Population: 2,335,648 includes 1,291,354 non-nationals (July 2005 est.)

Capital: Kuwait

Languages: Arabic (official), English widely spoken

Religions: Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shi'a 30%), Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other 15%

Government: nominal constitutional monarchy

Climate: dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters

Terrain: flat to slightly undulating desert plain

Geography: strategic location at head of Persian Gulf

Ethnic groups: Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%

Economy: Kuwait is a small, rich, relatively open economy with proved crude oil reserves of about 96 billion barrels - 10% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 95% of export revenues, and 80% of government income. Kuwait's climate limits agricultural development. Consequently, with the exception of fish, it depends almost wholly on food imports. About 75% of potable water must be distilled or imported. Kuwait continues its discussions with foreign oil companies to develop fields in the northern part of the country.

GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $22,100 (2005 est.)

GDP real growth: 4.5% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate: 2.2% (2004 est.)

Internet country code: .kw

Dial code: +965