Kuwait

June 19, 1961 (Monday) – Independence from the United Kingdom

November 11, 1962 (Sunday) – Kuwaiti Constitution adopted

December 29, 1962 (Saturday) – First parliamentary elections held

October 24, 1963 (Thursday) – Joins the United Nations

August 2, 1990 (Thursday) – Iraq invades Kuwait, beginning Gulf War

February 27, 1991 (Wednesday) – Liberation of Kuwait by coalition forces

March 2, 1991 (Saturday) – Oil well fires begin due to Iraqi retreat

November 11, 1992 (Wednesday) – Parliament reconvenes post-Gulf War

March 11, 2001 (Sunday) – Sandstorm covers much of the country

February 27, 2011 (Sunday) – 20th anniversary of liberation marked by major celebration

November 11–13, 2018 (Sunday–Tuesday) – Severe floods after heavy rainfall; infrastructure damage

March 11, 2020 (Wednesday) – First COVID-19 lockdown begins

October 4, 2022 (Tuesday) – Massive sandstorm disrupts transport and closes schools

January 11, 2024 (Thursday) – Fire at oil facility in Ahmadi, minor injuries, no fatalities

Continent: Asia
Location: Northeastern Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Persian Gulf
Capital: Kuwait City
Language: Arabic
Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
Population: ~4.3 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST, UTC+3)*

Borders: Iraq, Saudi Arabia
Landscape: Mostly flat desert plain with some low hills
Major Rivers: None permanent; historically fed by Shatt al-Arab system
Major Mountains: No major mountains; highest elevation is Mutla Ridge
Deserts: Arabian Desert
Lakes: No natural lakes; some artificial lagoons and reservoirs
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Mutla Ridge – 306 meters (1,004 ft)
Lowest Point: Persian Gulf – sea level
Climate: Arid desert; hot summers, mild winters; very low rainfall
Geological Features: Flat limestone plateaus, sandy plains, oil-rich sedimentary basins

Ethnic Groups: Kuwaiti (30%), non-Kuwaiti (70% – includes South Asian, Arab, Southeast Asian workers)
Religion: Islam (official); ~70% Sunni, ~30% Shia
Urban Population: ~98% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~4.1% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Oil wealth, Gulf architecture, pearl diving heritage
Cuisine: Machboos, seafood, dates, lamb, Arabic coffee
Arts: Islamic art, calligraphy, poetry, contemporary Kuwaiti theater
Sports: Football (soccer), basketball, camel racing

Economy Type: Oil-based; high-income economy
GDP: Approx. $157 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Petroleum, petrochemicals, financial services
Key Exports: Crude oil, refined petroleum, fertilizers
Unemployment Rate: ~2.2% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Kuwait City (financial and political hub), Ahmadi (oil refining)

Government Type: Constitutional emirate
Head of State: Emir Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah (as of April 2025)
Legislature: National Assembly (Majlis al-Umma)
Constitution: Adopted on November 11, 1962

Kuwait Towers: Iconic architecture and city views
Grand Mosque: Largest mosque in Kuwait
Tareq Rajab Museum: Islamic art and manuscripts
Failaka Island: Ancient Greek and Islamic archaeological remains
Al Shaheed Park: Green urban park with museums
Souk Al-Mubarakiya: Traditional market in old Kuwait City