Kuwait Profile
This profile is from the BBC Webpage at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/middle_east/country_profiles/newsid_791000/791053.stm
The State of Kuwait is a small, oil-rich country nestling at the top of the Gulf, flanked by large and powerful neighbours Saudi Arabia to the south, Iraq to the north and Iran to the east.
OVERVIEW
The country's oil fields were first exploited in the 1930s, and since the development of the petroleum industry after World War II and independence in 1961, oil has dominated the economy, making up around 90% of export revenues.
In 1991, the country was the scene of a massive US-led international military campaign to oust Iraqi forces who had invaded the year before. Operation Desert Storm saw their eventual removal, but Kuwait's infrastructure was left in bad shape and had to be rebuilt. Oil exports ceased for a period during this time.
Recently there have been attempts to change the male-dominated political structure, with a legal challenge against the government to allow women the vote and to stand in office. In 1999 the country's ruler, Sheikh Jabir Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah issued a decree giving women full political rights, but the move was defeated in the National Assembly by 32 votes to 30.
| KUWAIT FACTS |
| Population: 2m |
| Capital: Kuwait |
| Major language: Arabic |
| Major religion: Islam |
| Life expectancy: 74 years (men), 79 years (women) |
| Monetary unit: 1 Dinar = 1000 fils |
| Main exports: Oil |
| Average annual income: US $22,500 |
| Internet domain: .kw |
| International dialling code: +965 |
LEADERS
Emir: Sheikh Jabir al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah
Sheikh Jabir al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah succeeded his cousin, Sheikh Sabah al-Salim al-Sabah, as Emir of Kuwait in December 1977, having been prime minister (1965-78) and Heir Apparent from 1966. He has been a decisive leader, having allowed the National Assembly to reform in 1981 and dissolving it in 1986 as disagreements arose over its right to question the ability of ministers. He survived an assassination attempt in 1985 and the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. He fled to Saudi Arabia where he established a government in exile, returning home in March 1991 after Iraq's withdrawal. During his exile, he gained the support of Kuwait's opposition leaders in return for his agreement to restore the National Assembly. He did this in 1992 and in 1999 he gave women the vote.
MEDIA
The government ended pre-publication censorship in 1992. It owns and controls the radio and television companies but does not currently inhibit the purchase of satellite dishes, which are widely available. Citizens with dishes are free to watch a variety of programmes in Arabic from Egypt, Lebanon and beyond.
The ministry censors all books, films, videotapes, periodicals and other imported publications deemed morally offensive. It has censored political topics as well and does not grant licences to magazines with a political focus. The General Organization of Printing and Publishing controls the printing, publishing, and distribution of informational materials.
The government has been moving to curb programmes with content deemed to be un-Islamic, following complaints about material on Arabic and non-Arabic satellite channels.