Kuwait is the capital of which country. Where is Kuwait? Government of Kuwait

Basic moments

In the north of Kuwait there is a flat rocky desert covered with rubble, in the central and southern parts there is a slightly hilly sandy desert; in the east the territory is crossed by deep canyons - wadis. The coast is bordered by sand spits and lagoons. The country experiences persistently hot weather for most of the year. Precipitation is rare and does not exceed 100-200 mm per year. In summer, from about May to October, dry, dusty northwest winds (shimal) prevail, which create a suffocating atmosphere. The most favorable time in Kuwait is winter; in December-January, warm sunny days with temperatures of 12–14 °C prevail.

The country has neither rivers with constant flow nor lakes; Therefore, Kuwait's most pressing problem for a long time has been the problem of fresh water. However, being one of the world's largest suppliers of "black gold", Kuwait allowed itself to create a special industry for the desalination of sea water and now ranks first in the world in terms of the capacity of desalination plants.

Approximately a third of the emirate's residents live in the capital - Kuwait (637 thousand inhabitants). The modern and beautiful city has government banks and trade centers, a university and an international airport. The majority of the country's imports pass through the Kuwait seaport. The second largest city, Mina al-Ahmadi, is the country's main oil export port. An archaeological reserve was created on the island of Failaka, which was inhabited back in the 3rd millennium BC.

Story

Kuwait was founded in the 18th century by a group of clans of the Bedouin tribe Anaiz, who moved to the shores of the Persian Gulf from Najd (the predecessor of Saudi Arabia) and the Qatar Peninsula. Separate clans united into the Banu Utub tribe. The name of the tribe comes from the Arabic atabu ila al-shamal (“turned north”). There they founded the first settlement of Banu Khalid, south of the mouth of the Tigris, headed by the first emir of Kuwait, Sabah I.

Occupying an advantageous position on the shores of the natural harbor of the Persian Gulf, Banu Khalid became a major port. Trade routes were established with Aleppo, Baghdad and Ottoman cities. The main export items were pearls, horses, spices and coffee. The pearl trade was regulated by large merchants, including the al-Sabah family.

Kuwait soon became the subject of a dispute between the British and the Turks. Kuwait was formally under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, but its economic ties with neighboring Arab emirates were much more developed than with Turkish cities. This led to the Ottoman military invasion of Kuwait in 1871. The invasion failed, and the emir found support on the British side. In 1897, a British naval base was established in Kuwait, which caused a protest from the Ottoman Empire, but the Turks did not dare to launch a new invasion.

In 1899, an agreement was concluded between Kuwait and Britain, according to which control over Kuwait's foreign policy and security passed to Great Britain. In exchange, Britain agreed to support the royal family. In 1911, the Emir of Kuwait Mubarak al-Sabah sharply increased taxes on the export of pearls, which is why most merchants began to trade pearls, and then everything else, through the ports of Bahrain. This caused an economic crisis in the country, then Mubarak made a public apology for the “misguided economic policy” and returned taxes to their previous levels.

After the end of the First World War and the final defeat of the Ottoman Empire, Kuwait came under the protectorate of the British Empire. In 1920, Kuwait entered into a border war with the Saudi state. In the 20s, the pearl trade ceased to generate income, which was associated with the invention of artificial pearls. Kuwait became one of the poorest countries in the world, which further increased its dependence on the British Crown.

In 1927, the borders of Kuwait were finally determined, which remain to this day. On June 22, 1941, the day Germany attacked the Soviet Union, Britain stationed a large military contingent in Kuwait (and also in Iraq). In August, the British, together with Soviet troops, occupied Iran. The last British soldiers left Kuwait in the summer of 1961.

On June 19, 1961, Kuwait became an independent state. The code of laws was compiled by an Egyptian lawyer invited by the emir. In the 1980s, fearing the “export” of the Islamic revolution, Kuwait supported Iraq in the Iran-Iraq War.

Despite the support provided to Iraq by Kuwait, Saddam Hussein, shortly after the end of the war with Iran, occupied and annexed the emirate on August 2, 1990. This led to interruptions in oil supplies to the main importer of Kuwaiti oil, the United States. The Americans created an international coalition and liberated Kuwait during the Gulf War (January - February 1991). Retreating north, Iraqi troops used scorched earth tactics, setting fire to all oil rigs and blowing up oil pipelines. The result of this was the colossal losses that Kuwait suffered as a result of the fighting (over $5 billion).

Policy

The head of state is the Emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah. The Emir appoints the head of government, has the right to dissolve parliament, sign bills and also return them to the Mejlis for revision. The Emir is the Supreme Commander of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and appoints key positions in the Kuwait Army, including the commanders of all branches of the military. According to the constitution, the Emir enjoys legal immunity, but criticism of him in the media is not prohibited.

In addition, the Emir appoints the Crown Prince. However, his candidacy must be approved by members of the ruling family and approved by the National Assembly. If the National Assembly votes against the candidacy proposed by the emir, the emir is obliged to nominate three other candidates from the ruling family to the Assembly. The Assembly chooses one of them.

The emir appoints the prime minister from members of the ruling family. The Prime Minister, in turn, appoints positions in the government. All ministers are members of the National Assembly, and at least one minister is elected. Key ministries are headed by members of the ruling family.

Legislative power belongs to the emir and the unicameral National Assembly "Majlis al-Jumah" (National Assembly). 50 deputies are elected during general elections for a four-year term, another 15 are appointed by the prime minister. Political parties are prohibited.

Kuwait is the only Gulf country with an elected legislature, and the emir and head of the ruling family is also subject to election and confirmation, unlike the hereditary monarchies of neighboring countries.

Economy

Kuwait's economy is based on oil production. Kuwait is a major oil exporter. Oil refining and petrochemicals are also developed. Oil production provides 50% of Kuwait's GDP, its share in the country's exports is 90%. Annual oil production is about 100 million tons. During the war with Iraq, Kuwait's economy suffered greatly due to Iraq deliberately dumping millions of tons of oil into the Persian Gulf. The production of building materials, fertilizers, and the food industry are also developed. Sea water is being desalinated, in which Kuwait is a leader. Fertilizers form an important part of the country's exports. Pearl mining is also developed.

The Greater Burgan and Safaniya-Khafji oil fields, unique in terms of reserves, are being developed on the territory of the state.

Culture

Kuwait is a great place for a civilized acquaintance with the Arab world. In this country, luxurious five-star hotels stand side by side with ancient mosques, modern supermarkets sell halva and oriental sweets, and beautiful beaches amaze with their spaciousness and infinity.

The best time to travel to Kuwait is the autumn and spring months, during which the weather in the country is not too hot. In summer, the average daytime temperature can reach 40 °C.

Muslim holidays take place according to the lunar calendar, so their dates vary from year to year. Among the most significant events of the religious calendar are the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr (the end of the fast), Ghadir-e-Hom (the day when Mohammed named Emam Ali as his successor) and Rabi ol-Awwal (the birthday of the Prophet). The main official holiday of Kuwait is Liberation Day (February 26).

Kuwait City is the only major city in the country. Interesting are the Kuwait National Museum, famous for its collection of archaeological finds and ethnographic exhibitions, Dar Al-Atar Al-Islamiya (Museum of Islamic Arts), the University and the “Red Fort” in the Jahra region.

In the Salmiya region, you can visit the pearl markets, one of the best in the world, or go to sea with a team of pearl fishers to observe their skills, and if you are very lucky, take part in diving on the “pearl banks”.

