Kuwait
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At a glance
- Region
- Western Asia
- Capital
- Kuwait City
- Population
- 4.9 million (2024)
- Area
- 17,818 km²
- Languages
- Arabic
- Currency
- Kuwaiti dinar (KWD)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +965
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Before you go
Overview
It is situated at Western Asia northwest of Arabian Gulf.
As at 2018 it recorded a population of 4.137 million and covers an area of 17,818 km2. The capital city is Kuwait. It is the country’s economic, political and cultural centre.
Al Ahmadi city is at the south of the country and it has the headquarters of Kuwait Oil Company.
The Capital, Kuwait City.
History
The country was a British protectorate between 1899 and 1961 when it received its independence.
Oil was discovered in the country in 1930 when the Britons were still ruling.
In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait so that they could control their supply of oil which they had increased its price causing the Gulf War. But the US intervened forced Iraq to withdraw.
The women gained the rights to vote and run for elections in 2005.
Food & culture
The culture is largely influenced by Islam traditions. They have embraced Western culture.
The major grown crops are tomatoes, onions, melons and cucumbers. The cuisine comprises of machboos which is rice served with sauce, quozi, muttabaq and maglooba.
Wildlife
The most popular wildlife include rodents, Arabian sand cat, caracal, Indian grey mongoose, striped hyena, golden jackal, fennec fox, Saudi gazelle, goitered gazelle and Arabian oryx.
Festivals & events
Liberation Day is celebrated on 26th February in commemoration of when the country was liberated from Iraq by an operation led by the US.
The National Day is celebrated on 25th February to remember the day when Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem became the first Emir.
Hala Festival is celebrated to usher in spring season in mid or late February and to promote the culture of the country.
Other festivals include the New Year’s Day, Ramadan, Eid-el-Fitr and Eid-el-Adha.
Things to see
The Grand Mosque lies at the centre of the country and is huge inside with an ornate dome.
Kuwait National Museum preserves the history and heritage of the country.
Seif Palace opposite the Grand Mosque has a watchtower with blue tiles and a roof of pure gold.
Kuwait Liberation Tower is one of the world’s tallest structures worldwide.
Interesting facts
Souq Al-Mubarakiya in the capital city was the main centre of trade in the country before oil was discovered.
The official religion is Islam.
The country is the tenth-largest petroleum and crude oil producer in the world.
The official language is Arabic.
Neighbours
My Bucket List goals in Kuwait
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