Kuwait is a country in Western Asia.
The official name of the country is the State of Kuwait.
Situated in the northern edge of Eastern Arabia at the tip of the Persian Gulf, it shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
The official language is Arabic.
As of 1 January 2016, the population of Kuwait was estimated to be 4,005,760 people.
Kuwait has a total area of 17,820 square kilometers (11,072 square miles).
Kuwait City is the capital and largest city of Kuwait. Kuwait City is the political, cultural and economic center of Kuwait.
The flat, sandy Arabian Desert covers most of Kuwait.
Kuwait is generally low lying, with the highest point being 306 meters (1,004 feet) above sea level.
Kuwait has nine islands, all of which, with the exception of Failaka Island, are uninhabited.
Kuwait has 499 kilometers (310 miles) of coastline.
Only 0.6% of Kuwaiti land area is considered arable.
The climate of Kuwait is dry desert and it has very hot summers and short, cool winters.
Oil reserves in Kuwait were discovered in 1934. Its oil reserves are the world’s sixth largest.
Kuwait Towers is a group of three slender towers that symbolizes Kuwait’s economic resurgence and also World cultural as well as touristic landmark. The structure is often referred to as Kuwait tower in singular although there are three towers. Standing on a promontory into the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait towers were officially inaugurated in 1979 and are rated as a tourist attraction and iconic building of modern Kuwait.
The Liberation Tower is the symbol of Kuwaiti liberation, the representation of country’s resurgence, second tallest tower in Kuwait, and the fifth tallest telecommunication tower in the world. Officially unveiled by the late Kuwaiti Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on 10th March 1996, this 372 meter (1,220 feet) tall tower is 40 meters (131 feet) taller than the Eiffel Tower.
The Al Hamra Tower is a completed skyscraper in Kuwait City. Al Hamra is the tallest building in Kuwait and the 23rd tallest in the world.
The Grand Mosque is the largest and the official mosque in the country of Kuwait. Its area spans 45,000 square metres (480,000 square feet), out of which the building itself covers 20,000 square metres (220,000 square feet). The main prayer hall is 72 metres (236 feet) wide on all sides, has teakwood doors, and has lighting provided by 144 windows.
Souq Al-Mubarakiya is a souq (open-air marketplace) in Kuwait City, Kuwait. It is one of the oldest souqs in Kuwait, and was the center of trade prior to the discovery of oil.
Kuwait is believed to have been part of an early civilization in the 3rd millennium B.C. and to have traded with Mesopotamian cities.
Founded in the 18th century, the ruling al-Sabah dynasty was in place in 1899 when Kuwait came under British protection. Full independence was achieved in 1961. Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, but a U.S.-led coalition routed Iraqi forces.
From 1946 to 1982, Kuwait experienced a period of prosperity driven by oil and its liberal atmosphere. In popular discourse, the years between 1946 and 1982 are referred to as the “Golden Era”.
Kuwait has a wealthy, open economy that is dominated by oil industries.
According to the World Bank, the country has the fourth highest per capita income in the world.
The Kuwaiti dinar is the currency of Kuwait. It is sub-divided into 1,000 fils. The Kuwaiti dinar is the world’s highest-valued currency unit.
Kuwaiti cuisine is an infusion of Arabian, Persian, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisines. A prominent dish in Kuwaiti cuisine is machboos [photo below], a rice-based specialty usually prepared with basmati rice seasoned with spices, and chicken or mutton.
The national flower of Kuwait is Arfaj.
The national bird of Kuwait is the falcon. Falcons are found everywhere in Kuwait. There is a picture of a falcon on the stamps and the currencies of Kuwait.
Kuwait was the first of the Arab states of the Persian Gulf to establish a constitution and parliament.
In 2005, women won the right to vote and run in elections.
Kuwait is the only country with no natural water supply from lakes or reservoirs.
Eating, drinking, playing loud music and dancing during daylight hours in public are against the law in Kuwait during the month of Ramadan.
In 2006, Kuwait became the first country to introduce the sport of camel racing, with remote controlled robot jockeys.