|
| Country
Status |
| Independent
Emirate. |
| Capital |
| Kuwait
City |
| Population |
| 1,800,000 |
| Religion |
| Islam |
| Head
of State |
|
Shaikh
Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah
|
| Languages |
| Arabic,
English. |
| Land
Surface |
| 17,800
km² |
| Currency |
1
Dinar = 1000 Fils.
1 Dinar = US$3.30
US$1 = 304 Fils. |
| Local
Time |
| 3
hours ahead of GMT. |
|
|
Kuwait
is from nature's
side all desert, made up of red soil, and there is little that favors
agriculture. It lies in the northwest corner of the Arabian Gulf. It is
bordered by Iraq in the north and northwest, and Saudi Arabia from the
southern and western sides.
Vegetation is limited to low bushes and scrub, and salt-loving plants in
the marshes along the coast. Only 9% of the land is arable, with
occasional oases, and some sparse vegetation along the coast. With the
help of irrigation controlled by modern technology, Kuwait has come to be
more green than before. The landscape of Kuwait is flat, and the highest
point in the country is 299 m. Kuwait has 9 islands, but only Faylaka is
inhabited.
Average day temperature is 33°C, but can drop as low as -3° in January.
52°C is maximum temperature. Annual rainfall is between 25 mm and 175 mm,
most of this falling during the months between October and March. Winter
also comes with fierce dust storms, called kaus.
Drinking water in Kuwait comes principally from desalination of seawater.
The Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) of Kuwait is 22.453 million dollars. Foreign trade
plays a major role in Kuwait's economy. Oil and oil derivatives constitute
Kuwait's major exports. Because of oil exports, balances of trade exhibits
a huge surplus for Kuwait. Fertilizer and pipe manufacturing industries
have also thrived over the years. Trade agreements have been concluded
with many countries. Joint economic projects have also been initiated
encouraging investments.
GCC citizens do not require visas to enter Kuwait. All other nationals
should possess a valid visa from Kuwaiti Missions abroad.
Health regulations for vaccination certificates against cholera and yellow
fever are required for those coming from infected areas.
Kuwait was the first country of the GCC to publish Arabic
and English newspapers and magazines. Also, Kuwait was the first to
broadcast television and radio stations, which have made their presence
felt all over the Arab world.
Ministries
Links:
Government
Agencies:
Embassies&
Consulates:
Oil
Companies:
Banking
& Private Sector:
Non-Profit
Organizations:
Newspapers:
Magazines:
|
