Kuwait Geography

What is the terrain and geography like in Kuwait?

Geography - note

strategic location at head of Persian Gulf

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.

Kuwait Use of Natural Resources

Kuwait Environment

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.

Terrain:

flat to slightly undulating desert plain

Natural Resources:

petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas

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

Irrigated Land:

33 Square Miles
86 Square Kilometers

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

Environment - International Agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping

Kuwait Geography

Geographic Location Middle East
Total Area 6,880 Square Miles
17,818 Square Kilometers
Land Area 6,880 Square Miles
17,818 Square Kilometers
Land Boundaries 287 Miles
462 Kilometers
Irrigated Land 33 Square Miles
86 Square Kilometers
Border Countries Iraq 240 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km
Coastline 310 Miles
499 Kilometers
Geographic Coordinates 29 30 N, 45 45 E
Terrain flat to slightly undulating desert plain
Highest Point 306 Meters
Highest Point Location unnamed location 306 m
Lowest Point Location Persian Gulf 0 m
Natural Resources petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas
Time Zone UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC,during Standard Time)
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