English
Español
中文
हिन्दी
Français
Kuwait
Al Kuwayt
Declare Your Relationship to Kuwait
CountryReports Community
- Studying0
- From Kuwait0
- Kuwait heritage1
- Visited1
- Want to visit1
Customs and Culture
Customs and Culture
Cultural Attributes
Women play a greater role in Kuwaiti society then women do in many other Gulf countries, although they seldom socialize together in public.
Kuwaitis use food to convey the spirit of hospitality and generosity. Food is presented in abundance and variety. No single food expresses this spirit more than Arabic coffee. The ornate coffeepot is ever present. Coffee is offered in the Diwaniya, served in small, delicate cups. To show proper appreciation of a meal, one must eat mightily.
The Fort of Abundance
Get More Customs and Culture
5 more cultural topics for members
Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation
Holidays
National Day
2/25Independence
Dates of Interest
- July - August
Ramadan, the greatest religious observance in Islam, is an annual month of fasting. The exact dates of Islamic holidays cannot be determined in advance, due to the nature of the Islamic lunar calender. Estimates are based on expected visibility of the hilal (waxing crescent moon following a new moon) and may vary according to location.
How do people greet each other in Kuwait?
Greetings are warm and enthusiastic, given between members of the same sex, since men and women seldom socialize together in public. Kuwaitis take time to ask about health, family, and mutual friends.
Do
- Greet people of your own sex
- Take time to ask about health, family, and mutual acquaintances
- Use the honorific "Mister" plus any academic or political title and the first name
Good to know
- "Sheikh" denotes a member of the royal family and is also used for old men
- Language is often sprinkled with references to Allah, such as Al-hamdu-lilah, In Sha-Allah, and Subhan-Allah
What are dining customs like in Kuwait?
Food expresses hospitality and generosity, served in abundance and variety; lunch is the main meal, with many dishes presented at once. Meals are served family-style with guests first, then oldest to youngest.
Do
- Eat mightily to show proper appreciation of a meal
- Accept Arabic coffee served in small, delicate cups
- Try favorites like dolma, hummus, and tabbouleh
Don’t
- Don't expect pork or alcohol, which Muslims are forbidden to consume
Good to know
- Traditionally people ate from a communal platter with the right hand, sitting at a low table
- Honored guests may be offered prized pieces such as the sheep's head
- Tea or coffee are served in a sitting room after the meal
- Some religious Kuwaitis eat only Halal meat and avoid pork by-products like lard or pepsin
What should I wear in Kuwait?
Western-style clothing is popular among young people in urban areas, but many Kuwaitis still wear traditional Arab dress.
Good to know
- Traditional dress includes the ankle-length "dishdasha" robe and "ghutra" head scarf
- Women are veiled according to Islamic law
Which gestures should I know in Kuwait?
Gestures carry strong meaning in Kuwait, from signs of respect to signs of contempt and obscenity.
Do
- Place the right palm on your chest after a handshake to show respect or politely decline food
- Touch fingertips of the right hand to the forehead with a slight bow to show deep respect
- Stroke the mustache with an oath to indicate sincerity
Don’t
- Don't make the "A-OK" sign, which means the "evil eye" and is used with curses
- Don't point or beckon with the index finger, which shows contempt
- Don't hit your right fist into your left palm, which indicates obscenity or contempt
Good to know
- Touching noses together three times is an old Bedouin greeting
- Palm-down hand with fingers pulled toward oneself means "come here"
- Right hand or finger on the nose, eyelid, head, mustache, or beard means "I'll do it for you"
How is family life structured in Kuwait?
Families average three to five children and live in small family units in separate but clustered homes, with social relations expressed through the extended family.
Good to know
- Names run as personal name, father's name, grandfather's name, and family lineage, often linked with "al-"
- Mothers, supported by extended-family women (and sometimes nannies), have primary care of children
- Parents usually reside with one or more of their children
- Marriage outside the extended family is increasingly common, but parental consent remains vital
What do people do for recreation in Kuwait?
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport, and coastal residents enjoy a range of water activities.
