Kuwait
Kuwait: A Country of Rich History and Culture
1 - Kuwait is a small country in Western Asia, located on the northern tip of the Persian Gulf.
2 - It shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and has a coastline of about 499 km.
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3 - Kuwait is one of the richest countries in the world, thanks to its abundant oil reserves and strategic location.
It is also a country of rich history and culture, with a diverse and tolerant society.
4 - Kuwait’s history dates back to ancient times, when it was part of the Mesopotamian civilization.
It was later colonized by the Greeks, the Persians, and the Romans, before becoming part of the Islamic world in the 7th century.
Kuwait emerged as an independent sheikhdom in the 18th century, under the rule of the Al Sabah dynasty, which still governs the country today.
Kuwait was a prosperous trading port, connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.
It also played a significant role in the pearl industry, until the discovery of oil in the 20th century.
- Kuwait became a British protectorate in 1899, and gained its independence in 1961.
However, it faced several challenges and conflicts in the following decades,
such as the Iran-Iraq War, the Iraqi invasion and occupation in 1990-1991, and the Gulf War.
Kuwait was able to overcome these difficulties with the help of its allies, especially the United States and other Arab countries.
Kuwait also embarked on a process of political and economic reforms, aiming to diversify its economy and enhance its democracy.
5 - Kuwait’s capital and largest city is Kuwait City, which is home to about 2.4 million people.
Kuwait City is a modern and cosmopolitan metropolis, with skyscrapers, shopping malls, museums, parks, and mosques.
It also has many historical and cultural attractions, such as the Kuwait Towers, the Grand Mosque,
the Seif Palace, the Tareq Rajab Museum, and the Souq Mubarakiya.
Kuwait City is also a hub for education, media, finance, and commerce in the region.
6 - Kuwait’s currency is the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD), which is the highest-valued currency in the world.
One dinar is divided into 1000 fils.
The dinar was introduced in 1961, replacing the Gulf rupee that was used during the British rule.
The dinar is pegged to a basket of currencies, mainly the US dollar.
The dinar’s value reflects Kuwait’s economic strength and stability.
7 - Kuwait’s country code is +965, which is used to make international phone calls to or from Kuwait.
The country code is followed by an eight-digit local number, starting with 2 for landlines and 5 or 6 for mobile phones.
For example, to call a landline number in Kuwait City from abroad, you would dial +965 2??? ???.
To call a mobile number in Kuwait from abroad, you would dial +965 5??? ??? or +965 6??? ???.
To pronounce Kuwait correctly, you can say “koo-WAIT”, with the stress on the first syllable.
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8 - Kuwait’s country abbreviation is KW or KWT, which is used to identify Kuwait in various contexts,
such as international organizations, sports events, internet domains, postal codes, and license plates.
For example, Kuwait is a member of the United Nations (UN), the Arab League (AL),
the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Kuwait also participates in the Olympic Games (IOC code: KUW), the Asian Games (OCA code: KUW), and the FIFA World Cup (FIFA code: KUW).
Kuwait’s internet domain is .kw or .كويت (in Arabic script), and its postal code format is five digits (e.g., 13001).
Kuwait’s license plates consist of three Arabic numerals followed by three Arabic letters (e.g., 123 ABC).
9 - Kuwait’s culture is influenced by its Islamic faith, Arab heritage, Bedouin traditions, and cosmopolitan outlook.
Kuwaitis are known for their hospitality, generosity, tolerance, and patriotism.
They value family ties, social bonds, education, art, and music.
They also enjoy various festivals and celebrations throughout the year,
such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, National Day (February 25), Liberation Day (February 26), Hala February (a month-long cultural festival),
Ramadan (the holy month of fasting), and Gargee’an (a mid-Ramadan celebration for children).
- Kuwait’s best places to visit include:
10 - The Scientific Center: A cultural and educational facility that features an aquarium, a planetarium, a discovery place for children, and an IMAX theater.
11 - Al Shaheed Park: A large urban park that offers green spaces, walking trails, fountains, museums, and cultural events.
