Facts About Kuwait

, , Leave a comment

800px-Kuweit-towers

Kuwait is an Arabian country in western Asia, that is rich in cultural heritage and ethnographic artifacts of ancient times and Islamic Art.

Fact 1 Geographical Position Of Kuwait

Kuwait is located in the northeastern part of Saudi Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Iraq in the north at Basra, Saudi Arabia in the south at Khafji and the Persian Gulf at the northwestern end. It is a barren, low-lying sandy area in the desert. Kuwait is officially known as the State of Kuwait. The name owes its origin from an Arabic word that means, “Fortress built near water”. The country spreads over an area of 17,820 square km with a population around 2.8 million. The capital of Kuwait is Kuwait City that is located along Kuwait Bay.

Fact 2 History

Historical evidences show that Kuwait was a part of an ancient civilization that flourished around 3000 BC. It had trade relations with the Mesopotamian cities of that era. Unfortunately, all historical and archeological evidences disappeared during 1000 BC. The causes were not known. However, during the first half of the 18th century, a central Arabian tribe, the Anizah, founded the City of Kuwait and it became an independent country ruled by the Sheikh. The first Sheikh was Abd Rahim of the Al-Sabah. His descendants continued this Sheikhdom and ruled Kuwait until the country became a part of the Ottoman Empire in the late 18th and 19th centuries. Fearing expansion of their territories by the Turks, the sheikh sought for British protection and Kuwait was guarded by Britain around 1897. Later, in 1961, 19 June, Kuwait became an independent country as British protectorate ended but they agreed to help them with military power when required. Kuwait immediately received threats of annexation from Iraq and so the British again sent troops to protect them. Soon the Arab League sent troops to replace the British military forces. However, Kuwait’s independence was recognized by the Arab League moving aside the claims made by Iraq and on 20th July 1961 Kuwait was declared a fully independent state.

Fact 3 Population Of Kuwait

Kuwait is a small country lying on the Persian Gulf. However, it is rich in oil that has attracted people from various countries to settle there. Only a third of the population consists of Kuwaiti Arabs and other Arabs namely the Palestinians and Egyptians comprise of 22%. The remaining 38% is constituted of non-Arabs who are mostly from South Asian countries.

Fact 4 Trade And Commerce

Kuwait is the second largest exporter of oil in the world since 1946. There are hardly any agricultural crops or fish available in this arid country. Apart from oil, petrochemicals, food processing, and desalination are the other industries of Kuwait. It exports fertilizers also.

Fact 5 Interesting Places To Visit In Kuwait

Kuwait attracts travelers from around the world to see its heritage buildings and natural beauty near the shores as it lies close to the Persian Gulf. Some of the most visited sites are:

  • The Liberation tower: It is the tallest tower in Kuwait that symbolizes Kuwait’s liberation.
  • Kuwait presents a spectacular coastline and beaches along the Persian Gulf with many beach clubs and beach parks.
  • Dhow Harbor offers a glimpse of the sailing ships and dhows that were used before for pearl diving, fishing etc.
  • Doha Village, Failaka Island, Green Island, the Grand Mosque, House of Mirrors, Kuwait Zoo, Kubbar Island, and other interesting places attract visitors from around the world to enjoy the scenic beauty of nature surrounded mostly by water.

Fact 6 Religion

Most of the people in Kuwait are followers of Islam. But there are many Christians, Hindus and Parsis as well. Islam is their state religion.

Tea Time Quiz

[forminator_poll id="23176"]
 

Leave a Reply