On the island of Failaka, which was inhabited back in the 3rd millennium BC, an archaeological reserve was created (after the war with Iraq, the island was occupied by an American base, and excursions to it were stopped). Cape Al-Zuur is one of the few places on the coast outside of Kuwait proper that is not occupied by private villas and properties. This is one of the best beach areas on the Gulf Coast, well suited for swimming and water sports.

One of the best and largest of the country's seaside resorts is Khiiran. There is everything you need for a carefree pastime, and the service and recreational conditions are in no way inferior to most fashionable resorts in the world.

Umm Al Kuwait is a favorite holiday destination for wildlife lovers. From here excursions depart to Al Siyarkh Island, home to many seabirds. Here is the famous riding academy with the most thoroughbred horses.

Attractions

Speaking about the sights of Kuwait, one cannot help but pay special attention to its capital (Al-Kuwait). A month is not enough to see all the local attractions. The capital has many museums with interesting exhibits, majestic mosques (Al-Khalifa Mosque (1714), “Great Mosque”, etc.), the great Kuwait Towers up to 187 m high, the emir's palace Old Seif Palace (1880) and many other amazing structures and places.

Popular among tourists is the island of Failaka, located 20 kilometers from Kuwait City. It was inhabited by people already in the Stone Age. Now it is an archaeological reserve where you can see the ancient temples of Azuk and Ikaros, as well as other ancient buildings and structures.

Visit the small town of Al Ahmadi (12 kilometers from Kuwait City), built in the mid-20th century. It is owned by the Kuwait Oil Company (abbreviated as KOC). There is a museum here that tells about the development of the oil industry in Kuwait. And you can enjoy the silence and absolute peace in a small green park among the desert sands.

The city of Al-Jahra (32 kilometers from the capital) also deserves your attention. This is a symbolic place of military glory of the Kuwaiti people. Here you will see the Red Fort, which played a significant role in the victory over the Saudi troops in 1920. Near Al Jasr there are wide salt marshes, on the site of which a Nature Reserve has been organized. Nearby is the small fishing village of Doha, whose houses and buildings are very similar to the local boats called dhows.

Kitchen

Kuwait is characterized by traditional Muslim cuisine. Therefore, beef, veal, goat, poultry, various fish, vegetables and eggs are used in meat dishes. Rice is the most widely used side dish.

What should you try in Kuwait restaurants? We highly recommend you try the fried kebeh meat balls;

• lamb guzi stuffed with nuts and rice;
• different types of kebabs: tikka, kebab (made from marinated lamb or beef), tikka-dajaj (from chicken) or shish-kebab (from lamb);
• traditional shawarma;
• quail meat saman, highly respected in the east;
• steamed al-mandi honey chicken;
• meat with rice and all kinds of Makbus spices.

The Koran prohibits drinking alcohol, so tourists are prohibited from drinking alcoholic beverages in public places, and are only allowed in some establishments. Alcohol can be purchased in your hotel's restaurant and bar, but takeaway sales are strictly prohibited.

Accommodation

Most hotels in Kuwait are characterized by a European level of hotel service. Rooms in a middle-class Kuwaiti hotel will cost you about $200; in luxury hotels the price tag will be 2-3 times higher. Expensive hotels are, as a rule, hotel complexes (4–5*), on the territory of which there are comfortable conference rooms, modern spa and fitness centers with swimming pools, various shops and large parking lots. In the spacious rooms of expensive hotels you will definitely be provided with a TV, Internet access, telephone, fax and even a printer.

To save money, you can stay in an inexpensive hotel or hostel. Accommodation in them will cost from $25 per day.

Entertainment and relaxation

The coastal area of ​​Kuwait is considered a great place for a beach holiday. The largest and best resort in the country is Khiiran, which is located 120 kilometers from the capital. The service and service culture there is at the level of fashionable resorts in the Western world. The resort areas around Salmiya, Ardiyakh and Safat also deserve attention.

Sports are an important part of Kuwaiti life. Here you can watch fun sports such as camel racing and falconry.

The country has more than 20 maritime clubs, many professional clubs for divers, windsurfers and swimmers, water skiers and yachtsmen. In the Salmiya region, you can go on a unique journey - going down to the bottom of the sea with pearl divers.

The grandiose park “City of Entertainment” (20 kilometers from Kuwait City) is popular among tourists. It represents the city of Ali Baba and Sinbad with many attractions, fun festivals and all kinds of performances. The park has three thematic zones: “Arab World”, “Whole World” and “World of the Future”. They are surrounded by a green area called the Regional Park.

The Green Island is also worth a visit. On its territory there are all kinds of entertainment facilities, a Roman amphitheater (accommodates up to 2000 spectators!), an artificial lake with sea water, an observation tower and a picturesque green area.

Purchases

You can buy almost everything in Kuwait! The quantity and quality of your purchases depends on your taste and wallet. When buying, bargain, first naming a price that is half as much as you are willing to pay.

In the capital, it is customary to distribute stores by district in accordance with their specialization. For example, the Hawalli area is home to jewelry and computer stores. Moreover, gold jewelry there is sold by weight. The capital's Salmiya district is also popular. Here you will find modern shopping centers and boutiques, as well as traditional markets, including the gold souk.

The most expensive center in the entire country, the Salhiya Center is located next to the Meridian Hotel and houses many designer boutiques. For example, the price of a leather briefcase of $3,000 is considered quite normal there.

At local markets you can buy gold and jewelry, Persian and Afghan carpets, as well as various souvenirs for family and friends (camel and elephant figurines, glass bottles of perfume), etc. at reasonable prices.

While vacationing in Kuwait, be sure to visit the so-called Friday Bazaar - the Arab equivalent of a flea market. You will be pleased with amazingly low prices on goods from all over the Middle East.

Transport

You can get to Kuwait by plane or by water. The international airport is located 16 kilometers from the capital. And the largest port is located 50 kilometers south of the Persian Gulf.

Public transport in the cities of Kuwait consists of buses and taxis. There are three types of taxis here: orange cars (working like regular taxis), minibuses and taxis that work only by telephone orders. The cost of a taxi ride from the center of the capital to the airport (about 25 kilometers) will be about $20. Kuwait has excellent bus services. Travel on buses is quite comfortable due to the presence of air conditioning in each of them. The fare will be no more than $2.

Connection

The communication system in Kuwait is highly developed. Cellular communications in the country are based on the GSM 900/1800 standard. Tourists, including Russian ones, have access to roaming.

Using a magnetic card, you can make a call outside the country from a telephone booth. A Prepaid card allows you to make calls from any telephone. The card can be purchased at postal kiosks and some stores, as well as at gas stations.

Internet cafes in Kuwait are not as common as in neighboring Qatar or the UAE. The easiest way to get online is to go to a large hotel, where there are always computers with Internet access. Owners of laptops with a modem can buy a special prepaid card and connect to a telephone line.

Safety

Currently, the criminal situation in Kuwait is very calm. Law enforcement agencies fully control the situation in the country and create favorable conditions for living and working for both local residents and foreigners. Russian citizens can move freely throughout the country (with the exception of strategically important military and industrial facilities).

Business

The business culture in Kuwait is very similar to Western Europe, but there are a number of strict restrictions.

A citizen of Kuwait or a country included in the list of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Persian Gulf (GCC) can engage in entrepreneurial activity. He must be 21 years of age and have no legal restrictions. For non-residents of Kuwait there is a pair of “buts”:

• you must have at least one partner who is a citizen of Kuwait;
• the share of Kuwaiti capital in the company must be at least 51%.

Foreign companies do not have the right to establish representative offices in Kuwait - they must work only through local companies.

To carry out commercial activities, you must obtain a special license. Unfortunately, foreigners cannot get it in their name.

