Kuwait was an important trade hub in the Persian Gulf before becoming a British protectorate in the 19th century. It gained independence in 1961 and became a major oil producer. The country was invaded by Iraq in 1990 but was liberated in 1991. Today, Kuwait remains an oil-rich nation with a strong economy.
Kuwait, officially the State of Kuwait, is a country in Western Asia, located at the northeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula. It shares borders with Iraq to the north and Saudi Arabia to the south, and has a coastline along the Persian Gulf to the east. Covering an area of approximately 17,818 square kilometers, Kuwait has a population of about 4.5 million people as of 2024, with expatriates constituting a significant portion. The capital and largest city is Kuwait City. The official language is Arabic. Kuwait operates as a constitutional emirate with a parliamentary system, where the Emir serves as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. The economy is heavily reliant on oil, possessing about 6% of the world's proven oil reserves, making it one of the wealthiest countries per capita. Kuwait is known for its modern architecture, including the Kuwait Towers, and a high-income economy with a high Human Development Index. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
