Kuwait Facts
What is the capital of Kuwait?
Kuwait City is the capital and the largest city of the State of Kuwait. It has a population of 2.38 million. Kuwait City was first settled in the early 18th Century by the Al-Sab?h clan, later the ruling family of Kuwait and a branch of the Al-Ut?b tribe and their leader, Sheikh Sab?h I.
Where is Kuwait?
Kuwait is a sovereign Arab nation situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in western Asia.
What countries border Kuwait?
It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf.
What are the administrative divisions of Kuwait?
Kuwait is divided into six governorates that are subdivided into districts. The major cities are the capital Kuwait City and Jahra.
What is the currency used in Kuwait?
Kuwaiti Dinar is the currency of the State of Kuwait. Prior to 1960 Kuwait used the Indian Rupee with a Kuwaiti stamp and the Emir’s signature on it.
What is the official language of Kuwait?
The official language of Kuwait is Arabic, but English is also widely spoken.
What is the official religion of Kuwait?
About 80 percent of people in Kuwait follow Islam. Muslim immigrants from Saudi Arabia settled in Kuwait, resulting in the formation of Islam in Kuwait.
What is significant about the falcon in Kuwait?
It is the national bird of Kuwait. Falcons are found everywhere in Kuwait. There is a picture of a falcon on the stamps and the currencies of Kuwait.
When did Kuwait gain independence?
Kuwait became an independent country, after the end of British Protectorate, on 19th June 1961.
What is the economy of Kuwait like?
Kuwait has the second-most free economy in the Middle East. Apart from having world’s fifth largest proven oil reserves, Kuwait is the fourth-richest country in the world in terms of per capita income. Petroleum and petroleum-products make up around 95 percent of export revenues and 80 percent of government income in Kuwait.
Other major industries include shipping, construction, cement, water desalination, construction materials and financial services.
When was the flag of Kuwait adopted?
The flag of Kuwait was adopted on September 7, 1961, and officially hoisted November 24, 1961. The colors on the Kuwait flag represent Arab unity and independence and are used in the flags of many countries in the region. The green stripe represents the fertility of Arab nations and the black represents the defeat of enemies. The red stands for the blood of the defeated enemy, and white symbolizes honor and purity.
How are the relations between USA and Kuwait?
The United States opened a consulate in Kuwait in October 1951, which was elevated to embassy status at the time of the latter’s independence. Strategic cooperation between the United States and Kuwait increased in 1987 with the implementation of a maritime protection regime that ensured the freedom of navigation through the Gulf for 11 Kuwaiti tankers that were re-flagged with U.S. markings.
The U.S.–Kuwaiti strategic partnership intensified dramatically again after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Kuwaiti attitudes toward American products have been favorable since the Gulf War.
The United States is currently Kuwait’s largest supplier of goods and services, and Kuwait is the fifth-largest market in the Middle East. It is also an important partner in U.S. counterterrorism efforts, providing assistance in the military, diplomatic, and intelligence arenas and also supporting efforts to block financing of terrorist groups.
