Kuwait

World Book Index

Introduction

Background
Kuwait gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1961. Iraq attacked and overran Kuwait in 1990, but a US-led UN coalition liberated the country in 1991. The AL-SABAH family has ruled since 1991 and has reestablished an elected legislature that has become increasingly assertive.

Geography

Area
total : 17,818 sq km
land: 17,818 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters

Natural resources
petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas

People and Society

Population
total: 3,138,355 (2024 est.)

Ethnic groups
Kuwaiti 30.4%, other Arab 27.4%, Asian 40.3%, African 1%, other 0.9% (includes European, North American, South American, and Australian) (2018 est.)

Languages
Arabic (official), English widely spoken

Religions
Muslim (official) 74.6%, Christian 18.2%, other and unspecified 7.2% (2013 est.)

Population growth rate
1.1% (2024 est.)

Government

Government type
constitutional monarchy (emirate)

Capital
name: Kuwait City

Executive branch
chief of state: Amir MISHAL al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since 16 December 2023)
head of government: Prime Minister AHMAD ABDULLAH Al-Ahmad al Sabah (since 15 May 2024)

Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador AL-ZAIN Sabah Naser Saud Al-Sabah (since 19 April 2023)

Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Steven R. BUTLER (since July 2025)

Economy

Economic overview
small, high-income, oil-based Middle East economy; renewable energy proponent; regional finance and investment leader; maintains oldest sovereign wealth fund; emerging space and tourism industries; mid-way through 25-year development program

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$225.947 billion (2024 est.)
$231.884 billion (2023 est.)
$235.815 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$45,400 (2024 est.)
$47,800 (2023 est.)
$51,400 (2022 est.)

Exports
$89.71 billion (2024 est.)
$95.476 billion (2023 est.)
$110.923 billion (2022 est.)

Exports - partners
China 25%, India 13%, Japan 13%, Taiwan 7%, UK 5% (2023)

Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, natural gas, hydrocarbons, plastics (2023)

Imports
$61.521 billion (2024 est.)
$63.43 billion (2023 est.)
$55.909 billion (2022 est.)

Imports - partners
China 18%, UAE 10%, USA 9%, Saudi Arabia 6%, Japan 6% (2023)

Imports - commodities
cars, natural gas, garments, broadcasting equipment, packaged medicine (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.852, ranking it 52nd out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 16th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 6.9. (more information)