Kuwait (country), independent state on the north-western coast of the Persian Gulf. It is bordered on the north and north-west by Iraq, on the east by the Persian Gulf, and on the south by Saudi Arabia. The country’s total area, including the islands of Bubiyan, Warbah, and Faylakah, is 17,818 sq km (6,880 sq mi). The national capital and chief port is Kuwait City. From August 1990 to February 1991, Iraq, in defiance of the United Nations Security Council, annexed and occupied Kuwait, claiming it as Iraq’s 19th province. This action led to the Gulf War, which liberated the country. In November 1994, Iraq formally accepted the UN-demarcated border with Kuwait, which had been spelled out in Security Council Resolutions made in 1991 and 1993; this formally ends earlier claims to Kuwait and to Bubiyan and Warbah islands.
POPULATION
The native population of Kuwait consists of Arabs; citizenship is reserved for those able to demonstrate local ancestry from before 1920. Many minority groups are present, however, including Arabs from other countries, Indians, Pakistanis, and Iranians. Prior to 1990 native Kuwaitis only comprised some 25 per cent of the population; they now make up 50 per cent. Palestinians were formerly the largest minority, but Palestinian support for the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait made the government encourage them to leave after liberation. Official Kuwaiti policy is now to maintain at least a marginal majority of native residents. The population of Kuwait is 2,257,549 (2004 estimate). The overall population density is about 127 people per sq km (328 per sq mi). Average life expectancy at birth in 2004 was 76 years for men and 78 years for women.
LANGUAGE
Standard Arabic is the official language, a second language learnt in schools and used in official domains. The more popular form of Arabic used is Gulf Spoken Arabic, which is a mother tongue for around 85 per cent of the population. Mehri, a Semitic language, is the first language for a small minority. Immigrant Arabic languages are also spoken by some.
RELIGION
Islam is the predominant religion, 45 per cent being Sunni Muslims, and 30 per cent, Shiite Muslims. A law of 1981 limits citizenship to Muslims.
POPULATION
The native population of Kuwait consists of Arabs; citizenship is reserved for those able to demonstrate local ancestry from before 1920. Many minority groups are present, however, including Arabs from other countries, Indians, Pakistanis, and Iranians. Prior to 1990 native Kuwaitis only comprised some 25 per cent of the population; they now make up 50 per cent. Palestinians were formerly the largest minority, but Palestinian support for the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait made the government encourage them to leave after liberation. Official Kuwaiti policy is now to maintain at least a marginal majority of native residents. The population of Kuwait is 2,257,549 (2004 estimate). The overall population density is about 127 people per sq km (328 per sq mi). Average life expectancy at birth in 2004 was 76 years for men and 78 years for women.
LANGUAGE
Standard Arabic is the official language, a second language learnt in schools and used in official domains. The more popular form of Arabic used is Gulf Spoken Arabic, which is a mother tongue for around 85 per cent of the population. Mehri, a Semitic language, is the first language for a small minority. Immigrant Arabic languages are also spoken by some.
RELIGION
Islam is the predominant religion, 45 per cent being Sunni Muslims, and 30 per cent, Shiite Muslims. A law of 1981 limits citizenship to Muslims.
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