Good to know
- Popular activities include swimming, windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving, and yachting
- Horse racing and falconry are also enjoyed
- Beware of jellyfish when swimming in the Persian Gulf
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports
Photos of Kuwait
Photos of Kuwait
Travel and Tourism
Travel and Tourism
- Travel Alert Status
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
- Currency
- Kuwaiti dinar (KD)
- Time Difference
- UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC,during Standard Time)
- Climate
- The country is a sandy, riverless desert interspersed with small hills. Vegetation is sparse. Kuwait's climate is typical of the region. Summer (April-October) temperatures often exceed 120°F, although daytime temperatures of 110-115°F are more common. Mean annual rainfall is 45 inches and occurs mostly during December and January. Short autumn and spring seasons (November, February, and March) are delightful. During winter (December and January), clear, sunny days are common, but it is often cold enough to require a light winter coat in the mornings and evenings. In the early morning the frost point is occasionally reached. Sand and dust storms occur throughout the year, especially between March and August. Periods of high humidity occur, but during the hottest months (June, July, and August), humidity levels usually remain very low.
- Airports
- 7
Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.
View full travel guideRecipes
Recipes
History
History
Historical Eras
Early Settlement
1700 – 1899
Settlers arrived at the site of present-day Kuwait City around 1700, establishing a small fishing and pearling community on the northwestern shore of the Persian Gulf. By 1756, the Al-Sabah family consolidated political authority over the settlement, founding the dynasty that continues to rule Kuwait today. The town gradually developed as a regional trading and maritime center linking Arabia, India, and the broader Gulf world.
British Protectorate
1899 – 1961
In 1899, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah signed an agreement placing Kuwait's foreign relations and defense under British oversight, shielding the emirate from Ottoman and later Iraqi territorial ambitions. The discovery of oil in 1937 transformed Kuwait's economic trajectory entirely, and the subsequent decades saw rapid development of petroleum infrastructure. British-defined boundaries with Iraq, established in 1913 and refined thereafter, would remain a source of regional tension for generations.
Independence & Nation-Building
1961 – 1990
Kuwait gained full independence from Britain on June 19, 1961, and quickly moved to institutionalize governance with a new constitution and an elected National Assembly in 1963. Vast oil revenues funded one of the most comprehensive welfare states in the world, providing citizens with free healthcare, education, and subsidized utilities. Kuwait emerged as a significant regional financial power, though it faced persistent border disputes with Iraq and supported Baghdad financially during the Iran-Iraq War of 1980–1988.
Iraqi Invasion & Liberation
1990 – 1991
On August 2, 1990, Iraqi forces under Saddam Hussein invaded and occupied Kuwait, triggering an international crisis and the imposition of sweeping UN sanctions against Iraq. A US-led coalition launched an air campaign in January 1991, followed by a ground offensive beginning February 23 that liberated Kuwait in just four days. The occupation left catastrophic damage to Kuwait's oil infrastructure, requiring more than $5 billion in repairs and hundreds of burning oil wells that took months to extinguish.
Reconstruction & Reform
1991 – present
In the post-liberation decade, Kuwait rebuilt its oil industry and secured international recognition of its borders, with Iraq formally acknowledging Kuwaiti sovereignty in 1994 and the UN demarcating a new boundary in 1993. Gradual political reforms expanded democratic participation, most notably in 2005 when parliament granted women the right to vote and stand for election — a right first exercised in 2006 municipal by-elections. Kuwait has continued to navigate tensions between parliamentary politics, the authority of the Al-Sabah ruling family, and the pressures of economic diversification beyond hydrocarbons.
Overview
Sharjah Mosque, built in the 1980s in traditional style
Timeline of Key Events
700
Kuwait became a part of the Abbasid empire.
Kuwait became a part of the Abbasid empire.
1600
North-east portion of Arabian peninsula becomes part of the Turkish Ottoman empire.
North-east portion of Arabian peninsula becomes part of the Turkish Ottoman empire.
1700
Settlers arrive at the site of present-day Kuwait City
Settlers arrive at the site of present-day Kuwait City from the interior of the Arabian peninsula. The settlement grows into a bustling trading hub by the early 1800s.
1756
Kuwait comes under the control of the Al-Sabah family, predecessors of Kuwait’s present rulers.
Kuwait comes under the control of the Al-Sabah family, predecessors of Kuwait’s present rulers. A degree of semi-autonomy from Ottoman Turkey prevails.
1899
Kuwait became a British protectorate.
Kuwait became a British protectorate.
1913
The boundary between Iraq and Kuwait was defined.
The boundary between Iraq and Kuwait was defined.
1937
Oil was found in Kuwait.
Large oil reserves discovered by the US-British Kuwait Oil Company. Exploitation is delayed by World War II, but thereafter fuels the country’s development into a modern commercial center.
Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.
View expanded historyInteresting Facts
Interesting Facts
Kuwait has the world's lowest death rate with 2.2 per 1,000 people.
The name Kuwait is derived from the word Kut, an Arabic word meaning fort.