There is no income tax or value added tax in Kuwait, but local companies are required to pay some contributions to special funds (while foreign companies registered and operating in Kuwait pay a 15% income tax). If the company is joint (the founders are Kuwaiti and foreign parties), the tax is paid from the profits of the foreign part of the company.

Real estate

Kuwait is considered one of the most economically successful states in the Middle East, primarily due to its huge oil reserves and effective government administration.

Recently, the Kuwaiti government has introduced a number of liberal reforms that are aimed at easing restrictions on foreign citizens wishing to buy property in the country. However, there remains a rather demanding attitude towards the origin of capital for the purchase of housing, as well as the need for a long stay in the country. Offers for the sale of houses are presented in a wide price range - from modest options for $130,000–200,000 to luxury villas costing more than $1,000,000.

Rental housing is very developed in Kuwait, which is most popular among people who come for long-term work. Renting out housing is strictly regulated. Prices start at $1,300 per month (per house) and increase many times as you approach the center of the country.

Almost all stores in Kuwait have fixed prices. It is customary to bargain at local markets. Bargaining is also appropriate in private taxis. Employees of large stores and banks usually speak good English. You can exchange currency in Kuwait at almost any bank or private office. Hotels, some restaurants and large stores also accept credit cards (Mastercard and Visa).

It is not customary to give tips in Kuwait, since they are usually already included in the bill, but there are exceptions (for example, in the Ahmadi region with its European foundations).

Visa information

To travel to Kuwait, Russian citizens need to obtain a visa. A number of documents are submitted to the embassy and a special form is filled out. As a result, a passport insert is issued indicating your data (in English). It must be presented when crossing the Kuwaiti border.

Details Category: Western Asian countries Published 01/29/2014 13:11 Views: 8942

98% of the population lives here in cities. Most of the territory is covered with deserts: in the northern half - rocky, in the southern - sandy with dunes.

The state of Kuwait is located in the northeast of the Arabian Peninsula and on the islands of the Persian Gulf - Bubiyan, Failaka, Warba, Kubbar, Karoo, Umm al-Maradim, etc. It borders on Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and is washed by the Persian Gulf in the east.

Kuwait is a wealthy country where citizens have the right to free health care and education, where they receive large monthly child benefits and cash payments for weddings. But only indigenous residents, of whom there are only 45% in the country, have such privileges.

State symbols

Flag– is a panel consisting of three horizontal stripes of equal width. There is a green stripe at the top, white at the bottom, and red at the bottom. A black trapezoid extends from the base of the flag, occupying 1/2 of the width of the flag. The ratio of the flag's width to length is 1:2.
The flag was adopted in 1961. It is used on land as a civil and state flag, and at sea as a civil, state and military flag. White color symbolizes the desire for action, black - battlefields, green - pastures, red - blood shed in battles with enemies.

Coat of arms- is a round shield, in the center of which is a dhow with the flag of Kuwait against a background of white clouds and blue sky and blue-white waves. Above the ship there is a white ribbon on which the name of the state “الكويت دولة” is written in black letters. The coat of arms is framed by an image of a golden falcon, on the chest of which there is a heraldic shield in the color of the national flag of Kuwait. Dhow is a traditional Arabian vessel.
The coat of arms was adopted in 1963.

Government of Kuwait

Form of government- a constitutional monarchy.
Head of State– emir (title of ruler).
Head of the government- Prime Minister.
Capital- Kuwait City.
The largest city- Kuwait City.
Official language– Arabic. English is widespread.
Territory– 17,818 km².
Population– 2,646,314 people. Arab Kuwaitis make up 45%, the rest of the country's residents come from other Arab countries (35%), Pakistan and India, Iran and other countries.
Currency– Kuwaiti dinar.
Economy– The country is a major oil exporter. The production of building materials, fertilizers, and the food industry are developed. Sea water is being desalinated, in which Kuwait is a leader. Fertilizers make up an important part of the country's exports. Pearl mining is also developed.
Kuwait is also developing other non-oil industries.
Only 1% of the territories are suitable for agriculture. Cattle breeding is developed (before the discovery of oil fields this was the main occupation).
Kuwait's economy suffered greatly during the Gulf War. As a result of the Iraqi occupation, a significant part of the oil production and oil refining enterprises was destroyed.
Export– oil and petroleum products, fertilizers, shrimp. Import– food, building materials, cars, spare parts, ready-made clothing.
Sport– The most popular sport is football. Kuwaitis participate in the Olympic and Asian Games.
Education– free (from school to university). Schooling is compulsory. Kindergarten (2 years), primary school (4 years), junior high school (4 years), high school (4 years). On the basis of incomplete secondary school, programs of specialized colleges are built - technical, commercial, medical, pedagogical, and spiritual. Education for girls and boys is separate. Currently, approximately 79% of adults can read and write.
In 1966, Kuwait University was opened, becoming the largest educational institution in the Persian Gulf area.
Administrative division– 6 provinces, which are divided into districts.
Climate– dry, tropical.

Religion- Islam.

Kuwaiti culture

Muslim clothing is not compulsory in the country. Some women wear an abaya (a long traditional Arab women's dress with sleeves that is not belted).

The architecture is mainly Islamic (a combination of various architectural styles). The famous Kuwaiti towers combine in their architecture a minaret (the tower from which the muezzin calls believers to prayer) and modern architectural structures.
The symbol of Kuwait and the most famous buildings in the country are the Kuwait Towers. It is also one of the most famous attractions in the country.

Kuwait Towers

The towers are a complex of three reinforced concrete towers in Kuwait City. They are located on a cape jutting out into the waters of the Persian Gulf. At first, these towers had only a utilitarian purpose: to maintain water pressure in the city’s water supply. But the Swedish architect Malene Björn designed them in such a way that, with their bright individuality, they became a famous landmark and symbol not only of the capital of Kuwait, but of the entire country.
The towers were built in 1971-1976. and inaugurated on February 26, 1977. During the Gulf War of 1990-1991. they were damaged, but by 2012 they were restored and have now become the subject of pilgrimage for tourists.

Nature of Kuwait

Flora

Summers here are dry and winters are wet. In summer, air temperatures can reach +50° in the shade, and dust storms often arise. There are no permanent watercourses or natural sources of fresh water on the territory of Kuwait; groundwater is saline. Since ancient times, Kuwaitis have learned to find aquifers and install wells on them. Currently, fresh water is obtained through industrial desalination of seawater.

Tamarix

Therefore, the vegetation here is extremely sparse, desert, represented by low-growing shrubs, subshrubs, and hard-leaved grasses. The most common are camel thorn (its roots can reach a length of up to 20 m), some grasses (Aristida, etc.), Kermek, wormwood, and goosefoot (mainly saltwort). Occasionally there are gada shrubs up to 2 m high and trees: acacia, mimosa, tal, sidr and jurjub. Thickets of comb grass (tamarix) grow in the coastal zone. In deserts, after the rains, brightly blooming ephemerals appear for a short time.
And only in places where groundwater comes to the surface are rare oases found. Date palm and some vegetable crops are commonly grown there.

Date palm

Fauna

The fauna is also poor. There are rodents - gerbils, jerboas, mice. There are various types of reptiles (sand boas, Arabian cobra, horned vipers, sand and motley ephs, gray monitor lizards, agamas, geckos).
Of the predatory mammals, the fennec fox, hyena, and jackal are occasionally found.
Of the ungulates, sand gazelles and goitered gazelles are extremely rare, and in the southwestern most elevated regions - wild sheep and oryx antelopes.

