Kuwait is located on the Northwest coast of the Persian Gulf in Southwest Asia. It is bordered by Iraq on the Northwest and North sides, and by Saudi Arabia on the South side. The country's total area, including the islands of Bubiyan, Warbah, and Faylakah is 6,880 square miles. (Encarta)
             Virtually the entire country, except for some small coastal areas, is barren desert, with a flat to rolling terrain. Soils are practically nonexistent. The average annual temperature is 77° F, and the average annual rainfall is 127 mm (5 in) or less, most of which falls in the cooler season, between October and March. During the dry season temperatures frequently exceed 115° F. The country obtains its water supply from the desalination of sea water. Petroleum and natural gas are Kuwait's only natural resources. (Encarta)
             The Native people of Kuwait are Arabs. There are also many minority groups in Kuwait such as Indians, Pakistanis, and Iranians. In 1999, the estimated population of Kuwait was 1,991,115, with fifty-four percent being immigrants. The population density is around 112 persons per 289 square miles. (facts.com) The dominant religion is Islam. The majority of the Muslims are Sunnite Muslims. The official language is Arab, but English is widely spoken. (Grolier)
             Kuwait's government is headed by a hereditary emir whose power is exercised through a prime minister and a council of ministers. There are fifty legislators elected to four year terms. Political parties are not allowed; however, several Islamic groups have run candidates in elections. Voting is only done by native born, literate males over the age 21. (Grolier)
             Kuwait's economy is almost completely based on petroleum. Kuwait has a law that requires ten percent of all petroleum revenues to be deposited into a special reserve fund to provide for the time when the oil reserves are exhausted. Kuwait has one of the highest per-capita incomes in th...