Kuwait, officially the State of Kuwait, is a country in the Arabian Peninsula at the northern end of the Persian Gulf. It borders Iraq to the north and northwest and Saudi Arabia to the south.
Kuwait is known for its large petroleum reserves, modern capital city, Gulf coastline and important role in the history and economy of the Arabian Gulf.
The capital and largest urban center is Kuwait City. The country’s economy is strongly connected to petroleum, while finance, trade, services and other sectors also contribute to national economic activity.
Quick Facts
- Official name: State of Kuwait
- Capital: Kuwait City
- Region: Arabian Peninsula / Gulf region
- Population: 4,865,298 (2025 World Bank estimate)
- Area: About 17,818 km²
- Official language: Arabic
- Currency: Kuwaiti dinar (KWD)
- Government: Constitutional emirate
- Time zone: Arabia Standard Time (UTC+3)
- Calling code: +965
- Country code: KW
- Independence: 19 June 1961
- National Day: 25 February
The World Bank estimates Kuwait’s population at approximately 4.87 million in 2025. Its 2025 GDP was about US$157.21 billion, with annual GDP growth of 2.7%.
Where Is Kuwait?
Kuwait is located in the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula.
It has land borders with:
- Iraq to the north and northwest
- Saudi Arabia to the south
Its eastern coastline faces the Persian Gulf.
Kuwait also includes several islands, including Failaka Island, Bubiyan Island and Warbah Island.
Its location at the northern end of the Gulf has historically connected Kuwait with trade routes between Mesopotamia, Arabia and the wider Gulf region.
History of Kuwait
Kuwait developed historically as a small coastal settlement whose economy was connected to maritime trade, fishing, pearl diving and shipbuilding.
The ruling Al Sabah family became established in Kuwait during the 18th century.
Before the discovery of oil, the country’s economy depended heavily on the sea. Pearling, fishing, maritime trade and dhow building were important sources of employment and wealth.
Kuwait became a British protectorate in 1899, while maintaining its own ruling authority.
Oil was discovered in commercial quantities in the 1930s, transforming Kuwait’s economy and accelerating infrastructure and urban development.
Kuwait became fully independent from Britain on 19 June 1961.
In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. The occupation ended in 1991 following an international military campaign and the withdrawal of Iraqi forces.
Since then, Kuwait has continued to develop as an independent Gulf state while preserving its political institutions, economic links and cultural heritage.
Population and People
Kuwait’s population was approximately 4.87 million in 2025, according to World Bank data. Population growth was estimated at -0.7% in 2025.
Kuwait has a distinctive population structure in which Kuwaiti citizens and foreign residents make up the population.
Large expatriate communities from different parts of Asia, the Middle East and other regions contribute to Kuwait’s workforce and cultural diversity.
Arabic is the official language. English is also widely used in business, education, commerce and everyday communication.
Geography and Climate
Kuwait is predominantly flat and consists largely of desert terrain.
The country has a dry climate characterized by:
- Very hot summers
- Mild to cool winters
- Low annual rainfall
- Frequent dust and sand storms
- High summer humidity along the coast
Most rainfall occurs during the cooler months.
Kuwait’s coastline and islands provide marine environments, tidal flats and shallow Gulf waters.
The country’s highest natural elevations are relatively low compared with the mountainous landscapes found elsewhere on the Arabian Peninsula.
Government and Politics
Kuwait is a constitutional emirate.
The Emir of Kuwait is the head of state, while the Prime Minister heads the government.
Kuwait has a constitution and an elected National Assembly, alongside the hereditary institution of the emirate.
The political system combines traditional Gulf leadership structures with constitutional institutions and an elected legislature.
Economy
Kuwait has one of the world’s most petroleum-dependent economies.
Oil and gas resources have played a central role in national development, government revenue and exports.
The country is a member of OPEC and has significant crude oil reserves.
Other parts of the economy include:
- Financial services
- Construction
- Retail
- Transportation
- Telecommunications
- Real estate
- Manufacturing
- Logistics
The World Bank recorded Kuwait’s GDP at approximately US$157.21 billion in 2025, with GDP per capita of about US$32,312.
Economic diversification is an important long-term objective as Kuwait seeks to reduce dependence on petroleum and develop additional sources of investment, employment and economic activity.
Oil and Natural Resources
Petroleum is Kuwait’s most important natural resource.
The country’s oil industry includes exploration, production, refining and export activities.
Other natural resources and economic assets include:
- Natural gas
- Fisheries
- Solar energy potential
- Coastal and marine resources
Kuwait’s petroleum resources have financed extensive development of infrastructure, housing, healthcare, education and public services.
Culture and Traditions
Kuwaiti culture combines traditional Arabian Gulf customs with influences created by centuries of maritime trade and migration.
Important elements of traditional culture include:
- Dhow building
- Pearl diving
- Fishing
- Traditional music
- Poetry
- Storytelling
- Hospitality
- Traditional clothing
- Family and community gatherings
The diwaniya, a traditional social gathering place, remains an important part of Kuwaiti social life.
Traditional Gulf foods, coffee and hospitality also have an important role in social and family occasions.
Food in Kuwait
Kuwaiti cuisine reflects Arabian Gulf traditions as well as historical connections with South Asia, Persia and other trading regions.
