The State of Kuwait is a sovereign emirate on the coast of the Persian Gulf, enclosed by Saudi Arabia to the south and Iraq to the north and west.

Kuwait has the world's fifth largest proven oil reserves and is the fourth richest country in the world. 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 neighboring Iraq. The seven month-long Iraqi occupation came to an end after a direct military intervention by United States-led forces. Nearly 700 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.

Inhabitants: 3.1 million
Area: 17,818 km2
Capital: Kuwait City (2,380,000)
Languages: Arabic
Religion: Islam
GDP per capita: $55,300
Government: constitutional monarchy
Climate: tropical