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Modern states /
Kuwait
State of Kuwait
Arabic:
dawlatu l-kuwayt
Play national anthem
Search 'Kuwait'
Major cities
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| Kuwait |
2,100,000 |
| Qalib ash-Shuyukh |
110,000 |
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Status
| Independent monarchy, divided into 5 governorates (muhafaza(t)).
Day of independence: June 19, 1961 (independence from Britain).
February 25, 1950 is however celebrated as the National holiday.
| Government
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Head of state: Emir Saad.
Prime minister: Sabah Ahmad Jaber as-Sabah. There are 14 ministries, and 7 ministers come from the Sabah clan.
National Assembly: The Majlis al-Umma has 50 seats, but limited power over national politics. Last elections were held on July 5, 2003.
| Geography
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Inhabitants: 2.75 million (2005 estimate).
Census April 20, 1995: 1.58 million (58% male, 42% female).
Kuwaiti nationals: 900,000.
Non-Kuwaiti citizens: 1.9 million.
Population growth rate: 3.3%
Total area: 17,820 kmē
Density: 154 per kmē
Border: 462 km (Saudi Arabia 222 km, Iraq 240 km).
Coastline: 499 km.
Highest point: 306 m
Arable land: 0.3%
Capital: Kuwait.
| Human Development Index
| World rank (of 182): 31
Index (1.0 max): 0.916
Explanation
| Demography
| Ethnic groups: Kuwaiti Arabs, other Arabs, Iranian peoples, peoples of South Asia, Europe and America.
Languages: Arabic (official), English.
Religions: Sunni Islam, Shi'i Islam, Christianity, Hinduism.
| Economy
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Currency: Dinar=10 dirhams=1,000 fils (KWD)
1 Dinar=US$3.70. US$1=0.27 (Sep. 2008)
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Climate and Geography
Kuwait is from nature's side all desert, made up of red soil, and there is little that favours agriculture.
Vegetation is limited to low bushes and scrub, and salt-loving plants in the marshes along the coast. Only 9% of the land is arable, with occasional oases, and some sparse vegetation along the coast.
With the help of irrigation controlled by modern technology, Kuwait has come to be more green than before.
The landscape of Kuwait is flat, and the highest point in the country is 299 m. Kuwait has 9 islands, but only Faylaka is inhabited.
Average day temperature is 33°C, but can drop as low as -3° in January. 52°C is maximum temperature. Annual rainfall is between 25 mm and 175 mm, most of this falling during the months between October and March. Winter also comes with fierce dust storms, called kaus.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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