Kuwait

 

Area: 17,818 sq km
Population: 3.4 million (est)
Capital City: Kuwait City
People: Kuwaitis (approx 30% of population), Egyptians, Syrians, Iranians, Palestinians, Asians (Indians, Sri Lankans, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Afghani, Chinese), Americans and Europeans
Language(s): Arabic; English (the official second language)
Religion(s): The overwhelming majority of Kuwaitis are Muslim – it is an Islamic society. There are Christian churches in Kuwait. The practice of other religions is restricted.
Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar (KD. 1KD = approx £2.12)
Major political parties: None. Parties are illegal.
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Head of State: His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah
Heir Apparent: His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Nawwaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Prime Minister: Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Foreign Minister: His Excellency Sheikh Dr Mohammed Sabah Al Salim Al Sabah

VISAS

 Information about visa can be obtained here.

 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

 The American International School. http://www.aiskuwait.org/

The British School in Kuwait. http://www.bsk.edu.kw/

 ECONOMY

 Kuwait is a rich country, with a high per capita income ($33,000 in 2007), sitting on 8/9% of world oil reserves. It has bounced back economically from the huge losses caused by the Iraqi invasion and the costs of its contribution to the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and remains a generous aid donor. Kuwait earned around US$58 billion from oil revenues in the 2007 financial year. Foreign reserves and investment income are substantial. The Kuwait stock market has performed well in the last two years. Kuwait is actively promoting itself as a base for foreign investors in Iraq, although with limited success so far. The Government is also looking at wider economic reform, including moving some of the 95% of Kuwaitis who work in the state sector to the private sector.