The State of Kuwait (Arabic: دولة الكويت‎ IPA: [dawlat̪ alkuwajt̪]) is a sovereign Arab emirate on the coast of the Persian Gulf, enclosed by Saudi Arabia to the south and Iraq to the north and west. The name is a diminutive of an Arabic word meaning "fortress built near water." It has a population of 3.1 million and an area of 17,818 km˛. Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government and Kuwait City serves as its only political and economic capital. Kuwait has the world's fifth largest oil reserves and is one of the richest countries in the world per capita. Kuwait's oil fields were discovered and exploited in the 1930s and after it gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1961, the nation's oil industry saw unprecedented growth. Petroleum and petroleum products now account for nearly 95% of export revenues, and 80% of government income. In 1990, Kuwait was invaded and annexed by neighbouring Iraq. The seven month-long Iraqi occupation came to an end after a direct military intervention by United States led forces. Nearly 750 Kuwaiti oil wells were set ablaze by the retreating Iraqi army resulting in a major environmental and economic catastrophe. Kuwait's infrastructure was badly damaged during the war and had to be rebuilt. Quick Facts : Capital Kuwait City Government Nominal constitutional monarchy. Currency Kuwaiti dinar Area 17,820 km2 . Population 2,418,393, including 1,291,354 non-nationals (July 2006 est.) Language Arabic (official), English widely spoken . Religion Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shi'a 30%), Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other 15% .Electricity 240V/50Hz (UK plug)

The best time to plan Kuwait Travel during the month of may or October, a time ideal for tourist visits when the climate is pleasant. The months from February to April finds Kuwait at its best, with the green lining of trees in the deserts and the city decorated with flowers and herbs.

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