The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab emirate bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and Iraq to the north and west.
Kuwait lies at the north-west corner of the Arabian Gulf. Since ancient times, Kuwait has served as the gateway to the Middle East because of its geographical location. Kuwait has drawn upon the accumulated wisdom of countries around the world to power its own growth. In a few decades, after the discovery of oil, a nation of fishermen and traders has transformed into one of the richest and developed nations in the world -- offering state-of-the-art amenities, secure infrastructural facilities and technical excellence -- and is respected around the world. The Kuwaitis' pride in their history, heritage and national progress has given rise to an identity which is uniquely Kuwaiti. An identity which is worthy of emulation by all nations in the world.
Kuwait is divided into six governorates.
Al Ahmadi
Al Farwaniyah
Al Asimah
Al Jahra
Hawalli
Mubarak Al-Kabeer
The governorates are subdivided into districts.
The major cities are the capital Kuwait City and Jahrah (a thirty-minute drive northwest of Kuwait City). The main residential and commercial areas are Salmiya and Hawalli. The main industrial area is Shuwaikh within the Al Asimah Governorate.
Official languages : Arabic
Currency : Kuwaiti dinar (KWD)
The Origin of Kuwait
The importance of the Arabian Gulf and Kuwait in history or in the international relations and international trade in particular stretches back to the old distant ages. The present land of Kuwait was located within the Arabian middle lands of the State of Kendah which emerged during the period from the third to the fifth century A.D.
The archeological excavation commenced by the effort of the Danish mission in Failaka Island in 1958, proved that an ancient historical civilization existed in Kuwait. The present land of the Sate of Kuwait is connected in the west to the Arabian Peninsula which is an inseparable part of it. Also from the sea side, it forms as a part of the Arabian Gulf Coast. On that basis, the ancient and middle history was firmly related to the Arabia Peninsula, its residents and the Gulf area.
Constitution
Kuwait's Constitution combines the positive aspects of both presidential and parliamentary forms of government. It is based on principles of democracy - on the sovereignty of the nation, freedom of the citizen and on equality of all citizens in the eyes of the law.
Kuwait's Constitution was drafted by an elected 20-member Constituent Assembly and 11 ministers - who joined the Assembly later. On November 1, 1962, the draft constitution was approved by the then Amir, late Sheikh Abdallah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. The Constitution came into force on January 29, 1963, when the first National Assembly convened.
Main source of national revenue of the country.
Petroleum and natural gas sector represents the main natural resource, and is considered to be the main source of national revenue of the country. Exporting oil marked as the beginning of a new era in which the oil sector began to play a key role in the growth of the national economy.
1938- Oil was discovered by Kuwait Oil Company in Burgan Oil Field, but the first shipment was exported in 1946.
As member of OPEC, Kuwait owns about 10 per cent of the world's proven oil reserves. Its reserves of 96.5 billion barrels are expected to last more than 100 years.
Climate
Due to the location of Kuwait in the Sahara geographical region, the weather of the country is characterised by long, hot and dry summers and short, warm and sometimes rainy winters. Dust storms almost always occur with a rise in humidity during summer.
National Day
On 25th of February, Kuwait celebrates its National Day to mark the creation of Kuwait as a nation in 1961. On this day, the national celebrations include public meetings and get-togethers, firework displays and a spirit of celebration that imbues every Kuwaiti Public buildings are illuminated on the occasion and Kuwaitis, young and old, wear their national dress to participate in the festivities.
Liberation Day
Liberation Day (February 26) celebrates the liberation of Kuwait by a multi-national force from seven months of traumatic Iraqi occupation on February 26, 1991. Each year the day is marked with public gatherings and get-togethers.
However, the day is also tinged with sadness as Kuwait remembers and honours the martyrs who lost their lives fighting Iraqi oppression and the 605 Prisoners of War out of which, 236 remains have been found and the fate of 378 POWs is still not known.( As Per July 2008)
Hala February
The Hala February festival is an annual event that takes place in Kuwait during the month of February which is considered one of the distinct month in Kuwait as it coincides with Kuwait's National and Liberation Days. It is also a time when parched sands of the desert transform into a magical green carpet covered with blossoming, colourful flora. The arrival of migratory birds and seasonal animals during this time add further colour, elegance and beauty to the desert. Springtime is the tourists' season in Kuwait when visitors are especially welcomed for a month long celebrations of a cultural and entertainment extravaganza in response to popular demand for tourism and local populace. Many activities and festival are organized, special offers and discounts, daily prizes, musical parties, variety shows, cultural activities and folk arts are held. In addition, local and international level teams participate in sport activities.
Hala Festival is a great opportunity for young and old alike to participate in this kaleidoscope of events featuring cultural festivals, shopping carnivals, visit tourist spots, and win prizes at the many raffles and contests held during the time period. It is an important and a remarkable event among the Arab and Gulf festivals.
Places of Interest / Tourist attractions
With a history of around 400 years and a rapid pace of development, which never lost sight of its heritage, Kuwait has many historical, modern, beautiful and significant tourist spots to cater to everybody’s entertainment.
National Museum
Located in Kuwait City on the Arabian Gulf Street between the Seif Palace and the National Assembly (Parliament),
Inaugurated on 23 February 1983
Bayt Al-Badr (Al-Badr House)
An old house located next to Al-Sadu house, Bayt Al-Badr was built between 1838 and 1848. In 1968, this house was joined to the Museum of Antiquities for displaying old Kuwaiti architecture. In 1976, it became a temporary abode for the Kuwait National Museum.
Trips to the Islands
Taking a boat trip to one of the islands, such as Kubbar, can be a pleasant one-day experience, with swimming and picnicking on an island or on the boat itself possibly with fish caught by trawl or line on the way out. For a few hundred KD, a dhow can be hired, including crew and all running costs, which is ideal for a small office outing or for three or four families on an outing together.
Pearl Diving
Pearls (dana), not oil, once formed the basis of Kuwait's wealth. Now, annual pearl diving festivals help today's generation experience the excitement and hardship that their forefathers faced.
Transport System
A well-developed network of around 2,000 kms of paved roads and expressways links all the towns in the State.
Buses:
A public bus service is operated by Kuwait Transport Company (KTC). KTC buses provide transport to passengers with fares ranging from 50 fils within the city to 300 fils for long trips to outlying urban areas. The express buses on certain routes have air conditioning, make fewer stops, and charge at least 150 fils.
Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) is a government utility specializing in group transport services in and outside of Kuwait. Provide all means of land and marine transport, particularly the transport of passengers and luggage, in and outside Kuwait.
Airport
http://www.kuwait-airport.com.kw
Useful websites
The Kuwait News Agency ( KUNA)
www.kuna.net.kw
Ministry of Information
www.moinfo.gov.kw
newspaper
www.kuwaittimes.net
Qibla Locator
http://www.qiblalocator.com/
Kuwait Stock Exchange
http://www.kuwaitse.com/PORTAL/DEFAULT.ASPX