Wild sheep

The avifauna is more diverse. Wild pigeons, larks, bustards, hazel grouses, doves, hoopoes, gulls nest, as well as birds of prey: eagles, falcons, kites, hawks on the coast and vultures in the deserts.
Qatar is the wintering place for flamingos, ducks, cormorants, pelicans, herons and other waterfowl, as well as various species of passerines. In the coastal lowlands there are numerous locusts, in the deserts there are poisonous spiders and scorpions, ticks, phalanges, tarantulas, etc.

Poisonous scorpion

In coastal waters there are up to 250 species of fish (including commercial ones - tuna, silver mackerel, mackerel, sea bass, zubeid, sardines, herring, shark, swordfish, sawfish, etc.). There are shrimp, lobsters, squids, lobsters, and in the shallows there are many shellfish (pearl mussels, etc.). Sea turtles are common.

Sights of Kuwait

Al Hamra Tower

77-story skyscraper in Kuwait City. Its total height is 412.6 m, and its area is 195,000 sq.m.

Great Mosque

The largest and main mosque in Kuwait. Its area is 45,000 sq. m. The mosque has 144 windows. The mosque can accommodate up to 10,000 people in the main prayer hall and up to 950 women in a separate women's hall. The mosque has a library of Islamic reference books and documents. The building was built in 1986. The minaret of the mosque is reminiscent of Andalusian architecture.

Kuwait Telecommunications Tower

Its construction ended in 1993 and at the same time it was renamed the Freedom Tower, symbolizing the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq.
The tower houses a revolving restaurant and observation deck, as well as a radio house and other telecommunications offices. Height – 372 m.

National Museum of Kuwait

Created in Kuwait City in 1983. Like any national museum, everything that tells about the history of the country is collected here.

Museum exhibit

Bayan Palace (Kuwait City)

It is the main palace of the Emir of Kuwait. Heads of state visiting Kuwait live here.
Inside the palace there is a lot of artificial greenery and, of course, a mosque.

Seif Palace (Kuwait City)

Hotel. Its special feature is a watchtower with a clock covered in blue tiles and a roof covered in pure gold. Local materials were used to build the palace: clay, rocks, limestone, wood and metals.

Souq Al Mubarakeya

It is the largest market and trading center in Kuwait.

Museum of Science and Natural History

The museum explores the country's technological and scientific progress and contains artifacts and demonstrations from Kuwait's oil production industry.
The museum has sections of natural history, space science, electronics, zoology, an aviation and medicine department, and a planetarium.

Cobra Tower

This is just a Kuwaiti computer project for now, but if it comes to fruition, it will be a grand spectacle.

Story

Kuwait was founded in the 18th century. a group of clans of the Bedouin tribe of Anaza, who moved to the shores of the Persian Gulf from Najd (the predecessor of Saudi Arabia) and the Qatar Peninsula. The first settlement of Banu Khalid was founded in 1762, headed by the first emir of Kuwait, Sabah I.
Gradually, Banu Khalid became a major port, because... occupied an advantageous position on the shores of the Persian Gulf harbor. Trade ties were established with Aleppo, Baghdad and Ottoman cities. The main exports were pearls, horses, spices and coffee.
Kuwait quickly became a point of contention between the British and the Turks. It was formally under the control of the Ottoman Empire, but its economic ties were more developed with the neighboring Arab emirates.
This uncertainty led to the Ottoman military invasion of Kuwait in 1871. But it failed, and the emir found support on the side of Britain. But the Sheikhdom of Kuwait became an object of interstate struggle: Great Britain organized a coup d'etat in May 1896, during which Sheikh Mohammed was killed and Sheikh Mubarak came to power. In 1897, a British naval base was established in Kuwait.

Time of the British Protectorate

According to the agreement of January 23, 1899 between Kuwait and Britain, control over Kuwait's foreign policy and security passed to Great Britain. In exchange, Britain agreed to support the royal family.
On October 27, 1913, Sheikh Mubarak signed an undertaking granting Great Britain monopoly rights to develop oil in Kuwait. In 1914, the British government signed a treaty that established Kuwait as an “Independent Principality under British Protectorate.”
In 1920, Kuwait entered into a border war with the Saudi state (the ruling royal dynasty in Saudi Arabia).
At this time, the pearl trade ceased to generate income - this was due to the invention of artificial pearls. Kuwait became one of the poorest countries in the world, and this further increased its dependence on the British Crown.
On the day World War II began, Britain stationed a large military contingent in Kuwait (and Iraq). In August 1041, the British, together with Soviet troops, occupied Iran. The last British soldiers left Kuwait in 1961.

Kuwait independence

Kuwait became an independent state on June 19, 1961. And already in the 70-80s. Thanks to oil exports, it became one of the richest countries in the world, where the standard of living was one of the highest in the world.
Gulf War
In the 1980s, Kuwait supported Iraq in the Iran-Iraq War. But despite this, on August 2, 1990, shortly after the end of the war with Iran, Saddam Hussein occupied the emirate and on August 28, Kuwait was declared the 19th province of Iraq under the name Al-Saddamiya.

Saddam Hussein

To avoid interruptions in oil supplies, the United States created an international coalition, and during a military operation (January - February 1991) liberated Kuwait. The Soviet Union, already on the verge of collapse, for the first time supported the United States in the struggle for the liberation and restoration of Kuwait's independence. Retreating north, Iraqi troops used scorched earth tactics, setting fire to all oil rigs and blowing up oil pipelines.

Enormous losses were caused. The Iraqi occupation ravaged Kuwait and destroyed its prosperity, the capital Kuwait was sacked, most of the indigenous population fled to Saudi Arabia and other neighboring countries, and thousands of Kuwaitis died. Despite the enormous damage, Kuwait regained its former prosperity within a few years.

Kuwait is located on the mainland of Asia and the occupied territory of Kuwait is 17818. The population of Kuwait is 3,051,000 people. The capital of Kuwait is located in Kuwait City. The form of government in Kuwait is Constitutional Monarchy. The language is spoken in Kuwait. Who does Kuwait border with: Saudi Arabia, Iraq.
Kuwait is one of the most ancient areas that was inhabited by people. Archaeologists have discovered tribal areas in the country that date back to the fifth millennium BC. Once on these lands there were settlements of the Babylonians, Sumerians, Greeks and Persians, trade routes passed here and local distinctive cultures developed. According to historical materials, previously the territory of Kuwait was not deserted and arid - springs gurgled here and green forests rustled, and instead of sand there were settlements and inns. After the advent of Islam, the country became completely different - it became a stronghold of Muslims in the Persian Gulf area.
Now there is only one large city in the state - the capital Kuwait. The ancient fort, which served as protection for Bedouins and merchants, over several decades became a thriving cultural trade and entertainment center of the entire region. The city is a colorful mixture of Islamic tradition and modern architecture, and its most famous landmarks are almost all young. In the capital you can see the unique National Museum, which houses an amazing collection of Islamic art. The Liberation Tower is the tallest television tower in the entire region and has an unusual architecture, so it is rightfully considered a cultural heritage, even if its age is very insignificant. The capital was previously surrounded by a wall, which was destroyed half a century ago to make way for new buildings. But despite this, the gates that served as the entrance to this impregnable fortress remained untouched. Kuwait City is a picturesque city surrounded by beaches and is slowly becoming a popular destination for tourists, although the recent unstable military situation still puts many off.
Failaka Island was inhabited during the Stone Age. In subsequent centuries, this place served as a strategically important site, so there were often outposts and garrisons of many countries and empires of antiquity. That is why an archaeological reserve was created here, which is the pride of Kuwait - the historical value of Failak’s finds cannot be overestimated. Some time ago, during the war with Iraq, the Kuwaitis used this island for their base, but then it again became a cultural heritage site.
The city of Al Ahmadi, which was built in the mid-20th century, received its name in honor of Sheikh Ahmad. The entire area is owned by a local oil company, and the only attraction of this place is the museum, which tells about the formation and development of the oil industry in Kuwait, as well as the Exhibition Center. In addition, near the city there is a blooming green park located in the desert.
“The place of military glory” for every patriot of the country is Al-Jasra. It was here that the emir defeated the Saudi troops in 1920. This city is home to the famous Red Fort, which played an important role in that memorable battle, as well as during Operation Desert Storm, when the Iraqi group was completely defeated. Very close to the city there are salt marshes, which are part of the Nature Reserve, with a total area of ​​250 hectares. This place is under state protection, as it has a unique ecocenosis: 410 migratory and 220 resident bird species live here. A little north of Al Jasra is the fishing village of Doha, where life is not much different from life a century ago.

