The Country & People of Kuwait

This page contains links to sites in Kuwait and Kuwait related sites.
For Middle East, North Africa, Arab and regional information visit Arab Countries

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History
Kuwait, settled by Arab tribes in the early 18th cent., has been ruled since its inception by the al-Sabah dynasty. Nominally an Ottoman province, the sheikhdom became a British protectorate in 1897, remaining so until independence in 1961. Oil production began in the 1940s and was controlled by a joint British-American firm until 1974, when Kuwait nationalized most of the operations. Kuwait took part in the Arab oil embargo against nations that supported Israel in the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

In Aug. 1990, Kuwait was invaded and forcibly annexed by Iraq, an act that led to and was reversed by the Persian Gulf War. The war and widespread looting and intentional destruction by Iraqi troops devastated Kuwait, particularly its oil fields, but by the end of 1992 the country had repaired nearly all the damage and its oil output was at about the prewar level. Large areas of land, however, remained environmentally devastated. In 1992, opposition candidates won a majority of the seats in parliament; the al-Sabah family, however, continued to dominate the government.

An Iraqi military buildup near the Kuwait border led the U.S. to send troops to Kuwait in 1994.

Parliament was dissolved by the sheikh in May 1999; elections in July gave Islamist and liberal candidates the most seats. An edict (1999) by the sheikh giving Kuwaiti women the right to vote and run for office failed to win parliamentary ratification.

In the July, 2003, parliamentary elections Islamists won 42% of the seats, while liberals retained only a handful; government supporters won 28% of the seats.

The government finally succeeded in securing parliamentary ratification of political rights for women in May, 2005.

In Jan., 2006, Emir Jaber died; he was succeeded by Emir Saad al-Abdullah al-Sabah, who was himself in poor health. Emir Saad was soon removed from office for health reasons by the parliament, and the prime minister, Emir Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, succeeded him. Clashing in parliament over consolidating voting districts, which opposition members wanted in order to prevent vote-buying, led the emir to call new elections. In the June vote, women voted for the first time, but no female candidate won a seat; reformers, both largely Islamists, won 36 of the 50 seats.

Differences between the cabinet and the parliament led the government to resign in Mar., 2008. The May parliamentary elections largely repeated the results of two years before, with Islamists again controling the largest number of seats. A power struggle over some legislators demands to be allowed to question the prime minister, Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah, about the circumstances of an Iranian cleric's visit led the government to resign in November; the emir reappointed Sheikh Nasser the following month, and a new cabinet was formed in Jan., 2009.

In Mar., 2009, however, legislators and the government were again in a standoff, and when the government again resigned, the emir dissolved parliament. Sunni Islamists suffered some losses in the May elections, which also produced Kuwait's first female legislators; the emir again asked Sheikh Nasser to form a government. In Mar., 2011, the cabinet again resigned in order to avoid parliamentary questioning. Sheikh Nasser formed a new cabinet in May, but corruption protests led to that government's resignation in November.

Jaber al-Mubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah, the former defense minister, was appointed prime minister, and in December parliament was dissolved. The Feb., 2012, elections resulted in a majority of the seats being held by opposition Islamist groups, with Sunni Islamists winning nearly half the seats. Sheikh Jaber was reappointed as prime minister after the elections. In June, however, amid renewed tensions between parliament and the government, the courts ruled that the February elections were unconstitutional, and reinstated the earlier parliament, and Sheikh Jaber was again reappointed as prime minister in July.

The opposition boycotted parliament, however, and in October it was dissolved. The opposition also boycotted the Dec., 2012, elections (turnout was roughly 40%), objecting to new voting rules that could diminish its power; this led to the election of progovernment legislators, including a few women. The previous government was essentially reappointed. Opposition leaders denounced the result as illegitimate and mounted a series of protests. In June, 2013, the constitutional court ordered the parliament dissolved because of problems before the December vote. New elections in July were again boycotted by the opposition; turnout was roughly 50%. After the election Sheikh Jaber was appointed prime minister.

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About Kuwait

All Referer Earth & environment, history, literature & arts, people, places, plants & animals, religion, science & technology, sports & everyday life....

AME Info Geography, people, government, economy, communication, transportation

ArabInfo Overview, government, history, links

ArabNet Overview, history, geography, business, culture, government, transport, tour guide, links

Atlapedia Geography, climate, people, demography, religion, education, modern history, currency, other information....

BBC Country Profile Key facts, figures and dates

Britannica.Com Country info, land, people, economy, society, government, history, culture, maps, statistics, links....

CIA World Factbook Map, geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, issues

Country Reports Economy, defense, geography, government, people, anthem, map, news, weather, links....

Encarta OnLine Info, land & resources, population, economy, government, history, other related items, links....

Encyclopaedia of the Orient Geography, politics, economy, health, education, religion, people, history, anthem, cities....

