Kuwait, officially the State of Kuwait, is a country in West Asia and the geopolitical region known as the Middle East. It is situated in the northern edge of the Arabian Peninsula at the head of the Persian Gulf, bordering Iraq to the north and Saudi Arabia to the south.

Area: Approximately 17,818 square kilometers.

Population: Around 4.85 million (2023).

Language: Arabic is the official language.

Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD).

Religion: Islam is the official religion and the majority of the citizen population is Muslim. There are also small native Christian and Baháʼí populations. Many expatriates are Muslim, Hindu, Christian, or Buddhist.

Capital: Kuwait City.

Major Cities: Besides Kuwait City, other significant cities include Al Ahmadi, Hawalli, Sabah Al Salem, Al Farwaniyah, and Al Fahaheel.

Attractions:

• Kuwait Towers: Iconic symbol of Kuwait.
• Al Mubarakiya Souq: Traditional market.
• Grand Mosque of Kuwait: Largest mosque in Kuwait, a magnificent example of Islamic architecture.
• The Scientific Center: Features an aquarium, IMAX theater, and Discovery Place.
• Tareq Rajab Museum: Houses a collection of Islamic art and artifacts.
• Kuwait National Museum: Showcases Kuwait’s heritage and history.
• Green Island in Kuwait: Man-made island with recreational facilities.
• Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre: A large cultural complex with museums and interactive exhibits.
• Failaka Island: Rich in archaeological treasures, offering a glimpse into Kuwait’s ancient past.

Wonders: While Kuwait doesn’t have officially designated “natural wonders” in the same vein as some other countries, its unique landscapes offer captivating experiences:

• The Arabian Desert: Vast expanses of rolling sand dunes, rugged mountains, and ancient valleys.
• Al Mutlaa Ridge: A geological marvel with towering sandstone cliffs and sweeping vistas.
• Kuwait Bay: Offers beautiful views and a serene atmosphere.

Architecture: Kuwait showcases a blend of traditional Islamic and modern architectural styles. Key architectural landmarks include:

• Kuwait Towers: Modern and distinctive.
• Grand Mosque of Kuwait: Intricate Islamic design.
• Seif Palace: Reflects traditional Islamic architecture with a golden dome.
• Al Hamra Tower: A prominent modern skyscraper.

Roads: Kuwait’s road quality has varied, with a rating of 3.7 out of 7 in 2019 according to the World Economic Forum, declining from previous years. However, there have been significant infrastructure development projects.

Hotels: Kuwait offers a range of hotels, including numerous 5-star establishments, particularly in Kuwait City. Brands like Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, and Marriott Executive Apartments have a presence.

Restaurants: Kuwait’s restaurant scene offers a diverse culinary experience. While some note a prevalence of fast-food chains and a concentration on shawarma, falafel, and kabab, there’s also a growing appreciation for a wider array of cuisines. You can find excellent Middle Eastern cuisine and many places offer beautiful views, particularly along the Gulf Road.

Cuisine: Kuwaiti cuisine is a fusion of Arabian, Iranian, Indian, and Mediterranean influences.

• Machboos: A prominent rice-based dish with seasoned basmati rice and chicken or mutton.
• Seafood: A significant part of the diet, especially fish like hamour (grouper), safi (rabbitfish), and sobaity (sea bream).
• Mutabbaq samak: Considered a national dish.
• Other popular dishes include Biryani, Gabout (stuffed flour dumplings), Harees (wheat cooked with meat), and Jireesh (spelt mash with meat and vegetables).

Annual Travel: Tourist arrivals in Kuwait have seen fluctuations. In 2021, there were approximately 1.6 million tourist arrivals, a decrease from 2.1 million in 2020. Historically, arrivals averaged much higher, reaching a peak of around 8.6 million in 2004. Kuwait is also a significant source of outbound tourists.