Small Kuwait, thanks to its huge oil reserves, is one of the richest countries in the world. Civilization on the territory of this country arose approximately 5 thousand years ago, so tourists have something to see there. But in addition to sightseeing, tourists in Kuwait can visit camel racing, relax on the snow-white beaches on the shores of the Persian Gulf and engage in water sports there.

Geography of Kuwait

Kuwait is located in the northeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia. Kuwait borders Saudi Arabia in the south and Iraq in the north. In the east, the coast of this country is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf. The area, including adjacent islands, is 17,818 square meters. km, and the total length of the state border is 462 km.

Most of Kuwait's territory is desert. In the west of the country there are hills, the highest of which reaches 290 m.

Kuwait consists of several islands, the largest of which are Bubiyan, Failaka and Karoo. But the largest of them is Bubiyan Island, whose area is 863 square meters. km.

Capital

Kuwait City is the capital of Kuwait. About 300 thousand people now live in this city (much more with the suburbs). Historians claim that Kuwait City was founded in the 18th century on the site of an ancient settlement.

Official language of Kuwait

In Kuwait, the official language is Arabic, which belongs to the Semitic group of the Afroasiatic language family.

Religion

About 85% of the inhabitants of Kuwait are Muslims (75-80% of them are Sunnis, and the rest are Shiites), but there are also Christians (approximately 300-400 thousand people), Jews and Buddhists.

Government of Kuwait

Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy in which the head of state is the Emir (or Sheikh). The power of the sheikhs is inherited. Since the 18th century, power in Kuwait has been usurped by the Al-Sabah family.

Legislative power belongs to the Emir and the National Assembly, consisting of 50 people elected for 4 years. The Emir has the right to dissolve the National Assembly, which in turn approves the candidacy of a prince from the Al-Sabah family for the post of Emir.

Administratively, Kuwait is divided into 6 governorates: Al-Ahmadi, Mubarak Al-Kabir, Al-Jahra, Al-Farwaniya, Al-Asimah and Hawalli.

Climate and weather

The climate in Kuwait is desert, hot and dry. The average air temperature in summer is +42-46C, and in winter - +15-20C. Average annual precipitation varies by region from 25 mm to 325 mm.

Sandstorms occur all year round, especially often in the spring (February-April). The downpours that occur in some areas from October to April can even lead to flooding.

The best time to visit Kuwait is spring, when the trees and flowers are in bloom.

Sea in Kuwait

In the east, the coast of this country is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf. The length of the coast is 499 km. The average sea temperature off the coast of Kuwait in March is +21C, in April and May - +27C (spring is the best time to travel).

Culture

Kuwait's culture and traditions are rooted in Islam. This religion determines all the norms of behavior of Kuwaitis. The country celebrates all Orthodox holidays - starting with Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, and ending with Ghadir Khom and Rabi-ul-Awwal.

From the end of winter to the end of March, camel racing is held in Kuwait (races are usually held on Thursdays and Fridays). 60 camels take part in each race, the length of the route is 6 kilometers.

Every year, Kuwaitis celebrate National Day and Liberation Day (February 25 and 26) in a big way. These holidays are celebrated with fireworks and folk festivals (locals always wear traditional costumes).

Kitchen

The formation of Kuwaiti cuisine was greatly influenced by the culinary traditions of India, Iran, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Also, we should not forget about the Bedouins, some of whose dishes are popular in this country. The main food products are fish and seafood, meat (lamb, chicken, less often beef), rice, dairy products.

Traditional dishes are “Khouzi” (baked lamb stuffed with rice and nuts), “Tabbouleh” (tomatoes, onions, greens with millet), “Fattoush” (tomato and cucumber salad with mint and onions), as well as “hummus” and "dolma".

For desserts, residents eat fresh and candied fruits and sweets (for example, Umm Ali).

Traditional non-alcoholic drinks - coffee, fermented milk drinks (especially various yoghurts). Alcohol is prohibited.

Sights of Kuwait

People settled in the territory of modern Kuwait approximately 6 thousand years ago. Despite the fact that there is a lot of sand in this country, quite a lot of interesting sights have been preserved there. True, most of them are located in the capital - Kuwait. The top ten best Kuwaiti attractions, in our opinion, include the following:

1. "Great Mosque" in Kuwait
2. Palace of the Emir of Seif in Kuwait City
3. National Museum in Kuwait City
4. Musical fountain in Kuwait City
5. Red Fort in Kuwait City
6. Ruins of a Portuguese fort on Failaka Island
7. "Red Fort" in Al Jasr
8. Failaka Heritage Village
9. Tareq Rajab Museum in Kuwait City
10. Ruins of an English fort on Failaka Island

Cities and resorts

The largest cities in Kuwait are Al-Farwanya, Hawally, Al-Yakhra, Al-Ahmadi, and, of course, the capital - Kuwait City.

The shores of Kuwait in the east are washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf. There are many excellent beaches on the coast, where there are also good conditions for water sports. In Kuwait City, we recommend tourists to visit the following beaches: Messilah, El Okeyla and Sea Front. The best of them is Messila Beach, which has three large multi-level pools.

Souvenirs/shopping

Tourists from Kuwait usually bring handicrafts, sheep wool carpets, coffee pots, jewelry, spices, and sweets.

Office hours

The territory of Kuwait is confined to the East Arabian coastal plain, which has a gentle slope towards the Persian Gulf. The low-lying flat topography of the coast gives way to hilly ridges in the central zone (with absolute heights of 100–200 m) and a low plateau in the extreme southwest, where the highest point of the country is located (281 m above sea level). The coastal lowland is replete with salt marshes, which during the rainy season turn into salt lakes “sebkha”. There is no erosion network here. The central and southwestern regions of the country are deeply dissected by a network of temporary watercourses (wadis). Within the northern half of Kuwait, rocky deserts are common, and within the southern half, sandy deserts with dune topography are common.

The length of the coastline is approx. 220 km. In general, the coast is slightly indented, with the exception of the central part, where the narrow Kuwait Bay (the only deep-water harbor on the entire western coast of the Persian Gulf) extends almost 50 km inland, on the southern shore of which the capital Kuwait City is located. The coastal zone is mostly shallow. At a short distance from the coast there is a chain of low islands: the largest are the heavily swampy Bubiyan and Failaka and the small ones are Warba, Maskan, Auha, Karoo, Umm en Namil, Qurain, Umm el-Maradim.

The subsoil of Kuwait is rich in oil and associated gas, the reserves of which are of global importance. According to preliminary estimates, oil resources account for approximately 10% of the world, and at current production rates they will last for more than 100 years.

Kuwait's climate is tropical and dry. Two seasons are clearly defined: dry summer (no precipitation falls from June to September, with an average of 1–6 mm in May and October) and a wetter winter (with maximum precipitation in January 21–25 mm). In the north, less than 150 mm falls per year, and in the south, less than 100 mm. The average annual rainfall in Kuwait City is approx. 100 mm. Sometimes precipitation falls in the form of downpours, washing away roads and destroying buildings.

