
Kuwait traces its independence to 1710, but was under British rule from the late 18th century until 1961. The government denies any historical link with Iraq. - 1961 Independence from UK. Iraq claims Kuwait.
- 1976 Amir suspends National Assembly.
- 1990 Iraqi invasion.
- 1991 Liberation following Gulf War.
- 1992 National Assembly elections.
- 1999 Elections; Islamists and liberals win most seats.
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