Kuwait
Region
🌍 Asia
Population
👥 4
Currency
💱 Kuwaiti dinar
Languages
🗣️ Arabic
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 34 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Kuwait, a nation nestled at the tip of the Persian Gulf, offers a captivating blend of rich history and modern ambition, making it an intriguing destination for first-time visitors. Often celebrated for its burgeoning arts scene and its deep-rooted Bedouin heritage, the country presents a unique cultural tapestry. While much of Kuwait's landscape is characterized by desert terrain, the vibrant capital city of Kuwait City offers gleaming skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and fascinating museums. Visitors can expect a warm welcome and a glimpse into a society that skillfully balances tradition with progress. Key attractions include the iconic Kuwait Towers, the historic Souk Al-Mubarakiya, and the informative National Museum. Prepare for a hospitable experience where ancient customs meet contemporary life, offering a distinct perspective on the Arabian Peninsula.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
State of Kuwait
Continent
Asia
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Kuwaiti
Independence
June 19, 1961 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.kw
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+965
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+03:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Kuwait City
ISO Alpha-2
KW
ISO Alpha-3
KWT
UN Code
414
Geographic Coordinates
29.5,45.75
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
17,818#158 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
4,881,254#128 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
272.36
Highest Point (m)
290
Lowest Point (m)
Sea level (Persian Gulf)
Land Use
Primarily desert; limited arable land.
Irrigated Land
Relatively little land is irrigated.
Coastline Length
499 km
Climate
Hot, arid desert climate with mild winters and very hot summers.
Natural Resources
Petroleum, natural gas, fish, shrimp.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Iraq, Saudi Arabia
Major Rivers
This country has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This country has no major lakes.
Government Type
Constitutional monarchy
Administrative Divisions
6 governorates
Legal System
Based on civil law with Islamic law influences.
Chief of State
Amir Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Head of Government
Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah
Cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the Prime Minister.
Elections
Elections are held for the National Assembly.
Judicial Branch
Civil, criminal, and Sharia (Islamic law) courts.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly (Majlis Al-Ummah)
Major Political Parties
Political parties are not formally recognized; various political blocs and coalitions exist.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Kuwaiti dinar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
157.21#59 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
274.73#73 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
32,312.31#53 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.53
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
54.12
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
59.62
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.36#114 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2,927,890
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.18#166 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Relatively low, around 10-15% of GDP (2022 est.).
Budget
Kuwait's budget is heavily reliant on oil revenue.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
89.71#52 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
61.52#62 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Significant foreign reserves due to oil revenue.
Currency Exchange
Exchange rates for the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) can be found at major financial websites and banks.
GDP by Sector
Primarily driven by oil and related industries, with smaller contributions from services and manufacturing.
Major Industries
Petroleum, petrochemicals, shipping, construction.
Major Export Partners
Primarily to Asian countries like China, India, and South Korea.
Major Import Partners
Primarily from China, United States, and Saudi Arabia.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2020)Checked September 29, 2026
96.46#65 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.5
Net Migration Rate
Approximately 10 migrants per 1,000 population.
Median Age
Approximately 33 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
100#1 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization is already very high, with a small rate of increase.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
84.6#4 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is very low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
4.96
Ethnic Groups
Kuwaiti 44%, other Arab 33%, Asian 9%, African 6%, Iranian 2%, other 6%.
Religions
Muslim (official) 76.7%, Christian 17.3%, other 5.8%.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Arabic
Education
Education System
Public education is free for Kuwaiti citizens. Education system follows a structure of primary, intermediate, secondary, and higher education.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
14.7
Government Education Spending
Government spends a significant portion of its budget on education.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Kuwait University, Australian College of Kuwait, Gulf University for Science and Technology.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Kuwaiti culture is heavily influenced by Islam and Arab traditions. Hospitality is highly valued.
National Holidays
National Day, Liberation Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha.
Popular Music
Traditional Arabic music, pop music, and Khaliji music are popular.
Traditional Food
Machboos (rice with meat or fish), muttabaq (stuffed pancake), and gers ogaily (cardamom cake).
Sports
Football (soccer), basketball, and camel racing are popular sports.
Major Festivals
National and Liberation Day celebrations, Hala February festival (shopping and entertainment).
Famous People
Athletes, writers, artists, and prominent figures in business and politics.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Traditional souks (markets), old houses, and historical forts.
