Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Kuwait

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Kuwait.

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.
Weather Patterns: http://voap.weather.com/weather/oap/KUXX0003?template=TRVLH&par=1003114983&unit=0&key=5b85ae1d85877a1b34827fba743e2133
Highest Point: 306 — unnamed location 306 m
Lowest Point: Persian Gulf 0 m

Natural Resources: Petroleum, natural gas, fish, and shrimp remain Kuwait's primary natural resources. Petroleum is by far the most significant, with Kuwait holding some of the world's largest proven crude oil reserves, estimated at approximately 101.5 billion barrels, representing roughly 6% of global reserves. The oil and gas sector dominates the national economy, accounting for the vast majority of government revenue and export earnings. Natural gas reserves are also substantial, though much of Kuwait's gas is associated gas produced alongside oil extraction. Marine resources, including fish and shrimp from the Persian Gulf, contribute to local food supply and small-scale commercial fishing, though these sectors play a comparatively minor role in the broader economy.
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
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

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