Kuwait: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Kuwait 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Kuwait: 13
  • Happiness Score Kuwait:6.951

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Kuwait. KW.

    Kuwait is a small but wealthy country located in the Middle East. It has a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. One notable cultural aspect is its rich tradition of pearl diving. In terms of economic significance, Kuwait is known for its oil reserves and is one of the world’s top oil producers.

  • Kuwait is one of the world’s top oil producers.
  • The country has a rich tradition of pearl diving.
  • Kuwait has a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.
  • Kuwait – Overview

    Early History

    Kuwait’s history can be traced back to the 3rd century BC, when the region was inhabited by nomadic tribes. The area was later part of the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and the Persian Empire.

    Kingdoms and Empires

    In the 7th century AD, Kuwait came under the influence of the Islamic caliphates, including the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties. It later fell under the control of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century.

    Colonial Period

    Kuwait was not formally colonized, but it was influenced by British interests in the region. In 1899, it became a British protectorate, and the ruling Al-Sabah family signed a treaty with Britain, granting them control over Kuwait’s foreign affairs in exchange for protection.

    Independence and Modern Era

    Kuwait gained independence from Britain in 1961. The discovery of oil in the late 1930s transformed the country’s economy and led to rapid development. Kuwait was invaded and occupied by Iraq in 1990, but was liberated by a U.S.-led coalition in 1991 after the Gulf War.

    Current Political Situation

    Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy, with an elected parliament and a hereditary emir as the head of state. The current Emir is Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who assumed power in 2020. The country has a relatively stable political system, but tensions exist between the government and the opposition.

    International Relations

    Kuwait has close ties with its Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) neighbors and maintains strong relations with the United States. It has historically had tense relations with Iraq due to the invasion in 1990. Kuwait also has friendly relations with other Arab nations and is a member of the Arab League.

    Human Development and Economy

    Kuwait has a highly developed economy, primarily based on oil exports. It has a high per capita income and a robust welfare system. However, the country faces challenges in diversifying its economy and reducing dependence on foreign labor.

    Cultural Highlights

    Kuwait has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its Arab and Islamic traditions. Arabic is the official language, and Islam is the predominant religion. Kuwait is known for its traditional crafts, such as weaving and pottery, as well as its unique cuisine.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Kuwait faces challenges in economic diversification, political reform, and promoting greater participation of Kuwaiti citizens in the workforce. Opportunities exist in developing its non-oil sectors, investing in human capital, and promoting sustainable development.

    Travel Tips for Kuwait

    Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kuwait is between November and April when the weather is mild and comfortable. Summer months can be extremely hot and humid.

    Cultural Etiquette: Kuwait is a conservative Islamic country, and visitors should dress modestly, especially women. Public displays of affection should be avoided, and it’s important to respect local customs and traditions.

    Safety Precautions: Kuwait is generally a safe destination, but visitors should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and valuables, and respect local laws and regulations.

    Must-See Landmarks: Some of the top attractions include the Grand Mosque, the Kuwait Towers, the Tareq Rajab Museum, and the Failaka Island Archaeological Site.

    Culinary Experiences: Kuwait’s cuisine is a blend of Arab, Persian, and Indian influences. Visitors should try traditional dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat or seafood), murabyan (meat stew), and quzi (roasted lamb or chicken).

Main facts

1. Location

Kuwait is a small country situated in the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Persian Gulf. It lies between Iraq to the north and Saudi Arabia to the south, with a strategic location at the head of the Persian Gulf.

2. Map References

Kuwait is located in the Middle East region of Western Asia.

3. Area – Comparative

With an area of 17,818 sq km, Kuwait is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of New Jersey.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Kuwait shares land borders with Saudi Arabia (222 km) and Iraq (254 km), with a total border length of 476 km.

5. Coastline

Kuwait has a coastline of approximately 499 km along the Persian Gulf.

6. Maritime Claims

Kuwait claims territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf defined by bilateral boundaries.

7. Climate

Kuwait has a harsh, dry desert climate with long, hot summers and short, cool winters. The climate is characterized by extremely high temperatures, with little rainfall.

8. Terrain

Kuwait is predominantly a flat desert plain, with minor undulations and occasional low hills. Its terrain is mostly sandy, with few oases and little vegetation.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Kuwait is an unnamed elevation at 306 meters, while the lowest point is the Persian Gulf at 0 meters.

10. Natural Resources

Kuwait’s primary natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, fish, and shrimp.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The Persian Gulf borders Kuwait on its eastern coast. Kuwait shares no major rivers or lakes with other countries.

12. Natural Hazards

The primary natural hazards in Kuwait include periodic droughts, periodic windstorms, and dust storms.

