Country Profile: Kuwait

Kuwait, located in the Middle East along the Persian Gulf, is a small, oil-rich nation bordered by Iraq and Saudi Arabia. With a population of approximately 3.14 million, Kuwait boasts a diverse demographic, including a significant expatriate community. Its economy is heavily reliant on petroleum, contributing to a high-income status, while the country has begun to invest in renewable energy and develop tourism. Governed as a constitutional monarchy, Kuwait maintains a delicate balance between tradition and modernity amidst ongoing political dialogues.

Geography

Kuwait is positioned at the head of the Persian Gulf with a total land area of 17,818 sq km, slightly smaller than New Jersey. It features a flat, desert terrain marked by a coastline of 499 km. The country is bordered by Iraq to the north and Saudi Arabia to the south, with a total land boundary of 475 km. The climate is characterized by dry desert conditions, intensely hot summers, and short, cool winters.

Elevation: Highest point at 300 m above sea level (3.6 km W. of Al-Salmi Border Post).
Natural resources: Rich in petroleum and natural gas.
Population distribution: Densely concentrated along the Persian Gulf, especially in Kuwait City.

People and Society

As of 2024, Kuwait has an estimated population of 3,138,355, with a majority being expatriates. The country is predominantly Muslim (74.6%) with Arabic as the official language; English is widely spoken. The demographic is diverse, comprising 30.4% Kuwaiti nationals, 27.4% other Arabs, and 40.3% Asians.

Urbanization: 100% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
Life expectancy: Average of 79.6 years as of 2024.
Literacy rate: Approximately 96.5% of the population is literate (2020 estimate).

Economy

Kuwait's economy is classified as a small, high-income oil-based economy, currently undergoing a 25-year development program aimed at diversification. In 2024, the country has a Real GDP of approximately $225.947 billion and per capita GDP of $45,400. The economy is characterized by significant contributions from the oil sector, which represents 57.1% of total GDP in 2024.

Unemployment rate: Steady at 2.2% (2024).
Exports: Approximately $89.71 billion in 2024, primarily in crude oil and petroleum products.
Inflation rate: Anticipated at 2.9% in 2024.

Government

Kuwait operates as a constitutional monarchy, with the Amir, currently MISHAL al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah, serving as the head of state. The political system includes a National Assembly, although it has been dissolved multiple times during political unrest. The current government type allows for no formal political parties, although informal political groups exist.

Administrative divisions: 6 governorates.
Suffrage: Citizens aged 21 years or older can vote.
Constitution: Promulgated in 1962, with instances of suspension in various periods.

Military and Security

The Kuwait Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the National Guard, with approximately 17,000 active military personnel. In 2024, military expenditures are projected to account for 4.9% of GDP. Kuwait cooperates closely with the United States for defense, participating in various military exercises and ensuring regional security.

Service age: Mandatory service reintroduced for men aged 18-35 in 2017.
Military equipment: Includes a diverse inventory sourced from Western and Eastern countries.
Key security partner: The US has maintained a military presence in Kuwait since the Gulf War.

Energy

Kuwait's energy sector is dominated by fossil fuels, with 97.8% of its electricity generation capacity sourced from oil and gas. The total installed electricity generation capacity was 20.294 million kW in 2023. The nation is also focused on renewable energy sources as part of its future development plans.

Petroleum production: Estimated at 2.91 million barrels per day (2023).
Electricity consumption: Approximately 78.047 billion kWh in 2023.
Natural gas production: At 19.207 billion cubic meters for 2023.

Environment

Kuwait faces several environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources, pollution, and desertification. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Carbon emissions: Total emissions estimated at 100.459 million metric tonnes (2023).
Urbanization effect: 100% of the population resides in urban areas, contributing to increased resource strain.
Renewable water resources: Limited to 20 million cubic meters (2022).

Transportation

Kuwait's transportation infrastructure includes six airports and a merchant marine fleet of 176 vessels as of 2023. The country has an extensive road network connecting urban centers, with significant ports such as Al Kuwayt and Doha Harbor.

Airports: A total of 6 airports projected by 2025.
Merchant marine: Includes 28 oil tankers and 15 general cargo vessels.
Major ports: Key ports include Mina Al Ahmadi and Mina Ash Shuaybah.

Communications

Kuwait has a well-developed telecommunications system, with 100% of its population utilizing the internet as of 2023. Mobile subscriptions have reached 8.11 million. The country possesses a mix of state-owned and private broadcasters.

Fixed-line subscriptions: Approximately 573,000 as of 2023.
Broadband subscriptions: Total of 49,000 with a density of 1 per 100 inhabitants.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,138,355 (2024 est.)
Area	17,818 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$225.947 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per capita	$45,400 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	2.2% (2024 est.)
Energy consumption	78.047 billion kWh (2023)
Birth rate	17.5 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	79.6 years (2024 est.)
Military expenditures	4.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
Internet users	100% of population (2023)