Kuwait

Overview

A small state at the North-Western end of the Persian Gulf, bordered by Iraq to the North and West and Saudi Arabia to the South. The immense petrol wealth of Kuwait has spurred significant ongoing growth and development of the main metropolis, Kuwait City. The country's rich culture can still be witnessed in some of the small remaining blocks of old buildings in the city centre, the many diwaniyas (meeting places) throughout the country and the camel racing every Thursday throughout the winter. Greek ruins are still being excavated on Failaka Island and in the cities many museums will occupy any traveller not already busy exploring the shopping malls.

History

Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling Kuwaiti AL-SABAH dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on 2 August 1990. Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led, UN coalition began a ground assault on 23 February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure damaged during 1990-91.