Country Guide • Kuwait
Kuwait shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. To the south east lies the Persian Gulf, where Kuwait has sovereignty over nine small islands the largest of which is Bubiyan and the most populous is Failaka. The landscape is predominantly desert plateau with a lower, more fertile coastal belt.
| Official Name | State of Kuwait |
|---|---|
| Area | 17,818km² (6,880mile²) |
| Population | 2,183,000 |
| Continent | Middle East |
| Population per mile² | 317 |
| Capital City | Kuwait City |
| Religions | Official religion is Islam - 63% Sunni Muslims, 27% Shiite Muslims. 8% Christians and 2% Hindu |
| Language | Arabic and English |
| Government | Constitutional monarchy |
| Currency | Kuwaiti Dinar |
| GDP | $34.2 billion |
| GDP per Head | $15,000 |
| Natural Resources | Petroleum, natural gas, fish and shrimps |
| Land Use | Arable Land 0.33% |
| Agriculture | Dates and other Fruits and Fish |
| Industry | Boat Building, Chemicals, Fertilizers, Fishing, Oil and Gas Production and Refining, Processed Foods and Sea Water Desalination |
| Tourism | Kuwait is for those travellers looking for a relaxed entry into the Muslim world can expect their share of mosques, souks and other sandy traces of bygone Bedouin days. Kuwait is generally safe and secure, but nevertheless visitors are advised to avoid demonstrations and political gatherings wherever possible. The best time to visit Kuwait is in May or October - right before or right after summer, when the temperatures are civilised. |
| Natural Hazards | Sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring heavy rain, which can damage roads and houses; The 'Shamal' - sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year, but are most common between March and August |
| Health Risks | Unexploded bombs and land mines |
| Climate | Kuwait has an arid subtropical climate with extremely hot and dry conditions during summer from May - October. Winter from November to April is generally pleasant but night temperatures fall dramatically sometimes nearing freezing point. Average annual rainfall varies from 1 inch to 9 inches with most rainfall occurring between November and April. Average temperature ranges in Kuwait City range from 8 to 18°C in winter to 29 to 45°C in summer |
| Time | GMT/UTC+3 hours |
| National Days | July 12 Independence Day |
| Visas | Everyone except nationals of other Gulf States needs a visa to enter Kuwait. Kuwait does not issue tourist visas; large hotels can sponsor visas. Visas should be obtained in advance from a Kuwaiti embassy or arranged through a sponsor/host in Kuwait. Kuwait Airways can also arrange them for their passengers. If you have an Israeli stamp in your passports you may be refused visas/entry to Kuwait. You should not overstay your welcome and should leave Kuwait by the date stamped in your passports. This will usually be thirty days after first arrival. Failure to do so will result in a fine for each day overstayed and possibly a ban from returning to Kuwait in the future |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
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