Kuwait

Quick Facts

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Capital

Kuwait City

Population

2,183,000

Government

Nominal Constitutional Monarchy

Religions

Islam (Sunni, Shi'a), Christianity, Hinduism, Parsiism

Languages

Arabic, English

Calling Code

+965

Nationality

Kuwaiti

Local name

Dawlat al-Kuwayt (دولة الكويت)

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Introduction

Kuwait Towers

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Since Saddam's invasion and quick defeat back in 1990, Kuwait has undergone the arduous task of rebuilding a nation devastated by war. Things are looking kind of like they used to, as the oil trade once again operates at a blistering profit. But landmines still hide under the surface, making Kuwait a place where one ought to tread lightly and cautiously.

Kuwait City has undergone serious reconstruction since the war. Though a large collection of important Islamic art was destroyed by the Iraqis, the city still affords some nice treats for visitors. The contrast between the city's Grand Mosque and its iconic Kuwait Towers reveals the story of a conservative Muslim nation inheriting a billion dollar oil industry. A short trip from Kuwait City is Failaka Island, an ancient settlement which thrived under Greek occupation and is now Kuwait's best archeological site.

Kuwait's recent history and devout Islamic tradition makes it a fascinating introduction to the Middle East

Brief History

Geography

Kuwait is mostly a desert country that hugs the Persian Gulf. Almost all the major cities are along the Persian Gulf or on nearby islands. Kuwait shares international borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Although Kuwait is close to Iran they do not share any physical border.

Governorates

Kuwait is organised into 6 governorates (muhafazat)

• Al Ahmadi
• Al Farwaniyah
• Al Asimah
• Al Jahra
• Hawalli
• Mubarak Al-Kabeer

Cities

• Kuwait City
• Jahrah

Sights and Activities

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Beaches

White sand beaches cover the coast of Kuwait that are extremely inviting. Coral reefs are now being restored in order to encourage better diving. These beaches do not come cheap. The resorts and private beaches are extremely expensive but the brave traveller may be able to find some free beaches more off the beaten track.

Kuwait Towers

The three concrete reinforced Kuwait Towers dominates the skyline of Kuwait City. The principle tower is 187 m high, has a restaurant, a viewing area at 123 m and can moves around doing a full rotation every 30 minutes. The second tallest tower is used to store water and can hold over one million gallons of water. The third tower controls the flow of electricity to the suburbs of Kuwait City. Opening to the public in 1979 it became a big tourist sight very quickly. The towers were heavily damaged during the war and were restored afterwards. Although a careful eye can still see some damage to the exterior of the towers.

Shopping

Go spend some money at some of the flashiest shopping areas in the world. Start in the Salmiya area of Kuwait City with its new shopping malls and walking streets. Then move onto smaller boutiques, with much higher price tags.

Desert Exploring

Although some areas are still off limits for security reasons, Kuwait has some amazing desert to explore. Tall sand dunes go on for miles that beckoned to be climbed are easy to spot. Also look out for some cool domesticated and wild animals like lizards, snakes, birds and camels walking around in the sand.

Other Sights and Activities

• The Science Center - Located on the water front in the Salmiya area of Kuwait City, this is a great place to have fun and learn. There are also some cool boats to see.
• Jal Az-Zor - Near to Kuwait City, go to this preserve to watch many migratory birds including the elusive Black Vulture.
• Bird Watching - Go watch protected bird habitats along the coast at place like Dawhat Kazima, Ad-Doha Nature Reserve, Sulaibikhat Bay, Al-Jahra Pools Nature Reserve and Coral Islets.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting there

By Plane

The international airport is in Kuwait (city) and the national airline is Kuwait Airways. Flights to and from Kuwait with Kuwait Airways include destinations mainly throughout the Middle East and other parts in Asia. Services include flights to a wide range of cities in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and India. All Gulf countries are served at least daily. Destinations further away include Bangkok, Manila and Kuala Lumpur to the east and Paris, Frankfurt and London to the west. Even New York is served.
Kuwait has it's own lowcost airline as well, Jazeera Airways. Destinations are almost exclusively in the Middle East and the northern parts of Africa. Als the Maldives Republic and Cyprus have flights though.

By Train

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By Boat

Getting Around

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