Kuwait Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Kuwait, state of northwestern Persian Gulf; 17,820 km², 4.1 million residents (2019).Kuwait borders Iraq on the north and west, and Saudi Arabia on the south and west. The capital of Kuwait City in 2010 had 2.7 million residents, including suburbs.

Country facts

Dawlat al-Kuwayt / States of Kuwait
Country abbreviation: KW
Area: 17 820 km²
Population (2019): 4.1 million residents
Capital: Kuwait City
Main languages: Arabic
State: emirate
Head of State: Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jabir as-Sabah (emir)
Head of Government: Sabah al-Khaled al-Hamad as-Sabah
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 34,244
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 33,690
Currency unit: 1 dinar = 1,000 fils
Currency code: KWD
Country number (telephony): 965
Internet domain name: kw
Time difference compared to Sweden: +2
National Day: February 25 (Abd Allah as-Salim as-Sabah became emir, 1950)
Independence Day: June 19, 1961

Nature

Highest mountain: unnamed height (306 m asl)

Population

Population density (2019): 230 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.3%; birth rate 15 ‰, death rate 2 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (21%), 15-64 (77%), 65- (2%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 75 years, women 76 years
Infant mortality (2019): 7 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 5 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.803 (place 56 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 100%
Most populous city (2010): Kuwait City (2.7 million residents, including suburbs)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017: industry (59%), service (41%)
Exports (2017): US $ 55 170 million
Main export products: oil and oil products
Main exporting countries: South Korea, China, Japan
Imports (2017): US $ 29 530 million
Main import products: food, building materials, transport
Main Importing Countries: China, USA, United Arab Emirates
Railway network: nothing in operation

Geography

Location and Borders

Kuwait is a small country located in the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East. It is bordered by Iraq to the north and west, Saudi Arabia to the south, and the Persian Gulf to the east. Kuwait’s location along the Persian Gulf gives it significant strategic importance, as it has access to major shipping lanes and a vital oil-exporting port in the Gulf. The country covers an area of approximately 17,818 square kilometers (6,880 square miles), making it one of the smallest countries in the world.

Despite its small size, Kuwait holds considerable geopolitical importance due to its position at the crossroads of important trade routes and its vast oil reserves. The capital city, Kuwait City, is located on the coastline, serving as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. The coastline stretches for about 190 kilometers (118 miles), providing access to key maritime trade routes and contributing to Kuwait’s economic development through its ports.

Physical Features

Kuwait’s landscape is dominated by flat, desert terrain, with little to no natural barriers between it and its neighboring countries. The country lies within the Arabian Desert and is characterized by sandy dunes and rocky plains. The topography is relatively flat, with a few low-lying hills, and the highest point in Kuwait is located near the western border, at a mere 306 meters (1,004 feet) above sea level. The lack of natural features makes Kuwait highly vulnerable to desertification, though the government has worked to combat this with various land reclamation and environmental conservation projects.

While most of the country is arid and barren, Kuwait’s coastline is one of its most significant physical features. The Persian Gulf’s shallow waters and the presence of several natural harbors have helped develop Kuwait’s port infrastructure. Kuwait’s location on the gulf makes it a critical player in the shipping industry, as its ports are among the busiest in the region.

The climate of Kuwait is characterized by extreme heat and aridity, with most of the country covered by sand dunes, making it a largely inhospitable environment. Despite its desert climate, the coastline of Kuwait has a vital role in facilitating trade and export, providing a narrow stretch of fertile land along the water that is used for both economic and recreational purposes.

Climate

Kuwait experiences a harsh desert climate, characterized by extremely hot summers, mild winters, and very little rainfall. The country’s climate is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Persian Gulf and its position in the Arabian Desert. Summer temperatures in Kuwait can soar above 45°C (113°F), and during the hottest months of July and August, temperatures often exceed 50°C (122°F). This intense heat is coupled with high humidity along the coast, making the summer months particularly uncomfortable for residents and visitors alike.

In contrast, winters in Kuwait are mild and relatively pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F), though nights can be cold, dropping to as low as 5°C (41°F). Rainfall is scarce and irregular, with the majority of precipitation occurring between November and April. Even during this wetter season, Kuwait receives only a few centimeters of rain per year, which contributes to the country’s arid conditions.

