- Full name: The State of Kuwait
- Population: 2.7 million (UN, 2005)
- Capital: Kuwait
- Area: 17,818 sq km (6,880 sq miles)
- Major language: Arabic
- Major religion: Islam
- Life expectancy: 75 years (men), 79 years (women) (UN)
- Monetary unit: 1 Dinar = 1000 fils
- Main exports: Oil
- GNI per capita: U.S. $24,040 (World Bank, 2006)
- Internet domain: .kw
- International dialling code: +965
- Emir: Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah
- Crown prince, deputy emir: Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah
- Prime minister: Sheikh Nasser Muhammad al-Ahmed al-Sabah
- Foreign minister: Sheikh Muhammad Sabah al-Salim al-Sabah
The State of Kuwait is a small constitutional monarchy on the coast of the Persian Gulf, enclosed by Saudi Arabia to the south and Iraq to the north and west. The country was formed when several clans from different Middle Eastern tribes settled near the area now known as the "Kuwait Bay".
Kuwait is known for its extremely hot weather during the summer between April and October, where the temperature exceeds 51 degree centigrade. Winters on the other hand are much cooler; temperature can be as low as 2 degree centigrade. June through September is considered the driest period; however, thunderstorms and hailstorms are common in November, March and April.
Before the creation of the Kuwaiti constitution, Al Sabah family was chosen by the civilians of Kuwait to conduct the administration of the country’s affairs, both local and foreign, while politics were mainly handled by the prime minister.
The now-oil-rich country used to depend on the trade of pearls during the eighteenth century; however, as pearls developed in Japan, Kuwait was could no longer able to depend on this industry.
Despite the fact that by 1913, the British had already invaded the country and it was declared an “independent sheikhdom under British protectorate�; Kuwait was the first Persian Arab country to achieve independence in 1961. This was probably attributed to the oil discovery that took place in 1953, which transferred Kuwait to one of the oil rich Middle East countries.
That was the reason behind Kuwait's troubles with Iraq. The most tragic time in the history of this country was in 1990, when Iraq invaded it, causing destruction to Kuwait's infrastructure and killing many civilians.
The war ended shortly in 1991, after Iraq was forced to withdraw from the country by U.S./UK-led forces.
Kuwait is said to hold 10% of the world's crude oil reserves and therefore is considered to be one of the richest countries. The industry of petroleum generates 95% of the export revenues and 80% of the government income.
Despite the negative impact that the Gulf war had on the country during the beginning of the 1990s, Kuwait was able to resume its normal oil production level by mid 1990s.
The country's oil production is controlled by OPEC, which determines the production quota. In 2002, oil production in Kuwait was 692 million barrels.
Even though the main religion of the country is Islam, Kuwait is known for its modern and fast paced lifestyle.
With immigration and expats travelling to and from the country every year; Kuwait embraces the modern life with its movie theatres and malls.
Traditionally men and women do not exchange more than a few words and possibly a handshake to greet each other in order to respect women.
Outside home, most Arab women dress according to religious custom, which means that they must cover most of the body, from head to foot.
Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah was elected in 2006 to replace Sheikh Saad after he got ill; nine days after succeeding Sheikh Jaber, who maintained his position for 25 years.
Born in 1929, Sheikh Sabah has a wide political experience as he worked as Kuwait's foreign minister for 40 years. He received his primary education at Al Mubarakya School during the 1930s and then completed his education under tutors.
Many changes took place during Sabah's era, mostly when it comes to elections and leaders of the country as it became the first Gulf country to have an elected parliament. It also gave women the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in elections for the 50 seats in the National Assembly, changing the man denominating political structure to a more diversified one.
Recently, Sheikh Sabah announced the appointment of Dr Massouma Mubarak as planning minister and minister of state for administrative development affairs. The appointment of a woman as a cabinet minister was a major breakthrough in Kuwait's political system and it makes Kuwait the third country in the Gulf Arab monarchies to have a woman cabinet minister.
Kuwait has no individual income tax. Much of the government's revenue comes from oil as well as from taxes on foreign corporations and on the foreign interests of Kuwaiti companies.
Kuwait remains dependent on foreign labor despite all previous plans to reform its labor system in order to limit this dependency.
By late 1990s, only one-fifth of the country's workforce was Kuwaiti nationals; of that number, more than one-third were women.
The cost of living in Kuwait is almost identical to the standard of living in Europe. Even though the cost of accommodation is relatively high, the lack of taxation on items such as cars provides a compensation for residents.
The low import duties also decrease the prices of electronics such as televisions and DVD players in addition to computer hardware and software.
Clothing, on the other hand, is diversified, while brand names are usually expensive just like any other country in the world. Locally-manufactured clothing is relatively normal.
Nearly all nationalities, except GCC citizens, require visas to enter Kuwait. An application for a visa must be sponsored by a Kuwaiti individual or company. Technically, the visa application is made by the sponsor who is responsible for the visitor while she/he is in Kuwait.
Foreigners who wish to visit Kuwait for a short period need a visitor's permit to be procured by the applicant's sponsor.
A non-GCC national whose country has a visa abolition treaty with Kuwait which allows Kuwaitis to enter their country without a visa, may be granted reciprocal entry rights in Kuwait. However, these nationals may require an 'entry permit'. They may also require a sponsor.
- Requirements for visa issuance include:
A - Entry visa: Visas for U.S. citizens are issued upon arrival at all Kuwaiti ports of entry
1. General Requirements:
- Valid Passport with a minimum of three (3) months prior to expiration date
- Two completed current visa application forms (which can be duplicated)
2. Purpose of visit and additional requirements:
- Business visitors; Letter from USA. firm requesting the visa and their guarantee of the applicant while in Kuwait.
- Visitors of relatives or friends; Holding No Objection Certificates obtained by relatives/friends in Kuwait are not required to stamp visas in their passports by the Embassy.
' Employment purposes:
- Government Contract: copy of Letter of Appointment from Kuwait.
- Private Sector: Work Permit in duplicate issued by the General Department of Immigration Affairs in Kuwait. (If spouse or family members are accompanying applicant, Work Permit, No Objection Certificate or Letter of Appointment must indicate that.)
3. Two photographs.
4. Fee: Contact Embassy for amount.
B - Transit visa (valid for 72 hours):
1. Same as #2 and #4 of Entry Visa.
2. Copy of travel tickets confirming date of arrival, departure and carrier's flight number.
3. Copy of visa for entry into neighboring country after stopover in Kuwait (if traveled by land).
4. Fee: contact Embassy for amount.
- Requirements for a working visa are as follows:
1. Valid passport with a minimum of three (3) months prior to expiration date.
2. One completed current visa application form as issued by Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3. One passport size photo.
4. HIV test (AIDS test).
5. Health Certificate" Obtained from the local doctor certifying that the patient is free from any contagious diseases.
6. Police Clearance " Obtained from the local police station certifying that the applicant has no criminal record.
7. The work permit in duplicate