During the aftermath of the Gulf War virtually all of Kuwait's 732 oil wells were set ablaze by the fleeing Iraqi army. It took seven months to douse the oil blazes.
Traditionally, the Bedouins depended on camels, sheep and goats for their survival.
See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.
View all interesting factsGeography and Environment
Geography and Environment
- Terrain
- flat to slightly undulating desert plain
- Climate
- The country is a sandy, riverless desert interspersed with small hills. Vegetation is sparse. Kuwait's climate is typical of the region. Summer (April-October) temperatures often exceed 120 °F, although daytime temperatures of 110-115 °F are more common. Mean annual rainfall is 45 inches and occurs mostly during December and January. Short autumn and spring seasons (November, February, and March) are delightful. During winter (December and January), clear, sunny days are common, but it is often cold enough to require a light winter coat in the mornings and evenings. In the early morning the frost point is occasionally reached. Sand and dust storms occur throughout the year, especially between March and August. Periods of high humidity occur, but during the hottest months (June, July, and August), humidity levels usually remain very low.
- Natural Hazards
- sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring heavy rain, which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year, but are most common between March and August
- Current Environmental Issues
- limited natural fresh water resources; some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the water; air and water pollution; desertification
Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.
View full geographyPeople & Demographics
People & Demographics
Religion
Languages Spoken
Arabic (official), English widely spoken
- Arabic
Population
- Population
- 4,310,108
- Population in Major Urban Areas
- KUWAIT (capital) 2.406 million
- Nationality Noun
- Kuwaiti(s)
- Ethnic Groups
- Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%
Education
- Literacy Definition
- age 15 and over can read and write
Health Information
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- Life expectancy at birth in Kuwait stands at approximately 78 to 79 years overall, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy hovers around 80 to 81 years, while male life expectancy falls in the range of 76 to 78 years. These figures place Kuwait comfortably above the global average and reflect the country's significant investment in public health infrastructure over recent decades. Kuwait's relatively high life expectancy is closely tied to its well-funded healthcare system, which is largely subsidized by oil revenues. Citizens and eligible residents have access to free or heavily subsidized medical care through a network of government hospitals and clinics. The country has made substantial progress in reducing infant and child mortality rates, which contributes meaningfully to improved life expectancy figures overall. Despite these achievements, Kuwait faces several health challenges that temper further gains in longevity. The country has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, with a significant portion of the adult population affected. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension are prevalent conditions linked in part to sedentary lifestyles, diets high in processed foods, and the effects of rapid urbanization and modernization over the past half century. These chronic non-communicable diseases represent the leading causes of death and place ongoing pressure on the healthcare system. Air quality and environmental factors also play a role in public health outcomes. Kuwait's hot desert climate, combined with industrial activity and vehicle emissions, contributes to respiratory conditions in some segments of the population. The government has launched various national health initiatives aimed at promoting physical activity, reducing tobacco use, and addressing dietary habits, particularly among younger generations. Expansion of preventive care programs and continued investment in medical technology and specialist services are expected to support gradual improvements in life expectancy over the coming years. Compared regionally, Kuwait's life expectancy is broadly in line with neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council states such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, which benefit from similar levels of oil-funded public services and healthcare access.
- Infant Mortality Rate
- Kuwait maintains one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the Arab world and the broader Middle East region, reflecting decades of substantial investment in public health infrastructure, healthcare access, and maternal and child health programs. As of recent data, Kuwait's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 6 to 7 deaths per 1,000 live births. This figure represents a dramatic improvement from earlier decades — in the 1970s and 1980s, the rate was significantly higher, often exceeding 30 deaths per 1,000 live births. The consistent downward trend underscores the effectiveness of Kuwait's health policies and the country's ability to leverage oil wealth to fund comprehensive healthcare services. Several factors contribute to Kuwait's low infant mortality rate. The country provides universal healthcare access to its citizens free of charge, including prenatal care, postnatal support, and pediatric services. Skilled medical personnel attend virtually all births, and the country maintains well-equipped maternity hospitals and neonatal intensive care units. Kuwait's high rates of childhood immunization — consistently above 95 percent for key vaccines such as measles, DTP, and polio — have played a critical role in reducing infant deaths from preventable diseases. Maternal health indicators are also strong, with high rates of antenatal care visits and low rates of maternal malnutrition, both of which directly influence infant survival outcomes. The government's focus on public health education has further contributed to improved breastfeeding practices and infant nutrition. While Kuwait's overall infant mortality statistics are impressive, there are some disparities between Kuwaiti citizens and the large expatriate and migrant worker population, who may have more limited access to the same level of subsidized healthcare services. Compared globally, Kuwait's infant mortality rate is competitive with many high-income European nations, placing it well below the global average of approximately 27 deaths per 1,000 live births. Continued investment in neonatal care technology and maternal health programs suggests this rate is likely to improve further in the coming years.
