Country Profile: Kuwait

Kuwait, located in the Middle East along the Persian Gulf, is bordered by Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The nation has a population of approximately 3.1 million, characterized by a diverse demographic with a significant percentage of expatriates. Kuwait's economy is heavily reliant on oil, which shapes its status as a high-income nation, while governance is defined by a constitutional monarchy under the Al-Sabah dynasty. Despite its wealth, Kuwait navigates challenges in political stability and social reforms.

Geography

Kuwait has a total area of 17,818 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than New Jersey. The country's terrain consists mainly of flat or slightly undulating desert plains, with a coastline of 499 kilometers along the Persian Gulf. Kuwait experiences a dry desert climate with intensely hot summers and short, cool winters. This strategic location at the head of the Persian Gulf significantly influences its geopolitical importance.

17,818 sq km - Total area.
499 km - Coastline along the Persian Gulf.
8.4% - Agricultural land as of 2022.
3.6 km - Highest point in the country.

People and Society

As of 2024, Kuwait has an estimated population of 3,138,355, with a median age of 30.3 years. The society is predominantly Muslim, with nearly 75% of the population identifying as such, while other religions, including Christianity, account for a significant minority. The nation has a literacy rate of 96%, and urbanization stands at 100%, highlighting the country's shift towards urban centers, particularly in Kuwait City.

3.1 million - Estimated total population in 2024.
100% - Urban population in 2023.
96% - Literacy rate for the total population (2020).
79.6 years - Life expectancy at birth in 2024.

Economy

Kuwait boasts a small, high-income economy primarily based on oil exports, with the petroleum sector accounting for a substantial portion of its GDP. The country is home to the world's oldest sovereign wealth fund and is currently undergoing a 25-year development program. As of 2024, the real GDP is estimated at approximately $225.947 billion, with a GDP per capita of $45,400.

$225.947 billion - Estimated real GDP for 2024.
57.1% - Contribution of industry to GDP in 2024.
2.2% - Unemployment rate for 2024.
$89.71 billion - Estimated exports for 2024.

Government

Kuwait operates as a constitutional monarchy, with governance led by the Amir. The current Amir, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah, assumed power in December 2023. The political environment is characterized by a lack of formal political parties, though elections for a unicameral National Assembly are anticipated in April 2028 following its recent dissolution.

1962 - Year the constitution was approved.
6 - Number of governorates in Kuwait.
21 - Minimum voting age for suffrage.

Military and Security

The Kuwait Armed Forces, responsible for the nation's defense, comprise the army, navy, and air force, alongside the Kuwait National Guard. Military expenditures are estimated at 4.9% of GDP in 2024, reflecting Kuwait's strategic focus on national security amidst regional tensions.

~17,000 - Active personnel in the Kuwaiti Armed Forces.
4.9% - Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP in 2024.
12 months - Mandatory military service for men aged 18-35 since 2017.

Energy

Kuwait's energy sector is dominated by fossil fuels, with 97.8% of total electricity generation capacity derived from these sources. The country maintains significant petroleum reserves, estimated at 101.5 billion barrels. Electricity access is universal, with a total installed generating capacity of 20.294 million kW reported in 2023.

2.91 million bbl/day - Total petroleum production in 2023.
100% - Electrification of the population as of 2022.
19.207 billion cubic meters - Natural gas production in 2023.

Environment

Kuwait faces several environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources, air and water pollution, and desertification. The nation is party to numerous international environmental agreements, highlighting its commitment to addressing these issues. Urbanization has led to significant habitat loss and biodiversity concerns.

100.459 million metric tons - CO2 emissions reported in 2023.
8.4% - Land used for agriculture as of 2022.

Transportation

Kuwait's transportation infrastructure encompasses six airports, 20 heliports, and a merchant marine fleet of 176 vessels. The nation has several key ports, including Al Kuwayt and Mina Abd Allah, facilitating its considerable petroleum exports.

6 - Airports by 2025.
176 - Total merchant marine vessels in 2023.

Communications

With 100% internet penetration, Kuwait's communication infrastructure is robust, featuring extensive mobile and fixed-line services. The nation has a high number of mobile subscriptions relative to its population, providing diverse media outlets, including state-owned and private broadcasters.

8.11 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions in 2023.
573,000 - Total fixed-line subscriptions in 2023.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,138,355	2024 estimate
Area	17,818 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$225.947 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	2.2%	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	389.848 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Life Expectancy at Birth	79.6 years	2024 estimate
Total Fertility Rate	2.21 children born/woman	2024 estimate
CO2 Emissions	100.459 million metric tons	2023 estimate
Literacy Rate	96%	Total population (2020)
Urban Population	100%	2023 estimate