In the coastal zone, the average temperature in July is 37° C, in January +13° C. Daytime temperatures in summer are very high and can reach 50° C in the shade, humidity is low, with the exception of the coast. In winter, the daytime is usually warm and comfortable. Sometimes night frosts occur in inland areas. Dust storms (toz) often arise, which in summer are brought by the dry shemal wind blowing from the deserts of Arabia. Occasionally there are dust devils that rise to heights of up to 1800 m.

There are no permanent watercourses or natural sources of fresh water on the territory of Kuwait; groundwater is saline. Kuwaitis have long mastered the art of finding aquifers and installing wells on them. Currently, fresh water is obtained through industrial desalination of seawater.

The soils are sandy, depleted in mineral and organic compounds, and infertile. The extremely sparse desert vegetation is represented by low-growing shrubs, subshrubs, and hard-leaved grasses. The most common are camel thorn (its roots up to 20 m long can reach the aquifer), some cereals (aristis, etc.), cermek, wormwood, and goosefoot (mainly saltwort). Occasionally there are gada shrubs up to 2 m high and trees such as acacia, mimosa, tal, cider and jurjub. Thickets of comb grass (tamarix) are confined to the coastal zone. In deserts, after the rains, brightly blooming ephemerals appear for a short time. Rare oases are found in places where groundwater reaches the surface. Date palm and some vegetable crops are commonly grown there.

The animal world is poor. The most numerous rodents are gerbils, jerboas, and mice. Reptiles are characterized by significant species diversity (sand boas, Arabian cobra, horned vipers, sand and motley ephs, gray monitor lizards, agamas, geckos). Of the predatory mammals, the fennec fox, hyena, and jackal are occasionally found. Of the ungulates, sand gazelles and goitered gazelles are extremely rare, and in the southwestern most elevated regions - wild sheep and oryx antelopes. The avifauna is more diverse. Wild pigeons, larks, bustards, hazel grouses, doves, hoopoes, gulls nest, as well as birds of prey such as eagles, falcons, kites, hawks on the coast and vultures in the deserts. Qatar is the wintering place for flamingos, ducks, cormorants, pelicans, herons and other waterfowl, as well as various species of passerines. In the coastal lowlands there are numerous locusts, in the deserts there are poisonous spiders and scorpions, ticks, phalanges, tarantulas, etc.

In coastal waters there are up to 250 species of fish (commercial fish - tuna, silver mackerel, mackerel, sea bass, zubeid, sardines, herring, shark, swordfish, sawfish, etc.). There are also shrimp, lobsters, squids, lobsters, and in the shallows there are many shellfish (pearl mussels, etc.). Sea turtles are common.

Population

Kuwait has a population of 2,257 thousand people (2004), of which 1,160 thousand people do not have Kuwaiti citizenship - mainly Arabs (35%), immigrants from South Asian countries (9%) and Iran (4%), who arrived in Kuwait for work in the oil industry. Kuwait City and its suburbs are home to approx. 1.6 million people.

The population of Kuwait is predominantly of Arab origin, but African, Iranian, Indian and Pakistani peoples also took part in its formation.

The predominant age group is from 15 to 65 years (approx. 69.8%), the group under 15 years old includes approx. 27.5%, and over 65 years old – less than 2.7%. The birth rate in Kuwait is estimated at 21.85 per 1000 population, mortality - 2.44 per 1000, immigration - 14.31 per 1000. Population growth in 2004 was 3.36%. This rate of population increase is associated with the return of previously expelled foreigners. Infant mortality is 10.26 per 1000 births.

The official language is Arabic, English is widely spoken.

The main religion is Islam. It is professed by approximately 85% of the population (45% Sunnis and 40% Shiites). Sunni Islam is the state religion. The state is headed by the head of Kuwaiti Muslims. Among the believers there are Christians (immigrants from Syria and Lebanon, specialists from the USA and Western Europe), Hindus (immigrants from India), Parsis (Zoroastrians), etc.

The Kuwaitis trace their origins to the nomadic Beni Atban tribe of the Anaza group, which came in the early 18th century. from central Arabia and was located around a few wells, where fortified settlements were erected. The name of the capital, Kuwait City, means “small fortress” in Arabic. Over the next two centuries, the composition of the population was homogeneous.

The development of the oil industry after World War II attracted large numbers of foreign workers to Kuwait. In the late 1980s, foreigners were dominated by Indians and Pakistanis, Palestinians, Egyptians, Lebanese, as well as immigrants from other Arab countries and Iranians. Following the occupation of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990, a significant proportion of foreign workers left the country. At the end of the war, most of the Palestinians living in Kuwait (who made up the main contingent of workers) were expelled for collaborating with the Iraqis. They were replaced by immigrants from other Arab and South Asian countries. Obtaining Kuwaiti citizenship is very difficult, so immigrants are not fully integrated into the country's social life.

State structure.

The State of Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy. The country gained full independence on June 19, 1961 after the termination of the British protectorate treaty. From 1899 to 1961, Kuwait had autonomy in internal affairs, the head of the state was a sheikh from the al-Sabah dynasty (this dynasty has ruled since 1756), other senior government positions were occupied by representatives of the same dynasty or other noble families. It was only after World War II that a new class of technocrats and managers emerged to share power. In December 1961, elections were held to the Constitutional Assembly, designed to develop a draft constitution. The constitution currently in force was approved on November 16, 1962.

According to the constitution, legislative power belongs to the emir and the National Assembly (parliament), consisting of 50 deputies elected for a four-year term. Only men who settled in Kuwait before 1920 or naturalized more than 30 years ago can become members of parliament. The right to vote is granted to literate male citizens who were naturalized more than 30 years ago, or Kuwaitis residing in the country since 1920 or earlier, and their descendants at least 21 years of age who are not serving in the army. Thus, approx. actually participates in the elections. 10% of the country's population. The National Assembly also includes the entire cabinet of ministers. The emir has the right to veto legislation passed by parliament.

Executive power is exercised by the emir and the government (Council of Ministers). According to the constitution, the emir appoints the crown prince as head of government, as well as members of the government (on the recommendation of the prime minister).

The Kuwaiti parliament, after resuming its work in 1992, has been critical of the government's actions, especially in the field of national defense.

Political parties are prohibited in Kuwait, but there are political movements of Arab nationalists, Islamists, etc. There is a large trade union association, the General Federation of Workers of Kuwait (GWFK), which is part of the International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions and the World Federation of Trade Unions. The WFRK has its own printed organ – the weekly magazine “Al-Amal” (“Worker”).

Since 1961, Kuwait has been a member of the League of Arab States, since 1963 - the UN and a number of other international and regional organizations. Since 1962, Kuwait has regularly provided financial assistance to developing countries through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED). The Kuwaiti government has provided interest-free loans to some Arab states. After the Arab-Israeli war of 1967, it provided financial assistance to the governments of Egypt and Jordan, and also generously assisted Palestinian organizations. Large loans were made to Iraq during its war with Iran from 1980–1988.

Economy.

Until the 1930s and 1940s, traditional occupations in Kuwait included nomadic pastoralism, oasis farming, pearl diving, and maritime intermediary trade. Kuwait's economic prosperity is linked to oil production. Although large oil fields in the country were discovered back in 1938, their development began only after World War II. Currently, Kuwait ranks third in the Middle East in terms of oil production (after Saudi Arabia and Iran). In recent decades, Kuwait has pursued a policy of conserving oil resources, so after 1979 the volume of oil production has decreased significantly.

