Kuwait
Geography - People - Economy - Government - Communications - Transportation - Military - Transnational IssuesCountry information - Kuwait
Country name - conventional long form : State of Kuwait
Country name - conventional short form : Kuwait
Country name - local long form : Dawlat al Kuwayt
Country name - local short form : Al Kuwayt
Country name - former :
Country code : KU
Government type : constitutional emirate
Capital - name : Kuwait
Capital - time difference : UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
National holiday : National Day, 25 February (1950)
Population :
Nationality - noun : Kuwaiti(s)
Nationality - adjective : Kuwaiti
Languages : Arabic (official), English widely spoken
Currency (code) : Kuwaiti dinar (KD)
Currency code : KWD
Major infectious diseases - degree of risk :
Major infectious diseases - note :
Kuwait is located Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The climate is dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters. The terrain is flat to slightly undulating desert plain.
Background
This entry usually highlights major historic events and current issues and may include a statement about one or two key future trends.Background : Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling Kuwaiti AL-SABAH dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on 2 August 1990. Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led, UN coalition began a ground assault on 23 February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure damaged during 1990-91. The AL-SABAH family has ruled since returning to power in 1991 and reestablished an elected legislature that in recent years has become increasingly assertive.