Expedia Almanac, fast facts, communications, on business, health & safety, transportation, traveler's directory

Info Please General info, map, geography, government, history, land & people....

Nation By Nation Info, government, human rights, news, geography, history, people, links....

US Library of Congress Everything you ever wanted to know about Kuwait....

World66 General info, cities, history, people, economy, getting around, getting there, links....

Cities, Towns, Municipalities & Places

The Grand Mosque The first place to see when you visit Kuwait - Architecture, programs, location, annexes, mosques in Kuwait....

Flag, Maps, Useful Information....

Cellular News Cellular coverage map, systems, frequencies....

Ethnologue Languages

Flag Description, meaning, history, interesting facts

Flag Explanation, historical, military & political flags, subdivisions, national emblem....

Maps on the internet All types of maps from different sources

World Atlas A brief description, fast facts, flag, landforms, maps, traveller info, weather

World Clock Local time, sunrise, sunset, GMT offset, daylight saving....

World Paper Money Paper currency since 1960

Business and Economy

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Fact sheet (pdf) & travel information....

Bilateral Relations with Japan Diplomatic, investment, economic cooperation, residents....

Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry Business center, economy, commercial directory, magazine, calendar....

Kuwait and the IMF Position in the fund, reports....

Kuwait Stock Exchange Trading data, reports, quotations, rules & regulations, brokers, company codes....

MBendi Business information, news, industries, events

Muslim Trade Network Trade reference directory and guide....

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries - OPEC Statistics....

Ports Focus Ports, harbours, marinas....

US Department of Energy Analysis, information, oil, natural gas, coal, electricity....

US Department of State Country commercial guide 2001 (pdf)

US Department of State Country reports on economic policy and trade practices - 1999

World Bank Overview, news & events, data & statistics, publications & reports, development topics, projects & programs, Public Information Center

World Trade Organization - WTO Provides trade statistics, goods schedules, services schedules and MFN exemptions, trade policy reviews, dispute cases, and notifications

Banks

Bank of Kuwait & the Middle East A fully interactive bank on the internet

Burgan Bank Offers a full range of banking services

Central Bank of Kuwait A flexible and stable monetary and financial system

Commercial Bank of Kuwait (Tijari) Innovative products and services

Jordan Kuwait Bank More than just a bank

Kuwait Finance House Islamic bank. A non-interest based financial institution

National Bank of Kuwait (Watani) Banking & online services, economics & markets

Directories, Job Opportunities

AskQ8 Dedicated to help you find the business, service or information in Kuwait

Career Kuwait Online recruiters

Kuwait Link Commercial search engine limited to businesses in Kuwait

Kuwait's Top List Kuwait business, company profiles, hotels of Kuwait....

Q8 Companies Alphabetical listing....

ProLinks Kuwait Job & Career Center

Investment & Promotion....

Art, Culture & Sport

Tareq Rajab (Private) Museum Events, manuscripts, costumes, metal Work, ceramics, orientalists, jewellery....

Art, Literature, Photography, Cinema....

May Al-Saad Portraits & Galleries

Q8 Art Galleries Various artists....

Kuwait Pictures An original collection of recent pictures about Kuwait

Internet Movie Database Movie & TV reports

Music, Song & Dance....

Cultural, Scientific, Environmental, Sporting Entities & Info

Animal Info Threatened species, environmental and social data

AquaStat Information on quantity and quality of freshwater and its availability

BirdLife To determine the priorities for bird conservation in the region

Green Line Environmental issues, articles, news....

Al-Azraq Kuwait national football team. Coming events, songs, diwania, goals, cartoons, FM news

Kuwait Dive Team Projects, enviromental issues, articles, contacts....

Qadsia Sporting Club Establishment, members, presidents, superiority cup, sports....

Education

American School of Kuwait For students who seek entrance into the finest of stateside colleges and universities

British School of Kuwait Most rigorous, rounded and relevant British style education in Kuwait

Gulf English School Bilingual, all-age school based upon the British national curriculum

Kuwait English School KG to IGCSE A/S and 'A' Level

Kuwait National English School Maximum individual attention

Mohamed Saleh Aladsani School School info, scientists of the week....

Kuwait University Official home page

WorldWide Classroom University & adult education, K12 & teen....

Institutions & Organizations

Institute of Banking Studies To prepare candidates for professional qualifications in banking & finance

Public Authority for Applied Education and Training Supervise training centers and institutes affiliated to state ministries

Research, Resources & Projects

History, Human Right & Politics

Kuwait Past Timeline and rulers

Political Geography Land and people, economy, government, history....

World Statesmen Flags, chronology, rulers, governors, ministers, commissioners....

Human Rights, Politics & Political Parties....

Amnesty International News, reports, urgent action. Latest annual report....

