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Kuwait

 Flag of Kuwait


Last reviewed: 23 June 2011

Country information

 

Country Map: Kuwait

Area: 17,818 sq km
Population: 3.1 million (2011 Est.)
Capital City: Kuwait City
People: Kuwaitis (est. 45% of population), Egyptians, Syrians, Iranians, Palestinians, Asians (Indians, Sri Lankans, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Afghanis, Chinese), Americans and Europeans
Language(s): Arabic; English (the official second language)
Religion(s): Kuwait is an Islamic society and the overwhelming majority (85%) of its citizens are Muslim (Sunni 70%, Shi’a 30%).  There are Christian churches in Kuwait.  The practice of other religions is restricted.
Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar (KD. 1KD = approx £2.28)
Major political parties: None.  Parties are illegal.
Government: Constitutional Hereditary Emirate
Head of State: HH the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah
Heir Apparent: HH the Crown Prince, Sheikh Nawwaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Prime Minister: HH Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Foreign Minister: HE Sheikh Dr Mohammed Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah
Membership of international organisations: Most international organisations, including: The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC); Organisation of the Islamic Council (OIC); Arab League; United Nations; OPEC; WTO.

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