Kuwait

I

Introduction

Kuwait, independent state on the north-western coast of the Persian Gulf. It is bordered on the north and north-west by Iraq, on the east by the Persian Gulf, and on the south by Saudi Arabia. The country’s total area, including the islands of Bubiyan, Warbah, and Faylakah, is 17,818 sq km (6,880 sq mi). The national capital and chief port is Kuwait City. From August 1990 to February 1991, Iraq, in defiance of the United Nations Security Council, annexed and occupied Kuwait, claiming it as Iraq’s 19th province. This action led to the Gulf War, which liberated the country. In November 1994, Iraq formally accepted the UN-demarcated border with Kuwait, which had been spelled out in Security Council Resolutions made in 1991 and 1993; this formally ends earlier claims to Kuwait and to Bubiyan and Warbah islands.

II

Land and Resources

Virtually the entire country, except for some small coastal areas, is barren desert, with a flat to rolling terrain. Soils are practically non-existent. The average annual temperatures range from 13.5° C (56° F) to 36.6° C (99° F), and the average annual rainfall is 127 mm (5 in) or less, most of which falls in the cooler season, between October and March. During the dry season temperatures frequently exceed 46.1° C (115° F). The country obtains its water supply from the desalination of sea water. Petroleum and natural gas are Kuwait’s only natural resources, but among these are 10 per cent of the world’s crude oil reserves.

Kuwait's dry climate and barren land have historically made farming almost impossible. In 1995 only 5,000 hectares (12,000 acres) were forested, making up 0.3 per cent of the country's total land area. There is no renewable source of water in Kuwait. Drinking water is available only from underground aquifers and through the desalinization of sea water.

As a result of the Gulf War of 1991, Kuwait is an ecological disaster area, suffering serious degradation of its air, marine resources, and soil. During the war, huge lakes of spilled oil fouled desert sands, and millions of litres of oil flowed into the Persian Gulf, threatening wildlife and fisheries. Oil wells that were set ablaze created soot that covers the countryside. Some of the environmental damage may be irreparable. Air pollution is of particular environmental concern. Kuwait derives 100 per cent (1998) of its electricity from thermal plants burning fossil fuels. The country has one of the world's highest per capita rates of carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes, at 31.53 metric tons (1995), as well as of petroleum consumption per capita, at 31.5 barrels per year (1998).

The government has ratified international environmental agreements pertaining to climate change, desertification, environmental modification, hazardous wastes, law of the sea, nuclear test ban, and ozone layer protection.

III

Population

The native population of Kuwait consists of Arabs; citizenship is reserved for those able to demonstrate local ancestry from before 1920. Many minority groups are present, however, including Arabs from other countries, Indians, Pakistanis, and Iranians. Prior to 1990 native Kuwaitis only comprised some 25 per cent of the population; they now make up 50 per cent. Palestinians were formerly the largest minority, but Palestinian support for the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait made the government encourage them to leave after liberation. Official Kuwaiti policy is now to maintain at least a marginal majority of native residents. The population of Kuwait is 2,596,799 (2008 estimate). The overall population density is about 146 people per sq km (377 per sq mi). Average life expectancy at birth in 2008 was 76 years for men and 79 years for women.

A

Principal Cities

The city of Kuwait, with a population of 1,222,000 (2003 estimate), is the seat of government and the chief port. Other important cities include As Salimiyah, population 130,215 (1995), and Al Farwaniyah, 53,100 (1995).