Looking to learn some fascinating facts about the Middle East to impress your friends? Start with these fun facts about Kuwait!
1. Where is Kuwait?
Kuwait is a small Arab country on the Persian Gulf in Asia.
2. It’s been independent since the 1960s.
Formerly under British control, Kuwait gained independence in 1961.
3. It has plenty of neighbours.
It is bordered by Iraq to the north and west, Iran to the northeast, and Saudi Arabia to the south. It also has a coastline along the Persian Gulf to the east.
4. Here’s the latitude and longitude.
Fancy a spot of camel racing through the desert? Head over to Kuwait for a holiday of a lifetime; the coordinates are 29.3667° N, 47.9667°
5. It’s not hard to cross Kuwait.
The terrain here is flat to slightly undulating desert plain, so it’s nice and easy to navigate – just don’t forget to take some water!
6. How big is Kuwait, anyway?
The total land area of Kuwait is 6,880 square miles (17,818 square kilometres).
7. Over four million people live here.
Kuwait’s population was 4.269 million in 2022.
8. What’s the capital of Kuwait?
The capital is Kuwait City; it covers an area of 77 square miles (200 square kilometres) and had a population of 2.8 million in 2015.
9. Live long and prosper, Kuwait style!
The average life span here is 78.67 years (2021).
10. It’s blazingly hot out here.
Kuwait experiences a dry desert climate, with short cool winters and long and very hot summers!
The hottest temperature ever recorded in Kuwait was an incredible 136.9˚F on 31st July 2012, which also happens to be the third-highest temperature ever recorded throughout the world, behind Tunisia and USA!
11. Do people speak English in Kuwait?
The official language of Kuwait is Arabic, although English is also widely spoken.
12. Change up the cash!
Fancy exploring this amazing country? You’ll need to exchange your money for Kuwaiti Dinar, the official currency here.
The Kuwaiti Dinar is the highest valued currency in the world (as of 2013)!
13. It’s a dry country in more ways than one.
Don’t expect to cool down with a nice cold beer whilst in Kuwait, as alcohol is illegal to buy and sell here.
14. Kuwait is impressively prosperous.
Kuwait is reportedly the third richest country per capita, thanks mostly to its natural oil reserves!
15. You might be able to spot a few!
The national bird of Kuwait is the Falcon.
16. Salt water works are important here.
There are no renewable freshwater resources in Kuwait, so residents have to rely on the desalination of saltwater to survive!
17. The industry out in Kuwait varies.
Kuwait does not grow any agricultural crops on a large commercial scale, nor does it commercially raise livestock. It does, however, catch fish.
Its industry consists of petroleum, petrochemicals, water desalination, and food processing.
Kuwait also exports oil, petroleum, petrochemicals, and fertilizers.
FAQs about Kuwait
Is Kuwait safe?
In terms of crime rate and tourism safety, Kuwait is relatively safe to visit - however, it is sometimes subject to terrorism, which makes things very uncertain.
Is it expensive to visit Kuwait?
On average, yes. You’ll likely spend at least $100 per night in a hotel here.
What’s forbidden in Kuwait?
In Kuwait, it’s against the law to buy, sell and drink alcohol, to import pork, and some adult materials.
Do you know any fun facts about Kuwait? Share them in the comments below!
