KUWAIT – COUNTRY PROFILE
Introduction
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.
People
Population:
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2,257,549 note: includes 1,291,354 non-nationals (July 2004 est.)
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Age structure:
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0-14 years: 27.5% (male 316,237; female 304,671) 15-64 years: 69.8% (male 1,007,298; female 569,128) 65 years and over: 2.7% (male 38,408; female 21,807) (2004 est.)
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Median age:
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total: 25.9 years male: 28.2 years female: 22 years (2004 est.)
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Sex ratio:
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at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.77 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.76 male(s)/female total population: 1.52 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
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Religion:
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Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shi’a 30%), Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other 15%
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Government
Government type:
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nominal constitutional monarchy
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Political parties and leaders:
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none; formation of political parties is illegal
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Economy
GDP – per capita:
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purchasing power parity – $19,000 (2004 est.)
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