Introduction
Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling Kuwaiti AL-SABAH dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on 2 August 1990. Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led, UN coalition began a ground assault on 23 February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure damaged during 1990-91.
Location
Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia
Geographic coordinates
29 30 N, 45 45 E
Area
total: 17,820 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 17,820 sq km
Land boundaries
total: 462 km
border countries: Iraq 240 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 NM
Climate
dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters
Natural resources
petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas
Irrigated land
60 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards
sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring heavy rain, which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year, but are most common between March and August
Environment - current issues
limited natural fresh water resources; some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the water; air and water pollution; desertification
Environment - international agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping
Population
2,257,549
note: includes 1,291,354 non-nationals (July 2004 est.)