Dust storms are common, particularly in the spring, as strong winds carry dust and sand across the country. These storms can significantly reduce visibility and disrupt daily life, especially in urban areas. The lack of natural water sources, combined with the arid climate, means that Kuwait depends on desalination plants to meet its water needs, making it one of the world’s leaders in desalination technology.

Natural Resources

Kuwait is incredibly rich in natural resources, particularly oil, which is the cornerstone of its economy. The country has some of the largest oil reserves in the world, with estimates of proven oil reserves at around 102 billion barrels, making it the fifth-largest holder of oil reserves globally. Oil extraction and refinement have been central to the country’s economic development since the discovery of oil in the 1930s.

In addition to oil, Kuwait has natural gas reserves, though these are much smaller in comparison. The country also has a small but growing mining sector that includes the extraction of various minerals, such as salt and limestone. However, oil remains the dominant resource, with nearly all of Kuwait’s wealth derived from the petroleum industry.

Kuwait has made efforts to diversify its economy by investing in industries such as petrochemicals, finance, and real estate, but its heavy reliance on oil remains a defining characteristic of its economic landscape. The government has invested in technology and infrastructure to ensure the long-term sustainability of its oil exports, particularly by building state-of-the-art oil processing and export facilities.

People

Population and Ethnic Composition

Kuwait has a population of approximately 4.3 million people, with a significant proportion being foreign workers. Kuwaiti citizens make up around 30-40% of the population, with the remaining 60-70% consisting of expatriates, primarily from countries like India, Egypt, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. The presence of a large expatriate community is a result of Kuwait’s oil-based economy, which has attracted workers from various parts of Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.

The majority of Kuwaiti nationals are Arab, primarily of Bedouin origin, with a long history in the region. The population is ethnically homogenous in terms of citizenship, but the expatriate population is incredibly diverse, with people from different cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds living and working in the country. Kuwait’s population density is highest in the capital, Kuwait City, which serves as the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country.

The country also has a significant population of non-citizens who come for work and may stay in Kuwait temporarily or for long-term periods. Due to the large foreign labor force, Kuwait has become a cosmopolitan city, with many people from different parts of the world living side by side. Despite this, Kuwait maintains a strong sense of national identity rooted in Arab and Islamic traditions.

Language

Arabic is the official language of Kuwait and is spoken by nearly all of its citizens. The dialect of Arabic spoken in Kuwait is a variety of Gulf Arabic, which shares similarities with the dialects spoken in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states. Standard Arabic is used for formal communication, education, and government work, while Kuwaiti Arabic is used in daily life, particularly in more informal contexts.

English is also widely spoken in Kuwait, particularly in business and academic settings. As a major hub for international trade and finance, English serves as a lingua franca, especially in urban centers where many expatriates work. Many Kuwaitis are bilingual, with English proficiency commonly taught in schools and used in professional environments.

In addition to Arabic and English, several other languages are spoken by the expatriate population, including Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, and Bengali. These languages reflect the diverse origins of Kuwait’s foreign workforce, with large communities of people from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and other parts of the Middle East.

Religion

Islam is the state religion of Kuwait, and the vast majority of the population, both Kuwaiti citizens and expatriates, are Muslim. The Sunni branch of Islam is the dominant sect in Kuwait, though there is also a significant minority of Shi’a Muslims, who make up around 30% of the country’s Muslim population. The Shi’a community has historically been an important part of Kuwait’s social fabric and is well-integrated into the country’s political and cultural life.

Islam is central to life in Kuwait, influencing its laws, culture, and public life. The country’s legal system is based on a combination of secular law and Islamic law (Sharia), particularly in matters related to personal status, family law, and inheritance. Kuwait is known for its religious tolerance, with Christians, Hindus, and other minority religions being able to practice their faiths openly. The Christian community, for instance, is mainly composed of expatriates from countries such as Egypt, India, and the Philippines, and there are several churches in Kuwait that cater to these communities.

Social Structure

Kuwait’s social structure is influenced by its Bedouin traditions, Islamic values, and the modern urban environment. The family unit plays a central role in Kuwaiti society, with extended families often living in close proximity to one another. Family ties are crucial, and relationships between family members are based on a deep sense of loyalty, respect, and support. The role of women within the family and society has evolved over time, with women increasingly participating in education, the workforce, and politics.