Kuwait's economy suffered greatly during the Gulf War. As a result of the Iraqi occupation, a significant part of the oil production and oil refining enterprises was destroyed. In addition, the country has undertaken to compensate for the military expenses of the international coalition. After the war, large amounts of money had to be spent on restoring the oil sector of the economy. The country's economic situation also worsened due to the decline in world oil prices. In addition, Kuwait ranks one of the first places in the world in terms of expenditures on the purchase of weapons per capita. All these factors contributed to the growth of external debt and budget deficit. However, by 1992, Kuwait's oil industry was almost completely restored and oil production reached pre-war levels.

Thanks to rising oil prices and favorable conditions on the oil market in the 1999/2000 financial year, budget revenues increased by $2 billion compared to 1998/1999. Approximately 50% of GDP, 90% of export foreign exchange earnings and 75% of the budget are generated by the oil industry. In 2000, GDP amounted to 29.3 billion dollars, or 15 thousand dollars per capita, and grew by 6% compared to the previous year. In the structure of GDP, the share of the industrial sector is 55%, the service sector – 45%. The country's labor force is estimated at approximately 1.3 million people, 68% of whom are immigrants.

The largest manager of oil concessions is the government-owned Kuwait National Oil Company. Oil exploration and production in the continental part of the Neutral Zone in the southeast of the country, on the border with Saudi Arabia, is carried out by the American company American Independent Oil, and on the shelf by the Japanese company Arabian Oil. Revenues from oil production in the Neutral Zone are divided equally between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Every year the country produces approx. 100 million tons of oil.

The leading positions among industries are occupied by oil refining and petrochemicals. Kuwait's energy sector is entirely based on fossil fuels. The country produces approx. 31.6 billion kWh of electricity, which significantly exceeds its domestic consumption. Construction, production of consumer goods and fertilizers, and food industry are developed. There are industrial installations for desalination of sea water. With the improvement in the quality of education, knowledge-intensive industries such as the electronics industry, etc., have developed. The banking sector is active in the country, and the service sector is expanding.

Limited arable land (approximately 1% of the country's territory) and water resources significantly limit the possibilities for agricultural development. The country raises livestock and grows vegetables. Fishing, whose products satisfy 25% of domestic demand, and shrimp fishing are developed.

Kuwait is a major exporter of oil and petroleum products. Fertilizers and shrimp are also exported. The main export partners are Japan, USA, Singapore, and the Netherlands. Kuwait imports food, construction materials, machinery, and ready-made clothing. The main import partners are the USA, Japan, Great Britain, Germany. Foreign trade has a stable positive balance.

Thanks to the successful exploitation of vast oil reserves, Kuwait has surplus capital, which is used both for foreign investment and for the implementation of numerous projects to develop communications, road networks, civil engineering within the country and social security.

Kuwait has high-quality domestic and international telephone communications, including cellular phones, radio relay lines, overhead wires, coaxial and fiber optic cables and satellites.

The road network has a total length of 4,450 km, of which more than 80% are paved. Oil and gas fields are connected to industrial centers and ports by pipelines (the length of the oil pipeline is about 880 km, the gas pipeline is 165 km, the wires for the transmission of petroleum products are about 40 km). There are six seaports in Kuwait (the largest are Kuwait and Mina al-Ahmadi), to which 45 heavy-duty vessels with a displacement of more than 1,000 gross register tons each (with a total displacement of approximately 2.5 million gross register tons) are assigned. . Approximately half of the merchant fleet consists of oil tankers. Aviation communications, both domestic and international, are developed; there are 8 airports. Helicopter service has been established in the country.

Society.

Before the development of oil fields, Kuwait was an underdeveloped state with a per capita income of only $21. Currently, living standards have increased so significantly that Kuwaiti citizens are even able to travel abroad.

In 1936, there were only 2 schools in the country, but in the 1990s there were already more than 1000. Children of Kuwaiti citizens receive free education - from school to university. Schooling is compulsory. The system of educational institutions includes kindergarten (2 years), primary school (4 years), junior high school (4 years), and senior secondary school (4 years). In addition, programs of specialized colleges - technical, commercial, medical, pedagogical, and spiritual - have been built on the basis of incomplete secondary school. Education for girls and boys is separate. At the time of the proclamation of Kuwait, the majority of its inhabitants were illiterate; currently, approximately 79% of adults can read and write.

In 1966, Kuwait University was opened, becoming the largest educational institution in the Persian Gulf area. In addition, hundreds of students receive higher education abroad - in Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Great Britain, and the USA.

During the oil boom, the health care situation improved significantly. After World War II, Kuwait had only one hospital. Currently, there are dozens of clinics, hospitals, maternity hospitals, and medical centers. Medical care is free for native and naturalized Kuwaitis. Kuwait has practically eliminated epidemic diseases, preventive work has been established, and large medical treatment and research centers operate, in particular the Al-Sabah Hospital. Although the health care sector suffered great damage as a result of the Iraqi occupation of 1990–1991, it has now been restored.

Story.

Archaeological discoveries on Failaka Island, located at the entrance to Kuwait Bay, indicate that the island was inhabited already in the 3rd millennium BC. It was probably part of the ancient kingdom of Dilmun (centered on Bahrain). During the era of the empire of Alexander the Great (late 4th century BC), there was a fortified Greek city and seaport on the island of Failaka.

From the 7th century AD the territory of Kuwait was part of the Arab Caliphate, first under the rule of the Umayyads (661–750), then the Abbasids (750–1258). From the 13th century until the end of the 15th century. The territory of modern Kuwait, then called Qurain, was ruled by the sheikhs of the local Arab tribes Beni Khaled, Beni Hajar, Beni Muteir, Beni Kaab. At the beginning of the 16th century. Portuguese influence increased in the Persian Gulf region. However, the leaders of the Bin Khaled tribe, relying on the support of the Ottoman Empire, managed to maintain the independence of the Qurain Emirate from both the Portuguese and the Turks, despite the fact that the latter repeatedly occupied its territory.

At the beginning of the 17th century. The Portuguese were expelled, but France, the Netherlands and Great Britain entered the fight for the coastal regions of the Persian Gulf. The Ottoman Empire and Persia continued to dispute their dominance. Although in the middle of the 17th century. Qurain was again occupied by the Turks and formally incorporated into the Ottoman Empire, where strong local authorities remained. In 1680, during the reign of Sheikh Barraq al-Hamid (1669–1682), the fortified port city of Kuwait was built. Qurain reached a special prosperity under the wise rule of Sheikh Sadoun al-Hamid (1691–1722), who stood at the head of the Arab Beni Khaled tribe and managed to maintain peaceful relations with neighboring states. Under him, Arabs of the Beni Atban tribe, led by several influential clans, settled on the coast of the Persian Gulf in the Kuwait region, but later only the al-Sabah clan settled there. In 1756, Sheikh Sabah ibn Jaber al-Sabah united all the tribes living in Kuwait into a single state entity, the Emirate of Kuwait. In 1760, the city of Kuwait, in which the bulk of the emirate's population was concentrated, was surrounded by a wall. By the end of the 18th century. The strengthened Saudi state in Central Arabia extended its influence all the way to the coast of the Persian Gulf, but it failed to conquer Kuwait. In 1777, the British persuaded the Emir of Kuwait, Abdullah ibn Sabah al-Sabah, to establish friendly relations with Great Britain. In 1793, a trading post of the East India Company was founded in Kuwait, seeking to monopolize trade in this region.

Throughout the 19th century, despite pressure from England, the rulers of Kuwait did not agree to establish treaty relations with it. In the early 1870s, Kuwait received the status of a kazy (district) of the Basor vilayet of the Ottoman Empire, and the emir was recognized as the viceroy of the Sultan.