Popular dishes include:
- Machboos – spiced rice served with meat or fish
- Margoog – a stew containing vegetables and dough pieces
- Mutabbaq samak – rice and fish dish
- Harees – wheat and meat cooked together
- Gabout – dumplings served with a savory sauce
- Balaleet – sweetened vermicelli often served with eggs
- Dates
- Arabic coffee
Seafood has traditionally been important because of Kuwait’s location on the Gulf.
Major Cities and Areas
Kuwait City
Kuwait City is the capital and largest urban center.
It is the country’s main political, financial, commercial and cultural center.
The metropolitan area contains government institutions, businesses, shopping districts, museums, parks and major landmarks.
Hawalli
Hawalli is a densely populated urban area east of Kuwait City and is known for residential, commercial and retail activity.
Salmiya
Salmiya is a major coastal urban area with shopping centers, restaurants, residential neighborhoods and waterfront attractions.
Al Ahmadi
Al Ahmadi developed closely around Kuwait’s petroleum industry and is associated with Kuwait Oil Company operations and the country’s oil history.
Jahra
Jahra is an important urban area in western Kuwait and is historically associated with agriculture and the country’s interior settlements.
Landmarks and Places to Visit
Kuwait has a mixture of modern architecture, museums, traditional markets, coastal areas and historic sites.
Important attractions include:
- Kuwait Towers
- Al Shaheed Park
- Souq Al-Mubarakiya
- Grand Mosque
- Kuwait National Museum
- Tareq Rajab Museum
- Failaka Island
- Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre
- Al Kout Mall and waterfront
- Scientific Center
Kuwait Towers
The Kuwait Towers are among the country’s most recognizable landmarks.
The three towers were completed in the late 1970s and became a symbol of modern Kuwait.
The main tower contains observation and dining facilities, while the smaller towers are associated with Kuwait’s water-distribution infrastructure.
The towers are also included on Kuwait’s UNESCO Tentative List as a proposed cultural heritage property.
Failaka Island
Failaka Island lies in the Persian Gulf northeast of Kuwait City.
The island has evidence of human settlement and cultural interaction stretching across several historical periods.
Archaeological remains on Failaka reflect ancient connections between Kuwait and wider Gulf and Mesopotamian civilizations.
UNESCO added Failaka Island: A Palimpsest of Human Civilizations to Kuwait’s Tentative List in 2025.
Heritage and UNESCO
Kuwait currently has no properties inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
However, UNESCO’s Tentative List for Kuwait contains six sites, including:
- Sa’ad and Sae’ed Area in Failaka Island
- Abraj Al-Kuwait
- Sheikh Abdullah Al-Jabir Palace
- Boubyan Island and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Marine Reserve
- Failaka Island: A Palimpsest of Human Civilizations
- Ahmadi Company Town
The latest additions include Failaka Island in 2025 and Ahmadi Company Town in 2026.
Tourism in Kuwait
Tourism in Kuwait is centered largely on its urban attractions, Gulf coastline, museums, cultural sites and modern architecture.
Visitors can explore:
- Kuwait Towers
- Souq Al-Mubarakiya
- Failaka Island
- Museums
- Modern cultural centers
- Waterfront areas
- Traditional markets
- Parks and public spaces
Kuwait’s desert environment also provides opportunities for outdoor activities during the cooler months.
Education
Kuwait has an extensive public and private education system.
The country has schools, colleges and universities, including Kuwait University and other higher-education institutions.
Education has been an important component of Kuwait’s modern development, supported by substantial public investment.
The country also hosts international schools serving its large expatriate population.
Transportation
Kuwait has a modern road network connecting Kuwait City with residential areas, industrial districts, ports and neighboring countries.
Kuwait International Airport is the country’s principal international aviation gateway.
The country’s ports, including Shuwaikh Port and Shuaiba Port, support commercial shipping and trade.
Kuwait’s public transportation system includes buses, while private vehicles remain an important form of transportation.
Environment and Wildlife
Kuwait’s desert and marine environments support a variety of plant and animal species adapted to hot, dry conditions.
Important ecosystems include:
- Desert plains
- Coastal mudflats
- Salt marshes
- Shallow Gulf waters
- Islands
- Marine habitats
Boubyan Island is particularly important for coastal and marine biodiversity. UNESCO’s Tentative List describes the island and the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Marine Reserve as containing significant terrestrial and marine habitats.
Environmental challenges include water scarcity, desertification, extreme heat, dust storms and pressure on marine ecosystems.
Kuwait Today
Kuwait remains a major petroleum-producing country and an important financial and commercial center in the Gulf.
The World Bank estimates Kuwait’s population at 4.87 million in 2025 and its GDP at approximately US$157.21 billion. GDP growth was estimated at 2.7% for 2025.
The country’s future development includes efforts to strengthen non-oil economic sectors, infrastructure, investment and human capital.
At the same time, Kuwait continues to preserve aspects of its maritime and cultural heritage. UNESCO’s current Tentative List includes six cultural and natural sites, demonstrating ongoing interest in documenting and protecting the country’s heritage.
Kuwait combines a long Gulf trading and maritime history with a modern economy shaped by petroleum, urban development and international connections.