Kuwait

Kuwait, officially the State of Kuwait (Dawlat al-Kuwayt), is a small yet strategically significant country situated at the northern tip of the Persian Gulf in the Middle East. Bordered by Iraq to the north and west and Saudi Arabia to the south, Kuwait spans an area of 17,818 square kilometres, slightly smaller than the U.S. state of New Jersey. Despite its modest geographical size, Kuwait’s vast oil reserves and geopolitical position grant it outsized influence in regional and global affairs. The nation operates under a constitutional monarchy that merges traditional authority with parliamentary participation, reflecting a balance between modern governance and long-standing cultural conservatism.

Historical Background

Kuwait’s modern political identity traces its origins to the Al-Sabah dynasty, which has ruled since the mid-18th century. Facing Ottoman expansion, Amir Mubarak Al-Sabah entered into a treaty with Britain in 1899, securing protection while maintaining internal autonomy. This agreement effectively made Kuwait a British protectorate until independence on 19 June 1961, ending over sixty years of external oversight.
Kuwait’s sovereignty was challenged dramatically in August 1990, when Iraq invaded and annexed the country, citing historical claims. The Gulf War (1990–1991) saw a U.S.-led United Nations coalition liberate Kuwait in February 1991, reinstating the Al-Sabah family. The post-war era witnessed rapid reconstruction and the re-establishment of the National Assembly, which had been dissolved in 1986.
The early 21st century saw fluctuating political tension, with the Arab Spring (2011–2012) inspiring protests demanding reform, transparency, and inclusion, particularly among Bidoon (stateless Arabs) and youth movements. Between 2006 and 2020, repeated dissolutions of parliament underscored persistent friction between the legislative and executive branches.
Since 2020, under Amir Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al-Sabah, Kuwait has pursued a National Dialogue aimed at easing political gridlock. However, in May 2024, the Amir dissolved the National Assembly and suspended parts of the constitution for up to four years, consolidating executive power and pausing the parliamentary system that had long set Kuwait apart within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Geography and Climate

Located on the northern Arabian Peninsula, Kuwait consists predominantly of a flat desert plain with minimal elevation, its highest point rising to just 300 metres near the Al-Salmi Border Post. The country’s coastline of 499 kilometres fronts the Persian Gulf, providing access to vital shipping routes.
Kuwait’s arid desert climate brings scorching summers, mild winters, and frequent dust and sandstorms, sometimes punctuated by sudden cloudbursts that cause flash floods. Limited freshwater resources have made Kuwait reliant on desalination plants and water imports, while its strategic location continues to bolster its geopolitical relevance in the energy and maritime sectors.

People and Society

Kuwait’s population, estimated at 3.14 million in 2024, is characterised by high urbanisation (100%) and significant dependence on foreign labour, which accounts for nearly 72% of the total population. The demographic composition includes Kuwaitis (30.4%), other Arabs (27.4%), Asians (40.3%), and others (2%).
Arabic is the official language, while English functions widely in commerce and education. The majority religion is Islam (74.6%), followed by Christianity (18.2%), with other or unspecified faiths comprising 7.2%.
Health and education indicators reflect Kuwait’s welfare-driven governance. The literacy rate stands at 96%, and the nation allocates 5% of GDP to education and 5.8% to healthcare. Life expectancy averages 79.6 years, while the fertility rate is 2.21 children per woman. Despite strong public services, obesity (38%) and tobacco use (22%) remain significant health challenges. The Bidoon, numbering around 92,000, remain stateless, posing ongoing human rights and integration issues.

Government and Politics

Kuwait functions as a constitutional monarchy, combining hereditary rule with elements of parliamentary democracy. The 1962 constitution established a unicameral National Assembly (Majlis al-Umma) of 50 elected members, but political parties remain unrecognised by law, operating instead as informal blocs.
The Amir holds extensive authority, including appointing the Prime Minister, dissolving parliament, and issuing decrees. The current Amir, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al-Sabah, assumed office in December 2023, while Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah became Prime Minister in May 2024. The recent suspension of the Assembly has placed full legislative control under the executive until at least 2028.
The legal framework integrates English common law, French civil law, and Islamic sharia, reflecting Kuwait’s hybrid legal tradition. Suffrage is granted to citizens aged 21 and above with a minimum of 20 years of citizenship, ensuring a relatively restricted electorate.

Economy

Kuwait’s economy is heavily dependent on oil, which accounts for approximately 60% of GDP and 90% of government revenue. The Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), established in 1953, is recognised as the world’s oldest sovereign wealth fund, managing assets exceeding $700 billion globally.

• GDP (PPP, 2024): $225.9 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $45,400
• Real GDP growth (2024): –2.6%
• Inflation: 2.9%
• Unemployment: 2.2% (youth 15.4%)

Kuwait’s long-term “Vision 2035” strategy aims to transform the country into a regional financial and commercial hub, diversify income sources through renewable energy, and encourage private sector participation. However, bureaucratic delays and political instability continue to impede progress.
Trade and Finance:

• Exports (2024): $89.7 billion – chiefly crude oil, refined petroleum, natural gas, and plastics
• Imports (2024): $61.5 billion – mainly vehicles, garments, medicines, and gas
• Main export partners: China, India, Japan, Taiwan, and the UK
• Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar (KD), one of the world’s strongest, with an exchange rate of roughly 0.307 KD per USD.

Energy

As a founding member of OPEC, Kuwait ranks among the top ten oil producers globally, with proven reserves of 101.5 billion barrels—around 6% of global supply. The country produces approximately 2.9 million barrels of oil per day and holds 1.78 trillion cubic metres of natural gas reserves.
Energy consumption remains among the world’s highest, with 97.8% of electricity generated from fossil fuels. The government is investing in solar and wind energy, though renewables currently represent only 2% of total production.

Defence and Security

Kuwait maintains a defensive military structure comprising the Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, and Coast Guard, totalling about 24,000 active personnel. Mandatory conscription requires men aged 18–35 to serve for one year.
Defence spending, amounting to 4.9% of GDP, underscores Kuwait’s security focus, particularly given its proximity to Iraq and Iran. Since the 1991 Gulf War, Kuwait has hosted U.S. military forces and is designated a Major Non-NATO Ally. The country also participates in the GCC’s Peninsula Shield Force, contributing to regional stability and maritime security.

Environment and Infrastructure

Environmental concerns dominate Kuwait’s national agenda. The country suffers from acute water scarcity, possessing only 20 million cubic metres of renewable freshwater resources, alongside high carbon emissions (around 100 million tonnes in 2023) and frequent dust storms.
Efforts to mitigate these issues include investments in desalination technology, waste recycling (15.4%), and green infrastructure. Kuwait enjoys 100% electrification and water access, reflecting robust infrastructure despite environmental constraints.

Culture and National Identity

Kuwait’s national flag, featuring green, white, red, and black, symbolises fertility, purity, courage, and triumph—colours inspired by the Arab Revolt flag. Its golden falcon emblem represents resilience and sovereignty, while the national anthem, “Al-Nasheed Al-Watani” (1978), evokes patriotic unity.