Kuwait

Area: 17,818 sq km (6880 sq miles).

Population: 2,419,900 (official estimate 2002).

Population Density: 135.8 per sq km.

Capital: Kuwait City. Population: 28,747 (1995).

GEOGRAPHY: Kuwait shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. To the southeast lies the Persian Gulf, where Kuwait has sovereignty over nine small islands (the largest is Bubiyan and the most populous is Failaka). The landscape is predominantly desert plateau with a lower, more fertile coastal belt.

Government: Traditional Arab monarchy. Gained full independence from the UK in 1961. Head of State: Jabir Al Ahmad Al Jabir Al Sabah since 1978. Head of Government: Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jabir Al Sabah since 2003.

Language: Arabic, but English is widely understood, especially in commerce and industry.

Religion: 95 per cent Muslim (mostly of the Sunni sect), with Christian and Hindu minorities.

Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz; single phase. UK-type flat three-pin plugs are used.

Social Conventions: Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. It is quite likely that a visitor will be invited to a Kuwaiti’s home, but entertaining is also conducted in hotels and restaurants. A small gift promoting the company, or representing your own country, is always welcome. The visitor will notice that most Kuwaitis wear the national dress of long white dishdashes and white headcloths, and that many women wear yashmaks. It is important for women to dress modestly according to Islamic law. Men do not usually wear shorts in public and should not go shirtless. All other Islamic rules and customs must be respected. Convicted users of narcotics can expect to receive a sentence of up to five years’ imprisonment, plus a heavy fine. ‘No Smoking’ signs are posted in many shops. It is greatly appreciated if visitors learn at least a few words of Arabic.