13. Geography – Notes

Kuwait’s strategic location at the head of the Persian Gulf has made it an important hub for regional trade and transportation. However, its lack of freshwater resources and arable land pose challenges for sustainable development.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 0.40%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 98,734. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 8.40%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  29.3116647.481766.
  • Capital: The capital of Kuwait is  Kuwait City
  • Major Cities:
    • Capital: Kuwait City (Population: 1.23 million)
    • Other Major Cities:
      • Al Ahmadi (Population: 600,000)
      • Hawalli (Population: 230,000)
  • Population: 4,207,083
  • Area(Km2): 17818
  • Population Density( P/Km²):240. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:965
  • Official Language(s):Kuwait is mostly spoken in Arabic (100%).
  • Currency: KWD

Main Economic Indicators

Kuwait has a wealthy, relatively open economy with crude oil reserves of about 102 billion barrels – more than 6% of world reserves. The Kuwaiti economy has struggled with the lower global oil prices in recent years, but the government’s efforts to boost oil production and implement fiscal reforms have helped mitigate the effects. Potential challenges include the government’s inability to significantly boost non-oil revenues and further dependence on rapidly depleting oil reserves.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 3.4% (Source: World Bank)
2020: 2.1% (Source: World Bank)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: AA (Stable)
Moody’s: Aa2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: A+ (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 0.3%
Industry: 37.8%
Services: 61.9%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Meat, milk, grains, eggs, fish
Industrial Products: Petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, water desalination, food processing, construction materials

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 2.5 million (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: #114 globally

Current Account Balance

2021: $32.3 billion (surplus)
2020: $5.5 billion (surplus)
Comparative Ranking: #13 globally (2021)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $57.8 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: South Korea, China, India, Japan, Singapore
Main Commodities: Oil and refined products, fertilizers
Imports: $27.8 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: China, United Arab Emirates, United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan
Main Commodities: Food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $41.8 billion (December 2021 est.)
Gold Reserves: 79 tonnes (February 2022 est.)

  • GDP (Current US$):$134,761,198,946. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 1.40%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 13.00%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.35. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.95. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 2.18%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Kuwaiti(s)
Adjective: Kuwaiti

2. Ethnic Groups

Arabs 27.9%, Asians 60.4% (includes Indians 20.9%, Pakistanis 9.8%, Bangladeshis 6.1%, Filipinos 5.8%, Egyptians 4.8%, Sri Lankans 3.2%, others 9.8%), Africans 10.9%, Others 0.8% (includes Bedoon 0.1%)

3. Religions

Muslim 76.7%, Christian 17.3%, Other 5.9%, None 0.1%

4. Age Structure

0-14 years: 24.98%
15-64 years: 72.38%
65 years and over: 2.64%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 34.8
Youth dependency ratio: 31.1
Elderly dependency ratio: 3.7

6. Median Age

Total: 29.8 years
Male: 30.6 years
Female: 27.8 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity rate: 37.9% (2016)
Alcohol consumption: 0.1 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2019)
Tobacco use: 21.7% of adults (2020)
Cardiovascular disease deaths: 23.5% of total deaths (2019)
Diabetes prevalence: 14.8% (2019)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 75.4. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 95%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:13.94. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:3. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2.1. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 95.4%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 4,207,083. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):14.40%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Kuwait’s military consists of several branches: the Land Force, Kuwaiti Navy, Kuwaiti Air Force, and the Kuwait National Guard. The national police force, known as the Ministry of Interior, is responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement.

Military Expenditures

Kuwait’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 4.2%
  • 2021: 4.1%
  • 2020: 4.3%
  • 2019: 4.6%
  • 2018: 4.7%

Kuwait ranks among the top 10 countries globally in terms of military spending as a percentage of GDP.

Personnel Strengths

Kuwait’s total active-duty military personnel is estimated at around 16,000, with the following breakdown:

  • Land Force: 11,000
  • Kuwaiti Navy: 2,000
  • Kuwaiti Air Force: 2,500

The Kuwait National Guard, responsible for internal security, has an additional 6,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Kuwait’s military hardware includes:

  • Main battle tanks (e.g., M1A2 Abrams)
  • Armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles
  • Towed and self-propelled artillery
  • Multi-role fighter aircraft (e.g., F-18 Super Hornets, Eurofighter Typhoons)
  • Attack helicopters (e.g., AH-64 Apaches)
  • Naval vessels (e.g., missile boats, patrol craft)

Kuwait is in the process of modernizing its military through major acquisitions, including the purchase of additional F-18 jets and Eurofighter Typhoons, as well as upgrades to its ground forces.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Kuwaiti males are eligible for conscription into the military at the age of 18 for a period of 12-24 months of active service. However, the government has suspended mandatory military service since 2017, and the military now operates on a voluntary basis.

Military Deployments

Kuwait does not currently have any significant overseas military deployments. However, it contributes troops to various United Nations peacekeeping missions, including the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Strategic Military Notes

Kuwait’s defense strategy is focused on deterring and defending against potential threats from neighboring countries, particularly in the aftermath of the 1990 Iraqi invasion. The country relies heavily on its military alliances with the United States and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members for its security.

Kuwait hosts several major U.S. military installations and has participated in various regional and international military operations, including the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the fight against ISIS.

  • Armed Forces Size: 17500. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2.58
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 73.50%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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