12 - Sadu House: A museum and cultural center that showcases the traditional art of Bedouin weaving and embroidery.
13 - Kuwait Towers: A landmark and symbol of Kuwait, consisting of three towers that serve as a water reservoir, a restaurant, and a viewing platform.
14 - Mirror House: A unique and artistic house that is covered with mirrors inside and outside, creating a dazzling and surreal effect.
15 - Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyya: A cultural organization that displays a collection of Islamic art and artifacts from different regions and periods.
- Kuwait has many landmarks that reflect its history, culture, and modernity.
Some of the most famous landmarks are:
16 - The Grand Mosque of Kuwait: This is the largest and most prominent mosque in Kuwait, covering an area of 45,000 square meters.
It can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers at a time.
The mosque was built between 1979 and 1986, with a blend of traditional Islamic and modern architecture.
The mosque has a stunning interior, decorated with marble, wood, and gold.
It also has a library that contains more than 20,000 books and manuscripts on Islamic topics.
The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths, who can join free guided tours.
They are located on the Arabian Gulf road, overlooking the sea.
They were designed by a Swedish architect and completed in 1979.
The towers have a distinctive spherical shape, covered with blue-green tiles that reflect the sun and the water.
The main tower is 187 meters high and has two spheres.
The lower sphere contains a rotating restaurant that offers panoramic views of the city.
The upper sphere contains a viewing gallery that can be reached by an elevator.
The second tower is 147 meters high and holds one million gallons of water.
The third tower is 113 meters high and provides electricity and lighting for the other two towers.
17 - Kuwait National Museum: This is the official museum of Kuwait, located next to the National Assembly building.
It was established in 1983 and consists of four buildings that house different collections and exhibits.
The museum showcases the history, culture, and art of Kuwait from ancient times to the present day.
It also has a planetarium that offers educational shows about astronomy and space exploration.
The museum was severely damaged during the Iraqi invasion in 1990-1991, but it was restored and reopened in 2000.
18 - Souk Al-Mubarakiya: This is one of the oldest and most popular markets in Kuwait, located in the heart of the city.
It dates back to more than 200 years ago, when it was a major trading center for merchants from across the region.
The souk retains its traditional charm and atmosphere, with narrow alleys, wooden shops, and colorful goods.
You can find everything from spices, perfumes, textiles, jewelry, antiques, handicrafts, to fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish.
The souk also has many cafes and restaurants that serve authentic Kuwaiti cuisine.
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- Kuwait is a country that has many cities, each with its own characteristics and attractions.
Some of the most notable cities in Kuwait are:
19 - Kuwait City: This is the capital and largest city of Kuwait, located on the southern shores of Kuwait Bay on the Persian Gulf.
Kuwait City is the country’s political, cultural, and economic center, with skyscrapers, shopping malls, museums, parks, and mosques.
It also has many historical and cultural attractions, such as the Kuwait Towers, the Grand Mosque, the Seif Palace, the Tareq Rajab Museum, and the Souq Mubarakiya.
20 - Al Ahmadi: This is the most populated city in Kuwait, with a population of 637,411 people.
It is located along Kuwait’s eastern coastline and serves as the capital of the Al Ahmadi Province.
This city is relatively young, founded in 1946 after the discovery of oil.
The first immigrants to live here were British and Indian.
City planners based its design on American urban areas.
Headquarters for the Kuwait Oil Company and the Kuwait National Petroleum Company are located here.
The biggest industry here is oil refinery. The city is known for being the greenest city in Kuwait.
21 - Hawalli: This is the second most populated urban area in Kuwait, with a population of 164,212 people.
It is one of the several areas that make up the Hawalli Governorate and is located about 8 km from Kuwait City.
During and after the Gulf War, many of the city’s Palestinian residents left.
Today, it is home to a large Arab population.
This city is home to two international schools, the American School of Kuwait and the New Pakistan International School.
Additionally, the Qadsia football stadium is located here, which is the most important in Kuwait.
Hawalli is a large commercial center with a large mall and several types of stores.
