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Geographical Location

The State of Kuwait is Located in the north-east corner of the Arabian Peninsula, Kuwait is one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of land area. The flat, sandy Arabian Desert covers most of Kuwait. Kuwait is the only country in the world which has no natural lake or water reservoir. There is little difference in the country's altitude with the highest point in the country being 306 m above sea-level, it has nine islands, all of which with the exception of Failaka Island are uninhabited with an area of 860 km².The Bubiyan is the largest island in Kuwait and is connected to the rest of the country by a 2,380 m long bridge. The land area is considered arable and sparse vegetation is found along its 499 km long coastline. Kuwait City is located on Kuwait Bay, a natural deep-water harbor.

The major cities are the capital Kuwait City and Jahrah (a thirty-minute drive northwest of Kuwait City). The main residential and commercial areas are Salmiya and Hawalli. The main industrial area is Shuwaikh within the Al Asimah Governorate. The main palace is the As-Seef Palace in the old part of Kuwait City where the Emir runs the daily matters of the country whilst the government headquarters are in the Bayan Palace and the Emir lives in Dar Salwa. Climate: Being situated in the Arabian Gulf, the climate of Kuwait features hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures are coolest between December and March when northerly winds prevail. From July to September the average temperature is 36 degrees centigrade, and annual average rainfall is close to 77mm.

General Information about Kuwait:

Area: 17.818 Km2 (157 th) 6.880 sq mi
Population: 2,691,158 (2007 estimate)
Government: Constitutional hereditary Emirate
Head of State: Emir H.H. Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah
Head of Government: Prime Minister H.H. Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah
Capital: Kuwait City
Language: Arabic is the official language.
Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar ( KWD)
Calling code: 965

Kuwait Social Profile

Food & Drink: There is a good choice of restaurants serving a wide choice of international and Arab cuisine, prices are reasonable. Typical middle-eastern food includes hummus, falafel and foul. Everything is eaten with aish (Arabic flat bread).

Alcohol is totally prohibited in Kuwait.

Nightlife: Several cinemas in Kuwait City show recent films.

Shopping Malls: Al Mohalab Mall, Sharq Mall, Marina Mall, Al Kout Mall, Laila Gallery Complex, Al Hamra Tower Mall, Al-Fanar Shopping Mall, The Avenues Mall, Kuwait Magic Mall. Places to visit: The Liberation Tower, The Kuwait Towers, National Museum, Failaka Island, Entertainment City, Science and Natural History Museum, Kuwait Science Club, Liberation Monuments, Sadu House, The Scientific Center, The Tareq Rajab Museum, Mosques, Amusement and Recreational Parks, Bayt Al-Badir, Municipal Gardens, Zoological Park, Musical Fountain,…

Social Conventions:

Kuwaitis traditionally greet each other by shaking hands and kissing cheeks. However, men and women do not exchange more than a possible handshake to greet each other in respect unless the man and the woman are related to one another. It is also customary for people greeting each other to ask a long series of questions concerning one's health, that of their relatives, their jobs, etc., such as asking how good they are feeling in order to relax the other person and give a sense of intimacy. Usually, elders are greeted first as a sign of respect.

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. ‘No Smoking’ signs are posted in many shops. It is greatly appreciated if visitors learn at least a few words of Arabic. Tipping: A service charge of 15 per cent is usually added to bills in hotels, restaurants and clubs. Otherwise 10 per cent is acceptable.

Electricity: 240 volts to 50 Hrz

Drinks: Common types of teas that are served include chai, black tea, green tea, peppermint, lemon, and chamomile.

Food: The national dish of Kuwait known as machboos (Arabic: مكبوس‎) consists mainly of mutton, chicken, or fish placed over or mixed in a large mass of well-cooked and prepared [rice].