Indigenous trade at the heart of South America
Kuwait is a small, wealthy country located in the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Iraq to the north and Saudi Arabia to the south. It has a strategic position along the Persian Gulf and is known for its rich oil reserves, which play a significant role in its economy and development. It was invaded by Iraq on 2nd Aug 1990 which led to the Gulf War.
Key Facts
Capital: Kuwait City
Population: Approximately 4.3 million (2023)
Official Language: Arabic
Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) — one of the highest-valued currencies in the world.
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Emir: Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (as of 2023)
Geography
Kuwait is characterized by its flat desert landscape, with most of its area consisting of sandy plains and a few low hills:
Size: About 17,818 square kilometers (6,880 square miles).
Climate: Arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is scarce and mostly occurs in the winter months.
History
Early Settlements: Historically, the area has been inhabited since antiquity, with evidence of early settlements engaged in trade and fishing.
Foundation of the State: Kuwait was founded in the early 18th century, evolving from a small fishing village into a trading port.
British Influence: The country became a British protectorate in the 19th century, which significantly influenced its political and economic development.
Oil Discovery: The discovery of oil in the 1930s transformed Kuwait’s economy, leading to rapid modernization and wealth accumulation.
Gulf War: Kuwait was invaded by Iraq in 1990, leading to the Gulf War. It was liberated in 1991 with the assistance of a US-led coalition.
Economy
Kuwait’s economy is heavily reliant on oil, which accounts for about 90% of its revenue:
Oil Reserves: One of the largest oil reserves in the world, primarily located in the Burgan field.
Economic Diversification: Recent initiatives aim to diversify the economy through investments in sectors like finance, tourism, and education.
Kuwait Investment Authority: The country's sovereign wealth fund is one of the oldest and largest in the world, managing investments globally.
Culture
Kuwait has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its Islamic roots and Bedouin traditions:
Arts: The country is known for its thriving arts scene, including literature, theater, and visual arts.
Cuisine: Traditional Kuwaiti cuisine includes dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish) and qamar al-din (apricot juice).
Festivals: National holidays, such as Liberation Day and Independence Day, are celebrated with parades and cultural events.
Global Role
Kuwait plays a significant role in regional politics and economics:
Diplomatic Relations: It maintains strong ties with Western countries and has been active in mediating regional conflicts.
OPEC Membership: As a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), it influences global oil prices.
Challenges
Political Landscape: The political system has faced challenges, including tensions between the government and parliament.
Economic Dependence: The heavy reliance on oil makes the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices.
Environmental Concerns: Issues such as pollution and desertification pose threats to sustainable development.
Copyright (C) S. Midttun, 2024