Kuwait attracted special attention from European powers in the late 19th century. in connection with Germany's plan to extend the Baghdad railway to the port of Kuwait. Meanwhile, Great Britain feared the strengthening of the German presence in the Persian Gulf area. Sheikh Mubarak ibn Sabah al-Sabah, seeking to protect the country from Turkish invasion, signed a secret agreement with Great Britain in 1899, according to which the latter was to be responsible for Kuwait's foreign policy. Thus, Kuwait effectively became a British protectorate.

In July 1913, Turkey signed a convention with England, according to which it recognized the Anglo-Kuwaiti Agreement of 1899. In October 1913, a new Anglo-Kuwaiti agreement was concluded, according to which Great Britain was given exclusive rights to the exploration, production and transportation of oil in Kuwait. In June 1914, Germany ceded to Great Britain the right to build a section of the Basra-Kuwait railway. In November of the same year, Great Britain recognized Kuwait as an independent principality under a British protectorate.

In 1918–1922, Kuwait became involved in border conflicts with Najd (ruled by the Saudis) and Iraq. Great Britain took an active part in resolving the foreign policy situation. Through the mediation of its representatives, in December 1922, an agreement was signed on the transfer of part of the territory of Najd to Kuwait and Iraq and the creation of border Kuwaiti-Saudi and Iraqi-Saudi zones (since 1942 they received the status of a Neutral Zone), free for nomads. In April 1923, the British contributed to the inclusion of the islands belonging to Iraq, located at the mouth of the Shatt al-Arab River, into Kuwait. Since 1927, Kuwait has effectively become a British colony.

In accordance with notes exchanged between the two governments on 19 June 1961, Great Britain renounced its rights in Kuwait and the independence of the State of Kuwait was declared. Six days later, Iraq declared its sovereignty over these lands. Kuwait immediately turned to Britain and Saudi Arabia for military assistance, and also submitted a request to join the UN and the Arab League. Over the next few days, under the pretext of moving Iraqi troops to the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border, approximately. 6 thousand British and Saudi soldiers.

In August 1962, British troops, by decision of the Arab League, were replaced by Sudanese, Jordanian and Egyptian units. Tensions subsided, but relations between Iraq and Kuwait only improved significantly after 1963. At the same time, the Arab League “security forces” in Kuwait were evacuated. In 1968, the agreement between Kuwait and Great Britain was annulled, according to which the latter was obliged to provide military assistance to Kuwait.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Kuwait quickly became rich through oil exports. The funds received were used by the government to develop the economy and social sphere within the country, investments in Western countries, assistance to Islamic states and support for such Arab nationalist organizations as the Palestine Liberation Organization. In the 1970s, most of the oil industry was nationalized and oil production was limited to preserve reserves.

Although Kuwait was able to provide a high standard of living for its population, all power and wealth in the country was controlled by members of the ruling family and their allies, and some social programs extended only to native Kuwaitis. Kuwait's economic success favored mass immigration, and already in the 1970s the majority of the population came from other countries. Due to the prevailing unfavorable political situation, the emir dissolved the parliament in 1976, which did not function until 1981. The operation of some articles of the constitution was also suspended. A new National Assembly was elected in 1981 and then dissolved in 1986.

Kuwait at the end of the 20th century. – early 21st century

On August 2, 1990, a hundred thousand Iraqi army invaded Kuwait, and Iraq announced the annexation of Kuwait. Hundreds of thousands of residents fled the country; thousands of those who remained were arrested or killed. The Iraqis looted or burned almost all civilian sites and set fire to 700 oil wells. These fires had unprecedented negative consequences for the environment. On January 17, 1991, based on a decision of the UN Security Council, an action began to liberate Kuwait by a coalition of 29 countries led by the United States. By February 26, the country was completely liberated. After the restoration of power to the al-Sabah dynasty, mass arrests took place in the country. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were deported.

In order to guarantee its security, Kuwait entered into military cooperation agreements with the United States, Great Britain, France and Russia in the early 1990s. Kuwait has agreed to expand the American military presence on its territory, housing the equipment of the American army brigade and basing the US Air Force and other allies.

The country remains concerned about Iraq's intentions, so Kuwait remains the strongest supporter of the American containment policy against Iraq. Kuwait is spending heavily on strengthening its military. Its military budget in 2000/2001 amounted to 8.7% of GDP.

Immediately after the end of the Gulf War, Kuwait began to rebuild its destroyed economy, but the fall in world oil prices held back this process. Nevertheless, already in July 1991, Kuwait resumed oil exports. In 1993, export revenues exceeded pre-war levels. By 1994, the oil refining industry had been almost completely restored.

The first post-war parliamentary elections took place in 1992, and then in 1996 and 1999. Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah served as head of state (emir of the State of Kuwait) from December 31, 1977. The government was headed by Crown Prince Sheikh Saad al-Abdallah al-Salem al-Sabah. On January 15, 2006, the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah, died at the age of 77. Power passed to the 75-year-old crown prince. On January 24, 2006, the country's parliament adopted a decision, confirmed by the conclusion of a medical commission, to deny him the right to inherit the throne due to poor health. The 75-year-old Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah, who has headed the government since 2003, was proclaimed the new emir of Kuwait. In 2006, Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammed al-Sabah, the nephew of the Emir of Kuwait, became prime minister.

Government services operate in the country: Kuwait News Agency (since 1976), Kuwait Broadcasting Service (since 1951) and Kuwait Television (since 1961). In Kuwait, about a dozen daily and weekly newspapers, as well as several magazines, are published in large circulations, mainly in Arabic. The largest publication is the monthly magazine “Al-Arabi” (“Arab”, about 350 thousand copies), covering political and economic news and scientific achievements. The daily newspapers Al-Anba (Izvestia, 80 thousand), Al-Watan (Motherland, 56.8 thousand), Al-Qabas (Knowledge, 90) are published in large circulations thousand copies), “Ar-Rai al-Amm” (“Public Opinion”, 86.9 thousand copies) with the weekly supplement “An-Nahda” (“The Rise”, 148.5 thousand copies) and weekly newspapers Al-Hadaf (The Goal, 153 thousand copies) and Al-Yakza (The Awakening, 91.3 thousand copies). There are two English-language newspapers, the Arab Times (31.1 thousand copies) and the Kuwait Times (30 thousand copies).

In November 2011, a protest rally of many thousands took place. The parliamentary opposition boycotted the parliamentary meeting. From November 16 to 17, demonstrators stormed the parliament building demanding the resignation of the prime minister and were brutally dispersed by the police. 45 protesters were arrested.

Kuwait has seen several government resignations over the past few years. On November 28, 2011, the cabinet resigned, with the exception of Prime Minister Nasser al-Sabah. The latest resignation was caused by the demonstration of many thousands in the capital. Such mass protests occurred for the first time since the country's independence. The opposition demanded that corrupt government officials be brought to justice and the arrested participants in the seizure of parliament in November 2011 released.

In October 2012, head of state Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah dissolved parliament after several months of political stagnation. The Islamist opposition then called on its supporters to demonstrate, considering the new election law unconstitutional.

In early December 2012, in early parliamentary elections, representatives of the Shiite minority for the first time won about a third of the seats in the National Assembly - 15 out of 50 parliamentary seats.

Literature:

Mikhin V.L. Kuwait. M., 1984
Melkumyan E.S. Kuwait. – In the book: Recent history of the Arab countries of Asia. 1917–1985. M., 1988
State of Kuwait: Directory. M., 1990
Kuwait: social development. Leadership, planning, popular participation and humanistic guidelines. M., 1997
Kuwait. St. Petersburg, 2000