Life Expectancy
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- Life expectancy at birth in Kuwait stands at approximately 78 to 79 years overall, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy hovers around 80 to 81 years, while male life expectancy falls in the range of 76 to 78 years. These figures place Kuwait comfortably above the global average and reflect the country's significant investment in public health infrastructure over recent decades. Kuwait's relatively high life expectancy is closely tied to its well-funded healthcare system, which is largely subsidized by oil revenues. Citizens and eligible residents have access to free or heavily subsidized medical care through a network of government hospitals and clinics. The country has made substantial progress in reducing infant and child mortality rates, which contributes meaningfully to improved life expectancy figures overall. Despite these achievements, Kuwait faces several health challenges that temper further gains in longevity. The country has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, with a significant portion of the adult population affected. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension are prevalent conditions linked in part to sedentary lifestyles, diets high in processed foods, and the effects of rapid urbanization and modernization over the past half century. These chronic non-communicable diseases represent the leading causes of death and place ongoing pressure on the healthcare system. Air quality and environmental factors also play a role in public health outcomes. Kuwait's hot desert climate, combined with industrial activity and vehicle emissions, contributes to respiratory conditions in some segments of the population. The government has launched various national health initiatives aimed at promoting physical activity, reducing tobacco use, and addressing dietary habits, particularly among younger generations. Expansion of preventive care programs and continued investment in medical technology and specialist services are expected to support gradual improvements in life expectancy over the coming years. Compared regionally, Kuwait's life expectancy is broadly in line with neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council states such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, which benefit from similar levels of oil-funded public services and healthcare access.
- Infant Mortality Rate
- Kuwait maintains one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the Arab world and the broader Middle East region, reflecting decades of substantial investment in public health infrastructure, healthcare access, and maternal and child health programs. As of recent data, Kuwait's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 6 to 7 deaths per 1,000 live births. This figure represents a dramatic improvement from earlier decades — in the 1970s and 1980s, the rate was significantly higher, often exceeding 30 deaths per 1,000 live births. The consistent downward trend underscores the effectiveness of Kuwait's health policies and the country's ability to leverage oil wealth to fund comprehensive healthcare services. Several factors contribute to Kuwait's low infant mortality rate. The country provides universal healthcare access to its citizens free of charge, including prenatal care, postnatal support, and pediatric services. Skilled medical personnel attend virtually all births, and the country maintains well-equipped maternity hospitals and neonatal intensive care units. Kuwait's high rates of childhood immunization — consistently above 95 percent for key vaccines such as measles, DTP, and polio — have played a critical role in reducing infant deaths from preventable diseases. Maternal health indicators are also strong, with high rates of antenatal care visits and low rates of maternal malnutrition, both of which directly influence infant survival outcomes. The government's focus on public health education has further contributed to improved breastfeeding practices and infant nutrition. While Kuwait's overall infant mortality statistics are impressive, there are some disparities between Kuwaiti citizens and the large expatriate and migrant worker population, who may have more limited access to the same level of subsidized healthcare services. Compared globally, Kuwait's infant mortality rate is competitive with many high-income European nations, placing it well below the global average of approximately 27 deaths per 1,000 live births. Continued investment in neonatal care technology and maternal health programs suggests this rate is likely to improve further in the coming years.
Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.
View full people and societyGovernment & Politics
Government & Politics
Country Identity
- Country Name
- Kuwait
- Full Country Name
- State of Kuwait
- Local - Long
- Dawlat al Kuwayt
- Local - Short
- Al Kuwayt
Government Structure
- Government Type
- nominal constitutional monarchy
- Legal System
- civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
- Executive Branch
- chief of state: Amir MISHAL al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since 16 December 2023); Crown Prince SABAH al-Khalid al-Hamad al-Sabah (since 16 December 2023) head of government: Prime Minister AHMAD al-Abdullah al-Ahmad al-Sabah (since 15 May 2024); Deputy Prime Ministers and cabinet members appointed in accordance with the prime minister's recommendations cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister and approved by the amir elections: none; the amir is hereditary; prime minister and deputy prime ministers are appointed by the amir
- Legislative Branch
- Unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Umma (50 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms). Women gained the right to vote and stand for election in 2005. Elections: The most recent general election was held on 4 April 2024. Kuwait has held numerous elections over the past two decades, reflecting a period of political instability that included multiple dissolutions of parliament and snap elections. Election results: Percent of vote - NA; the 2024 election saw a strong showing by opposition and tribal candidates, with independents and opposition figures capturing the majority of seats. All cabinet ministers serve as ex officio members of the National Assembly, giving the government appointed bloc additional representation beyond the 50 elected seats. The emir retains the authority to dissolve the National Assembly, a power that has been exercised repeatedly, contributing to frequent electoral cycles.
