About Kuwait
The State of Kuwait, located at the northwestern corner of the Arabian Gulf, has long served as a bridge between ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and the Arabian Peninsula. Its strategic coastal position encouraged early trade, seafaring, and cultural exchange, shaping Kuwait into a regional center for commerce and navigation. Historically, Kuwait’s territory was part of various empires and tribal settlements that prospered through fishing, pearling, and trade routes connecting India, Africa, and the Middle East.
Modern Kuwait traces its origins to the early 18th century, when the Utub tribe settled in the area and established the town of Kuwait City around 1716. The Al-Sabah family, chosen by the community to lead, laid the foundations for a stable and cooperative governance system that continues to characterize Kuwait today. By the 19th century, Kuwait became a prominent maritime power and a vital port for merchants navigating the Arabian Gulf. To safeguard its autonomy amid regional tensions, Kuwait signed a treaty of friendship and protection with Great Britain in 1899, ensuring internal independence and external security.
Following the discovery of oil in the 1930s, Kuwait transformed rapidly from a modest trading port into one of the world’s wealthiest nations. The first shipment of crude oil in 1946 marked the beginning of a new era of prosperity, modernization, and infrastructure development. On June 19, 1961, Kuwait declared full independence from Britain, becoming a sovereign state and joining the Arab League and later the United Nations. The adoption of the Kuwaiti Constitution in 1962 established a parliamentary system that blends traditional leadership with democratic principles.
In August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, leading to a seven-month occupation that ended with the Gulf War liberation in February 1991 under international coalition forces. Since then, Kuwait has continued to rebuild, diversify its economy, and strengthen diplomatic relations worldwide. Today, Kuwait stands as a leading financial and humanitarian hub in the Middle East, recognized for its active role in regional peacekeeping and global aid initiatives.
Kuwait’s economy remains anchored in its substantial oil reserves, which rank among the largest in the world, while national efforts focus on sustainable development, innovation, and infrastructure modernization through Vision 2035. The country’s education, healthcare, and transportation systems continue to evolve to support its growing population and economic diversification goals. With its rich cultural heritage, progressive governance, and commitment to international cooperation, Kuwait plays a vital role in shaping the future of the Gulf region.