22 - Al Farwaniyah: This is the third most populated area in Kuwait, with a population of 86,525 people.
It is located in the Farwaniyah Governorate, the most populous in the country, and about 10 km from Kuwait City.
Al Farwaniyah is one of the major residential areas of Kuwait and houses the largest number of foreign immigrants.
Men far outnumber women here, which is true of the entire country.
23 - Al Jahra: This is a city and an oasis in western Kuwait, with a population of 24,281 people.
It is located about 50 km from Kuwait City and serves as the capital of the Al Jahra Governorate.
Al Jahra has a long history as a farming community and a strategic location on trade routes.
It was also the site of several battles between Kuwait and its enemies,
such as the Battle of Jahra in 1920 against Saudi Arabia and the Battle of Al Jahra in 1990 against Iraq.
Al Jahra has several attractions, such as the Red Palace Museum, the Jahra Copthorne Hotel and Resort, and the Jahra Nature Reserve.
These are some of the cities in Kuwait.
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- Kuwait is a country that has many beaches, both public and private, that offer a variety of activities and amenities for visitors.
Some of the most popular beaches in Kuwait are:
24 - Messilah Beach: This is a private beach located in Salmiya, Kuwait, that is part of the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa.
The beach has a long stretch of sand, clear water, and a view of the Kuwait Towers.
The beach also has a swimming pool, a kids’ club, a spa, and several restaurants and cafes.
The beach is open to hotel guests and visitors who pay an entrance.
25 - Al Khiran Beach: This is a resort with artificial canals, located in the south of Kuwait.
The resort has a marina, a mall, a park, and several hotels and chalets.
The beach is sandy and shallow, suitable for families and children.
The beach also offers water sports, such as jet skiing, kayaking, and sailing.
26 - Egaila Beach: This is a private beach in Kuwait, famous as a seaside spot for picnics and BBQ.
The beach has fine sand and pebbles, and the water is calm and clear.
The beach also has a playground, a volleyball court, and a basketball court.
The beach is open to visitors who pay an entrance fee.
27 - Al Kout Beach: This is a public beach in Kuwait, located next to the Al Kout Mall and the Al Kout Beach Hotel.
The beach is comfortable and nice for a stroll, but it can get crowded on weekends.
The beach also has a basketball court, a fountain show, and several cafes and restaurants.
28 - Hilton Beach Resort: This is a beachfront resort in Kuwait, located on the Arabian Gulf Road.
The resort has direct access to a beautiful private sandy beach, where guests can relax under the beach umbrellas, enjoy cold beverages, and swim in the clear water.
The resort also has a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, and several dining options.
29 - Fintas Beach: This is a public beach in Kuwait, located in the Fintas area.
The beach has smooth entry into the water, but with a lot of stones on the bottom.
The beach also has palm trees, benches, and trash bins.
The beach is popular among locals and expats who like to fish or camp on the shore.
30 - Mangaf Beach: This is a city beach in the southern suburbs of Kuwait City.
The beach has fine sand and good entry into the water.
However, the beach can be dirty and polluted due to its proximity to industrial areas.
The beach also has some cafes and restaurants nearby.
31 - Marina Beach: This is a city beach in Kuwait, mainly popular among foreign workers.
The beach has clean sand and water, and a view of the Marina Mall and the Marina Crescent.
The beach also has some facilities, such as showers, changing rooms, toilets, and sunbeds.
The beach is open to visitors who pay an entrance fee.
These are some of the beaches in Kuwait.
32 - Kuwait is a country that has a very hot and dry climate, with little rainfall and high temperatures throughout the year.
The climate is influenced by the desert conditions, the Persian Gulf, and the seasonal winds.
Here are some more facts about the climate in Kuwait:
Kuwait has a hyper arid desert climate that is highly variable with recurrent extremes.
Much of Kuwait is characterized by loose, mobile surface sediments that have very low levels of nutrients and organic matter.
Kuwait has four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and autumn.
Winter lasts from December to February, and is very mild, with average temperatures ranging from 8.5 to 19.5 °C (47 to 67 °F).
