Government and Politics of Kuwait

Government Type

nominal constitutional monarchy

Administrative Divisions

5 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Ahmadi, Al Farwaniyah, Al 'Asimah, Al Jahra', Hawalli

Legal System

civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

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

Citizenship

citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Kuwait dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: not specified

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

Political Parties

none; formation of political parties is illegal

Head of State

Amir MISHAL al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah

Head of Government

Prime Minister AHMAD al-Abdullah al-Ahmad al-Sabah

Cabinet

Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister and approved by the Amir

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 by party — not applicable; Kuwait's National Assembly does not operate on a formal party system, as political parties are officially banned. The February 2024 legislative elections saw a strong showing by opposition and tribal-aligned candidates, with independents and opposition figures capturing the majority of the 50 elected seats. In addition to the elected members, all cabinet ministers serve as ex officio members of the National Assembly, giving the government-appointed bloc additional representation in the chamber. The emir retains the constitutional authority to dissolve the National Assembly, a power exercised repeatedly over the decades, contributing to frequent electoral cycles and periods of political deadlock between the legislature and the executive.

Constitution

approved and promulgated 11 November 1962

Independence

19 June 1961 (from UK)

National Holiday

National Day, 25 February (1950)

International Organization Participation

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic Representation in the U.S.

chief of mission: Ambassador SALIM Abdallah al-Jabir al-Sabah chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702 FAX: [1] (202) 364-2868

U.S. Diplomatic Representation

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard LEBARON embassy: Bayan 36302, Area 14, Al-Masjed Al-Aqsa Street (near the Bayan palace), Kuwait City mailing address: P. O. Box 77 Safat 13001 Kuwait; or PSC 1280 APO AE 09880-9000 telephone: [965] 259-1001, 259-1002 FAX: [965] 259-1438, 538-0282

Capital City

Kuwait City

Location

29 22 N, 47 58 E

Time Difference

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC,during Standard Time)

History

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

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.

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)

Service Age and Obligation

17-21 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription suspended