- Judicial Branch
- High Court of Appeal
- Suffrage
- adult males who have been naturalized for 30 years or more or have resided in Kuwait since before 1920 and their male descendants at age 21
- Constitution
- approved and promulgated 11 November 1962
- Independence
- 19 June 1961 (from UK)
- National Holiday
- National Day, 25 February (1950)
Capital City
- Capital Name
- Kuwait City
- Capital - geographic coordinate
- 29 22 N, 47 58 E
- Capital Time Difference
- UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC,during Standard Time)
the name derives from Arabic "al-Kuwayt" a diminutive of "kut" meaning "fortress," possibly a reference to a small castle built on the current location of Kuwait City by the Beni Khaled tribe in the 17th century
Military
Branches: Kuwaiti Land Forces (KLF), Kuwaiti Navy, Kuwaiti Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Kuwaitiya; includes Kuwaiti Air Defense Force, KADF), Kuwaiti National Guard (KNG)
Embassy / Diplomatic Mission
U.S. Embassy Kuwait
Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 6, Plot 14,
Bayan, Kuwait
Telephone: [965] 2259-1001 or 2259-1002
Emergency after-hours telephone: [965] 2259-1001
Facsimile: [965] 2259-1438
Email: KuwaitACS@state.gov
The U.S. Embassy is open Sunday through Thursday, except on U.S. or local holidays.
Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.
View full government detailsEconomy
Economy
Kuwait is a small, wealthy, and relatively open economy with proved crude oil reserves of about 101.5 billion barrels, representing roughly 6% of global reserves.
Snapshot
- Currency Name and Code
- Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
- GDP — official exchange rate
- $52,760,000,000 (USD)
- GDP Real Growth Rate
- 2.5%
News & Weather
News & Weather
Current Weather
Latest News
Sen. Tammy Baldwin pushes Pentagon to release probe of Iranian attack that killed 6 U.S. troops in Kuwait - CBS News
CBS News · 2d ago
Iran war updates: Kuwait downs Iranian drones targeting vital facilities - Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera · 6d ago
Kuwait Investment Authority Secures $4.25 Billion Loan - Bloomberg.com
Bloomberg.com · 1d ago
Kuwait orders Iranian school shut after attacks by Tehran - The Times of Israel
The Times of Israel · 1d ago
Etihad and Qatar Airways to resume flights to Bahrain and Kuwait - thenationalnews.com
thenationalnews.com · 1d ago
Kuwait orders Iranian school shut: education ministry source - Arab News
Arab News · 1d ago
Iran war updates: US attacks nuclear site; Kuwait desalination plant hit - Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera · 19d ago
Iran war latest: UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait condemn Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia - thenationalnews.com
thenationalnews.com · 1h ago
News via Google News
Climate Overview
The country is a sandy, riverless desert interspersed with small hills. Vegetation is sparse. Kuwait's climate is typical of the region. Summer (April-October) temperatures often exceed 120°F, although daytime temperatures of 110-115°F are more common. Mean annual rainfall is 45 inches and occurs mostly during December and January. Short autumn and spring seasons (November, February, and March) are delightful. During winter (December and January), clear, sunny days are common, but it is often cold enough to require a light winter coat in the mornings and evenings. In the early morning the frost point is occasionally reached. Sand and dust storms occur throughout the year, especially between March and August. Periods of high humidity occur, but during the hottest months (June, July, and August), humidity levels usually remain very low.
Videos
Videos
1 curated YouTube videos.
Source: YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Kuwait?
How do people greet each other in Kuwait?
What are dining customs like in Kuwait?
What should I wear in Kuwait?
Which gestures should I know in Kuwait?
How is family life structured in Kuwait?
What do people do for recreation in Kuwait?
What is the capital of Kuwait?
Where is Kuwait located?
What countries border Kuwait?
What is the religion of Kuwait?
What is the currency of Kuwait?
What language is spoken in Kuwait?
What is Kuwait known for?
Last reviewed 2026