The area was already inhabited about 2500 BC. It became part of the Persian Empire in the 3rd century AD, and was absorbed by the caliphate of Omajjaden in 680 and later by the caliphate of Abbasiden.
The autonomous sheikdom of Kuwait dates from 1756. Descendants of the first sheik, from the Al-Sabah family, have ruled since then. Kuwait became a British protectorate in 1899. Oil was discovered in 1938, but production was delayed until 1946, after the Second World War.
Kuwait became independent in 1961.
On 2 August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, after having made numerous claims to Kuwaiti territory since 1961. On 29 August, it declared Kuwait to be the 19th province of Iraq.
Head of state, and emir, is sheik Jabir al-Ahmad al-Jabir as-Sabah. Executive power is with him, aided by a cabinet-council. He nominates the prime-minister and other ministers. Legislative power rests with the National Assembly of 65 members.