Human Rights Watch Human rights developments & report

National Committee for Missing & POW's Affairs Release of all Kuwaiti POWs and provide support and aid to their families

Public Authority for Assessment of Compensation for Damages resulting from the Iraqi Aggression - PAAC Responsible for all aspects of the UNCC claims process in Kuwait

US Department of State Country reports on human rights practices

Related Sites, Articles....

Constitution Background, history & news

Media

Al-Dostoor Weekly newspaper

Al-Forqan Monthly magazine

Al-Hadaf Weekly newspaper

Al-Anba Daily newspaper

Al-Qabas Daily newspaper

Al-Rai Al-Aam Daily newspaper

Al-Seyassah Daily newspaper

Al-Watan Daily newspaper

Anhar Monthly magazine - Cultural

Dar Al-Yaqza Assorment of magazines & newspapers - Cultural, economy, politics

Homat Al-Watan Monthly magazine - Military

Kuwait Times Daily newspaper

OnLine News, Newsletters, News Agencies....

Al-Yaqza Online Includes Al-Yaqza magazine, Dalal magazine, Al-Iktisadia weekly newspaper....

Kuwait Automotive Kuwait autos online news....

Kuwait News Agency Online news, archives, pictures, services....

Washington Post News & references

Yahoo full news coverage

Radio, TV, Internet....

Kuwait Business Chat rooms, forums, cinemas, classifieds, categorized directory, entertainment....

Articles, Reports, Cartoons....

Government & Organizations....

Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members

Political Leaders Dates and figures of the leadership since 1950 (with pictures)

Council of Ministers Legal advice & legislation, fatwa law, constitution, law library....

Kuwait Investment Authority Improving the quality of investment operations and processes

Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs >

Ministry of Communications >

Ministry of Education >

Ministry of Finance >

Ministry of Health Services, directory, announcements, news, employment, birds flu....

Ministry of Interior Services, events, history....

Ministry of Information Exploiting all media means towards helping the Kuwaiti society

Ministry of Justice The administrative arm of the legal system in Kuwait

Ministry of Planning Statistics, library....

Ministry of Public Works Statistics, library....

Embassy of Kuwait - Ottawa, Canada Information for Canadians, both businesspeople and tourists who want to visit Kuwait

Embassy of Kuwait - Tokyo, Japan History, system of government, economy, environment, Kuwait way of life, consular affairs....

Corporations, Organizations, Public Hospitals and Industrial Entities

Al-Rashid Hospital Private hospital in Salmiya

Kuwait National Petroleum Company Core purpose is to provide a strategic role in the Kuwaiti oil sector

Centers, Institutions, Societies....

Kuwait Red Crescent Society A voluntary humanitarian society providing help and assistance to the most vulnerable people

Foreign Entities

British Embassy The embassy offers consular, commercial and visa services to members of the public....

Embassy of Azerbaijan Explain the services on offer

French Embassy - Commersial Section French imports from Kuwait, French exports to Kuwait, market share....

US Embassy US mission, consular services, latest news, US policy, journals, articles....

British Counsil Library and information services, events, news, conferences, learn English

United NationsUnited Nations Development Programme

World Health Organization Tobacco & health, socio-economic situation

Travel & Tourism

Kuwait Airways Information about all our flights and services

Kuwait International Airport Flight information, statistics, weather, news, services, about Kuwait....

Travel, Tours, Guides.... More country info

Q8 Diner An informative directory of restaurants and related news....

Lonely Planet Travel information, maps, photos, background historical and cultural information

Middle East Travel Accommodation, history, after hours, travel info, addresses, cities & sights, business....

Travel Guide General & travel info, money, duty free, health, accommodation, visas....

World Travel Guide Accommodation, addresses, business, climate, essentials, resort, social, travel

Hotels, Resorts, Inns, Hostels....

Marriott JW Kuwait Connected to the prestigious Al Salhiya shopping and office complex

Messilah Beach Hotel Midway between the airport and the city centre

M?venpick Hotel Kuwait

Safir International Hotel Within walking distance of major attractions

All Hotels Hotels, description & rates

Hotels Travel Hotels directory & tourist information

Q8 Hotels Kuwait Hotels

Health & Travel Tips

Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel information, country advise, latest travel updates....

Travel Document Systems Passports, visas, travel documents

US Consular Information Visa, health, crime/drug penalties....

Weather....

Tide Calendar Tide times, sunset, sunrise and global position

Weather Underground Temperature, humidity, pressure

Yahoo Weather By city. Forcast, sunrise, sunset, humidity, wind, dewpoint....

Gateways to Kuwait

Kuwait Information Directory of companies and organisations, rules, weather, events, language, links, recipes and other info

Kuwaitiah.Net Directory and information - Pocket PC friendly

Q8 Directory Directory and city guide