Kuwait

Kuwait occupies roughly 17,818 km² between Iraq to the north and Saudi Arabia to the south, with a coastline opening onto the Persian Gulf. The capital, Kuwait City, is the political and commercial centre of this unitary constitutional emirate. Arabic is the official language and the Kuwaiti dinar is the currency — one of the world's highest-valued. Kuwaiti society blends Bedouin heritage with a cosmopolitan expatriate majority that outnumbers nationals roughly two to one.

Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or apply through Kuwait's official eVisa portal before travel. Gulf Cooperation Council nationals enter freely. Requirements vary considerably by passport, so travellers should consult the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior's official immigration channels well in advance of departure rather than rely on generalisations.

The Kuwait Towers — three slender structures on the Gulf coast — have defined the city's skyline since 1979. The Grand Mosque in Kuwait City accommodates over 10,000 worshippers beneath a central dome. Souq Mubarakiya, Kuwait's oldest market, offers textiles, spices, and traditional crafts within a partially covered historic quarter. The Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre houses natural history and science museums across one of the world's largest cultural complexes. The Al-Qurain Martyrs Museum, a preserved residential house, documents resistance during the 1990 Iraqi occupation.

Kuwait has a hot desert climate. Summers are intense, with temperatures regularly reaching 45–50 °C between June and August — among the highest recorded anywhere. Winters are mild to cool, ranging from roughly 8–18 °C between December and February. The most comfortable period for outdoor visits is November through March. Dust storms can occur in spring. Visitors in any season should carry water and light, breathable layers for air-conditioned interiors.

• First Gulf state to establish a national parliament.
• The Kuwaiti dinar is the world's highest-valued currency.
• Kuwait has no rivers or permanent freshwater bodies.
• Oil was discovered here commercially in 1938.
• Nationals receive free healthcare and education from the state.

• e.gov.kw — Kuwait's central government services portal
• visitkuwait.com — Kuwait Tourism Authority official site
• moi.gov.kw — Ministry of Interior, including visa and immigration information
• met.gov.kw — Kuwait Meteorological Department for weather data
• kuwaitairways.com — Kuwait Airways, the national carrier