UNESCO Sites
None.
Annual Tourist Visits
Moderate number of annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is growing, focused on cultural experiences, shopping, and business travel.
Top Tourist Attractions
Kuwait Towers, Grand Mosque, Liberation Tower, Al Shaheed Park, and The Avenues Mall.
Famous Cities
Kuwait City, Al Jahra, Salmiya, and Hawalli.
National Parks
Limited number of national parks, but efforts are underway to expand protected areas.
Protected Areas
Protected areas exist, including marine reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal time to visit Kuwait is during the cooler months, from October to April, when the oppressive summer heat subsides. This period is ideal for exploring the city's attractions, enjoying outdoor dining, and experiencing the local souks without discomfort. For those interested in beach activities, including visiting islands like Bubiyan and Warbah, the spring months of March and April offer pleasant temperatures. Desert excursions and stargazing are also best enjoyed during this temperate window. While summer is extremely hot, making outdoor activities challenging, it can be suitable for those primarily interested in indoor attractions like museums and shopping malls. Festivals and cultural events often take place during the winter months, offering a lively atmosphere for visitors seeking local celebrations.
Tourist Visa Info
Visas may be required for many nationalities; e-visas are available.
Visa Requirements Overview
Tourist visa requirements for Kuwait vary significantly depending on your nationality. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Kuwait International Airport, while others may need to apply for a visa in advance through a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries generally do not require a visa to enter Kuwait. It is crucial to check the specific requirements for your passport well before your travel dates, as regulations can change. Always ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Kuwait. Some nationalities might also be eligible for an e-visa application online.
Travel Advisory
Generally safe, but travelers should be aware of regional geopolitical tensions.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Kuwait has a relatively high healthcare quality index.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and insurance coverage.
Number of Hospitals
Kuwait has a significant number of hospitals, both public and private.
Universal Healthcare
Universal healthcare available to citizens, with free or subsidized public healthcare services.
Medical Services Overview
Kuwait offers a mix of public and private healthcare services.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available and generally accessible.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
112
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
112
Emergency Number (Fire)
112
Crime Rate
Relatively low crime rate.
Safety Index
High safety index.
Military Expenditure
Significant military expenditure as a percentage of GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are generally well-equipped and responsive.
Safety Overview
Kuwait is generally a safe country for tourists, with a low crime rate. As in any destination, it is advisable to remain aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded public places like souks and markets, where petty theft can occasionally occur. Scams targeting tourists are uncommon, but it's always wise to be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance or unusually good deals. While Kuwait City is very safe, exercising common sense, such as avoiding displaying large amounts of cash, is recommended. Respect for local customs and laws is paramount; for instance, public displays of affection are frowned upon. Emergency services are efficient and readily available, should the need arise. Overall, visitors can expect a secure environment for their travels.
Military Branches
Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Guard.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Universal electricity access.
Water Access
Universal access to improved water sources.
Sanitation Access
Universal access to improved sanitation facilities.
Railways
No railways.
Roadways
Well-developed road network, including highways and expressways.
Transportation System
Well-developed road network. Public transport includes buses and taxis.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base (XIJ)
Ports
Major ports include Shuwaikh Port and Shuaiba Port, handling significant trade volume.
Public Transit
Limited public transit; buses are the primary mode.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
100#1 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Very high mobile subscriptions per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup scene, particularly in fintech and e-commerce.
Innovation Index
Moderate innovation index.
ICT Development Index
High ICT Development Index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Multiple TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type G, 240V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
23.67#4 of 202
Air Quality Index
High air pollution levels, especially in urban areas due to industrial activity and vehicle emissions.
Water Pollution Level
Significant water pollution, particularly in coastal areas, from industrial discharge, sewage, and oil spills.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited renewable energy usage, with a focus on solar energy initiatives.
Environmental Issues
Air and water pollution, desertification, and limited freshwater resources.
Natural Hazards
Dust storms, sandstorms, and potential for earthquakes.
Waste Management
Inadequate waste management infrastructure, leading to challenges with landfill capacity and recycling.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international agreements on climate change, ozone layer protection, and biodiversity.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains diplomatic missions globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Arab League, OPEC
Major Treaties
Participates in major international treaties related to trade, environment, and security.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free access for Kuwaiti citizens to a range of countries.