Social stratification in Kuwait is also influenced by ethnicity, nationality, and citizenship. While Kuwaiti citizens enjoy certain privileges, such as access to free healthcare, education, and welfare benefits, the large expatriate population often faces different social realities. Expatriates in Kuwait, particularly those from poorer countries, may face challenges related to employment rights, living conditions, and access to services. The reliance on foreign labor has contributed to social and political tensions at times, particularly regarding issues of citizenship, labor rights, and workers’ conditions.

Economy

Key Industries

Kuwait has a highly developed economy that is largely driven by the oil sector. The country has some of the largest oil reserves in the world, and oil accounts for nearly 90% of its revenue and about 40% of its GDP. The extraction, refining, and export of oil products are central to Kuwait’s economy. The country’s oil industry is controlled by the state-owned Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), which manages exploration, extraction, refining, and distribution.

In addition to oil, Kuwait has a well-developed petrochemical industry, which includes the production of fertilizers, plastics, and other chemical products. The government has made efforts to diversify the economy by promoting other sectors, including finance, real estate, and tourism. The financial services industry in Kuwait is robust, with a number of banks and insurance companies operating within the country. Kuwait is a major regional financial hub, with its stock market attracting international investors.

Agriculture and Industry

Despite its vast wealth from oil, Kuwait’s agricultural sector is limited due to its desert climate and arid conditions. The country imports most of its food, with a reliance on global trade networks to supply the population with fresh produce and other essential goods. Some limited agriculture does occur, primarily in greenhouses and with the use of irrigation systems, where crops such as dates, vegetables, and fruits are grown.

The industrial sector is primarily based on oil-related activities, including refining, petrochemical production, and cement manufacturing. The country has also begun developing a growing industrial base in other areas, such as electronics, textiles, and building materials. The government has been working to promote investment in non-oil sectors through diversification plans that aim to reduce the country’s dependence on oil revenues and create a more sustainable economy.

Economic Challenges

Kuwait’s economy is heavily dependent on the oil industry, which makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. This reliance on a single commodity has driven the government to focus on economic diversification efforts, but these initiatives have been slow to develop. While the country has vast financial reserves from its oil wealth, there are concerns about the long-term sustainability of the current economic model.

Another challenge facing Kuwait is its high reliance on foreign labor, which accounts for a significant portion of the workforce. This reliance on expatriates has raised social and political concerns, particularly regarding labor rights, citizenship, and the status of foreign workers. The government has made efforts to address these issues, but the high number of foreign workers in the country creates complex social dynamics.

Government

Political System

Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy, with a ruling emir who holds significant political power. The current emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, assumed the throne in 2020 following the death of his brother, Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The emir serves as the head of state and has substantial authority over matters of national security, foreign policy, and governance.

Kuwait has a parliamentary system, with a National Assembly (Majlis Al-Umma) composed of 50 members who are elected by the public for four-year terms. The National Assembly holds legislative power and can propose laws, approve the budget, and monitor the activities of the government. While the emir has significant executive powers, the parliament serves as a check on the government, and there have been occasional tensions between the legislative and executive branches.

Legal System

Kuwait’s legal system is based on a combination of Islamic law (Sharia) and secular civil law. Sharia plays a role in personal status law, including marriage, divorce, and inheritance, while civil law governs most other aspects of life, including criminal law and contracts. The judiciary in Kuwait is independent, with a series of courts that handle criminal, civil, and family matters.

Kuwait’s legal system reflects its Islamic heritage, and the country has made efforts to modernize its legal framework while preserving its cultural traditions. Legal reforms continue to be made in areas such as labor law, women’s rights, and anti-corruption efforts, though challenges remain in terms of implementation and the protection of individual freedoms.

Foreign Policy

Kuwait’s foreign policy is characterized by a commitment to regional stability and a focus on diplomatic engagement. The country has been an active member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar, and it plays a central role in the politics of the Arabian Peninsula. Kuwait maintains good relations with neighboring countries, including Iraq and Iran, and has played a role in mediating disputes in the region.

Kuwait’s foreign policy is also defined by its relationships with global powers, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Western countries. Kuwait has a strong economic and military relationship with the U.S., and it is a key partner in the region for security cooperation and trade.

The country also places a high priority on humanitarian issues and has been involved in various diplomatic and peacekeeping efforts across the Middle East and beyond, using its resources and diplomatic influence to support peace initiatives and international development efforts.