|RConstitution:|N Monarchy. After liberation from the Iraque invasion 1991 attempts have been made to modernize the archaic constitution dividing powers between the king and a popularly elected parliament. Only 25% of the population have the right to vote: male members of families that have lived in Kuwait since 1920.
|RNational holiday:|N National Day, February 25.
|RNature and climate:|N A flat and desertlike lowland that only in the most western parts reach 200 m.a.s.l.
Average temperature in January 13°C and in July 37°C.
Percipitation 100 mm.
|RPeople:|N The aboriginals are tribes from central Arabia, Iraq and Iran. In 1950 they were 150 000. Of todays population of about two million the Kuwaitians are only 25%, the others are immigrated workers from Palestine, Jordan, Iran, India and Pakistan whom lack all political rights.
|REconomy:|N The Kuwait economy is based on oil. The extraction started in 1945 and a great part of the incomes have been invested abroad. Today these investments give more revenues than the oilextraction itself.
To secure the influence over the economy Kuwait has bought out all foreign interests, invested in shipping and built a worldwide net for oildistribution. A great part of the crude oil is refined within the country.
Most domestic energy demands are covered by natural gas.
45% of the labour force is occupied in public services and 20% in construction.
Only 1% of the land is arable.
|RHistory:|N From the 8th century Kuwait belonged to the Abbasid empire and from the 18th century the Ottoman empire. In 1759 it was organized as a principality under the Al-Sabah dynasty, still reigning, but under Ottoman sovereignty.
During the 19th century British influence increased and in 1899 Kuwait became a British protectorate. It became an independent country in 1961.
The big incomes from the oil have made it possible for Kuwait to give the citizens free health care, education and a social safety net without demanding any taxes.
The location at the head of the Persian Golf is a problem. Iraq demands vast parts of Kuwait and Iran has attacked Kuwaiti ships.
In August 1990 Kuwait was occupied by Iraq and most Kuwaitis fled abroad.
Under UN flag an international task force liberated Kuwait 23rd to 27th February 1991.
Kuwait have been able to pay the immense cost of the liberation task.
