Bordering Saudi Arabia in the south and southwest, and Iraq in the north and northwest, Kuwait is located on the northern tip of the Arabian Gulf. The country has nine exotic islands, namely Failaka, Bobiyan, Maskan, Warba, Ouha, Um Al Maradem, Um Al Naml, Kobbar, and Qarooh. Though Islam is the official religion of Kuwait other minority religions enjoy the same religious freedom in the country.

With an area of 17,818 sq km, Kuwait has a population of 2,505,559. The whole country is divided into six governorates, Al-Asimah, Hawalli, Farwaniyah, Ahmadi, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, and Jahra. Climatically the country is hot and dry throughout the year. The mercury rises highest between 28oC and 50oC during April-October. And winter cold lasts from December to February with temperature ranging between 8oC and 18oC.

History

Kuwait has close historical interlinks with the Arabian Gulf. Earlier the present location of the country was within Arabian middle lands of the State of Kendah, which emerged during the 3rd-5th centuries. Historical records reveal that Alexander the Great invaded the east and discovered a seaway between Al-Sind River and Shatt Alarab through the gulf in 326 BC. While Alexander stayed in Failaka Island, he discovered Ikariues stone where Greeks inscribed history.

From the late 9th century to the end of 11th century, Kuwait was part of Arabian Peninsula. After the dissolution of the state, which many historians described as ‘the first socialist state in the history’, a group of local and tribal emirates emerged and ruled the region until the end of 15th century. Banu Khaklid became the strongest Arab tribe in this region who occupied larger areas stretching from Basra to Qatar including Kuwait. The region became popular when Al-Sabah settled in the region. As a first ruler from the Al-Sabah family Sheikh Sabah bin Jaber was known as Sabah the First.

At the beginning of the 18th century, the Anizah tribe from central Arabia founded Kuwait City, which became an autonomous sheikdom by 1756. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the sheikdom belonged to the fringes of the Ottoman Empire. Kuwait sought British protection in 1897 when the Sheikh feared that the Turks would occupy the area. In 1961, Britain ended the protectorate, giving Kuwait independence, but agreed to give military aid on request. Iraq immediately threatened to occupy the area, and the British sent troops to defend Kuwait. Soon afterwards the Arab League sent in troops, replacing the British. Iraq’s claim was terminated when the Arab League recognised Kuwait’s independence on 20 July 1961.

Islamic Culture

The modern state of Kuwait is built on the foundation of Arab culture and traditions anchored by Islam. Kuwait maintains its tradition by preserving historical monuments and artefacts. The country’s National Museum is one of fifty locations where heritage objects are stored. Architecture of modern buildings and structures give a combined structure of new and ancient monumental designs.

The country has a rich tradition of art and culture reflected colourfully in Diwaniya, the Bedouin traditions and Al Sadu weaving. Kuwaiti people love arts, be it literature, theatre, music, dance, and film. Some of the leading institutions promoting visual art of Kuwait include National Council of Culture, Arts and Literature (NCCAL), Free Art Studio, and Kuwaiti Society of Formative Artists.

Music: Kuwaiti music, which is a mixed culture of Indian and African rhythms, reflects the country’s diverse heritage. Historically the foreign cultures left behind on shores resulted in the rich and vibrant sound of Kuwaiti music. The single string Rubabah, made of parchment wrapped around a wooden frame, is a popular traditional musical instrument of the Bedouin. Other instruments include Oud (a lute), Al-mirwas (small drums), Al-habban (a bagpipe) and Al-tanbarah (a string instrument).

Dance: Traditional dances are part of feasts and celebrations. Men at feasts and weddings perform Ardah dance. Dancers carry swords while dancing to the rhythm of folk music played on drums and tambourines. Other popular dances like Samiri, Fraisah, Al Zifan, Khamari, and Tanboura are for females performed at family and social gatherings.

Films: The first film shot in, and about, Kuwait was a documentary called Sons of Sinbad. This was the first documentary film made in Kuwait in 1930. Foreigners made most of the Kuwaiti films until the 1960s. The entry of Kuwaiti professionals in the fields of production, direction as well as technical areas in the 1970s was a great revolution in the modern art and culture of the country. A major breakthrough was achieved when original Kuwaiti film Bas Ya Bahar made in 1972 won nine international film awards.

Main Attractions

With its history of more than 380 years and a gradual economic development Kuwait has places of interest for both the young and the old.

Liberation Tower: A symbol of Kuwaiti liberation, the unmistakable sign of the country’s resurgence, this tower is one of the tallest telecommunications towers in the world. Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah inaugurated the Liberation Tower on 10 March 1996. This 372-metre structure is about 40 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower.

National Museum: Located near the National Assembly, the National Museum comprises four buildings and a planetarium. Stripped and burnt by the Iraqi invaders, it houses the Al-Sabah collection of Islamic art, one of the most comprehensive collections in the world.

Bayt Al-Badr: Located next to Al-Sadu house, Bayt Al-Badr was built between 1838 and 1848. It possesses a fine example of the famous front doors of old Kuwait. Local handicrafts are sometimes displayed here.

Science and Natural History Museum: The museum contains displays relating to the petroleum industry, natural history, aviation, machinery, electronics, space and zoology, as well as a health hall and a planetarium.

Zoological Park: Located in Omarrya on the Airport Road, the Kuwait Zoo covers 180,000 sq m of parkland. It houses 65 species of animals, 129 species of birds and five species of reptiles, apart from other animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, zebras, etc.