Spring lasts from March to May, and is sunny and warm, with average temperatures ranging from 14 to 40.9 °C (57 to 106 °F).
Summer lasts from June to September, and is scorchingly hot and windy, with average temperatures ranging from 28.9 to 46.9 °C (84 to 116 °F).
Autumn lasts from October to November, and is still hot and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 14.5 to 36.6 °C (58 to 98 °F).
Kuwait receives very little rainfall, slightly higher than 100 millimeters (4 inches) per year.
Rainfall occurs mainly from November to April, in the form of rare showers, which can sometimes be so intense and concentrated as to cause flooding.
The wettest month is July, with an average of 18 mm (0.72 inches) of rain.
The driest month is June, with an average of 0 mm (0 inches) of rain.
Kuwait has a lot of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of about 9 hours of sunshine per day.
The sunniest month is June, with an average of 12 hours of sunshine per day.
The least sunny month is December, with an average of 6 hours of sunshine per day4.
Kuwait has a low relative humidity, which often falls below 10%.
The most humid month is December, with an average relative humidity of 58%.
The least humid month is June, with an average relative humidity of 15%.
Kuwait has a moderate wind speed, which can vary depending on the season and the direction.
The windiest month is June, with an average wind speed of 19 km/h (12 mph).
The calmest month is October, with an average wind speed of 13 km/h (8 mph).
The wind can blow from different directions, such as the north-western shamal wind,
which brings dust storms and cooler temperatures; the south-eastern sharqi wind,
which brings hot and humid air; and the south-western jili wind, which brings very hot and dry air.
Kuwait has a high evaporation rate, which exceeds the rainfall by more than ten times.
This means that the soil moisture is very low and the groundwater resources are scarce.
Kuwait has a high variation in temperature between day and night, especially in summer.
The diurnal temperature range can be as high as 20 °C (36 °F) or more.
Kuwait has a high variation in temperature between seasons, especially between summer and winter.
The annual temperature range can be as high as 38 °C (68 °F) or more.
These are some of the aspects of the climate in Kuwait.
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Kuwait
33 - Kuwait is a country that has two land borders and three maritime borders with other countries.
The land borders are with Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and the maritime borders are with Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
Here are some more details about Kuwait’s country borders:
The border with Iraq is about 254 km (158 mi) long and runs from the tripoint with Saudi Arabia in the south to the Persian Gulf in the north.
The border was established by the Anglo-Ottoman Convention of 1913, which defined Kuwait as an autonomous region within the Ottoman Empire.
However, Iraq did not recognize Kuwait’s independence in 1961 and claimed Kuwait as part of its territory.
Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, but was expelled by a US-led coalition in 1991.
The border was demarcated by a UN commission in 1992, based on the 1963 agreement between Kuwait and Iraq.
The border with Saudi Arabia is about 222 km (138 mi) long and runs from the Persian Gulf in the east to the tripoint with Iraq in the west.
The border was set by the Treaty of Al Uqayr in 1922, which also created a neutral zone between the two countries.
The neutral zone was divided into two parts in 1966, and each part was administered by one country.
The division was finalized in 1969, after the discovery of oil in the area.
The oil resources are shared equally between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
The maritime border with Iran is about 200 km (124 mi) long and runs along the median line of the Persian Gulf.
The border was agreed upon by Kuwait and Iran in 1965, following the principles of international law.
The border delimits the territorial waters and the exclusive economic zones of both countries, where they have sovereign rights over natural resources.
The maritime border with Iraq is about 36 km (22 mi) long and runs along the median line of the Khawr Abd Allah waterway.
The border was determined by the UN commission in 1993, as part of the demarcation of the land border between Kuwait and Iraq.
The border defines the territorial waters and the fishing rights of both countries.
The maritime border with Saudi Arabia is about 105 km (65 mi) long and runs along the median line of the Persian Gulf.
The border was agreed upon by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in 1965, along with the maritime border with Iran.
The border delimits the territorial waters and the exclusive economic zones of both countries, where they have sovereign rights over natural resources.
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