Kuwait is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and Iraq to the north. Its capital city is Kuwait City, which is also its largest city. Kuwait is known for its oil reserves and its modern architecture, including the iconic Kuwait Towers.

The population of Kuwait is approximately 4.3 million, with the majority being Kuwaiti nationals. Arabic is the official language of the country, and Islam is the dominant religion, with approximately 70% of the population being Muslim.

Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy, with the Emir of Kuwait serving as the head of state. The country has a well-developed economy, with a high standard of living and a strong welfare state. Kuwait is a member of the United Nations, the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Tourism is a growing industry in Kuwait, with many visitors drawn to the country's modern architecture, luxury shopping, and cultural attractions. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Kuwait include the Kuwait Towers, the Grand Mosque, the Liberation Tower, and the National Museum. The country also boasts several beaches and coastal resorts, as well as nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.

Visitors to Kuwait should be aware of the conservative social norms and customs of the country, including dress codes and restrictions on alcohol and public displays of affection. Women should also be prepared to cover their heads and dress modestly in public. It is also important to respect local laws and customs, including restrictions on photography in certain areas and during certain times.

Telephone Code
965

Local Emergency Phone
777

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters

Currency (Code)
Kuwaiti dinars (KD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages
Arabic, English widely spoken

Major Religions
Muslim 74.6%, Christian 18.2%; note: about 69% of the population consists of immigrants

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Kuwait Towers; Al Kout Beach; Dhow Harbor; Katara Cultural Village; Failaka Island, Grand Mosque

Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, cricket, handball, rugby

Cultural Practices
Giving or receiving gifts with your left hand is considered disrespectful.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is largely discretionary. Restaurants and hotels often add a 15% service charge. If no service charge is included, a 10% tip is considered appropriate. Gas station attendants, bellhops, and drivers all appreciate small tips of $1-2 (USD) or the equivalent in dinars.

Souvenirs
Wool rugs, pearl jewelry, pottery, dried fruits/nuts, tea sets

Traditional Cuisine
Machboos (or Machboos laham) — mutton accompanied with rice cooked in the meat’s broth and a mixture of onions, raisins, and yellow split peas

Geography
Area
total: 17,818 sq km
land: 17,818 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters

Natural resources
petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas

People and Society
Population
3,103,580 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Kuwaiti 30.4%, other Arab 27.4%, Asian 40.3%, African 1%, other 0.9% (includes European, North American, South American, and Australian) (2018 est.)

Languages
Arabic (official), English widely spoken

Religions
Muslim (official) 74.6%, Christian 18.2%, other and unspecified 7.2% (2013 est.)

Population growth rate
1.13% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
constitutional monarchy (emirate)

Capital
name: Kuwait City

Economy
Economic overview
small, high-income, oil-based Middle East economy; renewable energy proponent; regional finance and investment leader; maintains oldest sovereign wealth fund; emerging space and tourism industries; mid-way through 25-year development program

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$191.522 billion (2020 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$43,900 (2020 est.)

Agricultural products
eggs, dates, tomatoes, cucumbers, poultry, milk, mutton, potatoes, vegetables, eggplants

Industries
petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, water desalination, food processing, construction materials

Exports
$77.121 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
China 20%, South Korea 16%, India 15%, Japan 10%, Taiwan 6%, Vietnam 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, aircraft, natural gas, industrial hydrocarbon products (2019)

Imports
$48.954 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 14%, United Arab Emirates 12%, United States 10%, Saudi Arabia 6%, Japan 6%, Germany 5%, India 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
cars, broadcasting equipment, natural gas, packaged medicines, jewelry (2019)