Kuwait is located in the northern region of the Arabian Peninsula on the north-west shore of the Arabian Gulf. Its area is around 18,000 sq km. It consists of the mainland (mostly desert) and several small islands. Check out photos of Kuwait to view the desert landscape as well as the traditional and modern architecture.

The official name of Kuwait is the "State of Kuwait". The name is spelled in Arabic as Dawlat al-Kuwayt or al-Kuwait.

The capital of Kuwait is Kuwait City. Other major cities in Kuwait include al-Jahra, Salmiya, Hawalli and Shuwaikh. Main islands are Bubiyan, Failaka, Warba, Kubbar, Umm Al-Maradim and Miskan.

Kuwait has the 5th largest oil reserves with around 10% of world reserves. Kuwait's economy is based mainly on oil and natural gas, trading, fishing and pearls. Kuwait financial services and banking system are of high levels.

Kuwait attracts lots of visitors each year, who come for business, shopping and tourism. Kuwait architecture is a mix of traditional and modern structures. Landmarks include the Kuwait Towers, the National Assembly of Kuwait, the Grand Mosque and several shopping malls.

Kuwait's estimated population is 2.6 millions (almost 50% of the population are non-Kuwaitis). The main spoken languages are Arabic and English, as well as Urdu and Farsi.

Kuwaiti cuisine is a mix of Arabic, Persian and South Asian cuisines, with emphasis on seafood and spices.

Kuwait has several wildlife and natural reserves including Kuwait National Park, Ad-Doha Nature Reserve, Al-Jahra Pools Nature Reserve and Kubbar Island.