Getting to know Kuwait

IMPORTANT LOCATIONS

Follow this link to view an interactive map of important locations in Kuwait.
Please note: You will need sign in with a personal Google account to access the map.

For the detailed breakdown of recommended locations with photos, check this document.

Overview of Kuwait

History

Kuwait was first settled around 1613 by tribes migrating from central Arabia. The Al Sabah family became the ruling dynasty in the mid-1700s and continues to govern today. In 1899, Kuwait became a British protectorate and remained under British oversight until gaining full independence on June 19, 1961. The country played a central role in the Gulf War, following Iraq’s invasion in August 1990. It was liberated in February 1991 by a coalition of international forces led by the United States.

Geography

Kuwait is located in the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Iraq to the north and west, Saudi Arabia to the south, and the Arabian Gulf to the east. It covers approximately 17,820 square kilometers and features mostly flat desert terrain, with occasional sand dunes and seasonal riverbeds called wadis.

Weather

Kuwait has a hot desert (arid) climate with two distinct seasons:

• Hot season (May – September): Daytime highs consistently exceed 40°C (104 °F). July is the peak, with average highs around 45°C (113 °F). Sand and dust storms are frequent, especially when the northwesterly shamal winds blow during summer.

• Cool season (November – March): Daytime highs drop below 24°C (75 °F). January is the coolest month with average highs around 18°C (65 °F) and lows around 8°C (46 °F); nighttime temperatures can occasionally reach as low as 3°C (37 °F) in inland or desert areas.

Population

As of 2025, Kuwait’s population is approximately 5.1 million people. Of that number:

• Around 1.5 million are Kuwaiti citizens.

• About 3.6 million are expatriates.

Economy

Kuwait has a high-income economy based largely on its petroleum reserves. Oil accounts for around 90% of government revenue and 70% of exports. Kuwait also has a strong banking sector and is investing in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Currency

The national currency is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), widely considered the strongest currency in the world.

• 1 KWD is equal to approximately 3.25 USD (subject to fluctuation)

• Coins (fils) are issued in 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 denominations

• Paper notes include 0.25, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 20 dinars

Currency exchange services are widely available, and major credit cards are accepted at most stores and restaurants.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of Kuwait. Approximately 85% of the population is Muslim.
Other religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, are practiced by expatriate communities. Kuwait is religiously conservative but relatively tolerant, especially in international areas.

Religious Holidays (August 2025 – June 2026)

Kuwait observes Islamic holidays based on the Hijri lunar calendar, which means dates shift each year. Holidays often result in public and school closures.

• Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi)
  Evening of September 3, 2025

• Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year 1447)
  Evening of October 26, 2025

• Start of Ramadan
  Evening of February 28, 2026

• Eid al-Fitr
  Evening of March 29 to April 1, 2026

• Eid al-Adha
  Evening of June 6 to June 9, 2026

Note: All dates are approximate and subject to official confirmation based on local moon sightings.

Customs and Traditions

Kuwaiti culture is rooted in Islamic values and Bedouin hospitality. Kuwaitis place high importance on respect and generosity. Visitors are expected to dress modestly in public and be respectful of local customs, especially during religious holidays. One unique tradition is Gargee’an, celebrated mid-Ramadan, where children dress in festive clothes and go door to door singing songs and collecting sweets.