Jabir III
Emir

(pronounced "JAH-beer")

"We, in Kuwait, are in the forefront of the community of nations to condemn terrorism."

The State of Kuwait is located at the head of the Persian/Arabian Gulf, surrounded on the north and west by Iraq, and on the south by Saudi Arabia. Its area is 17,820 sq km (6,880 sq mi), including its share of the neutral zone jointly controlled with Saudi Arabia. Its territory is mainly flat desert with a few oases.

Kuwait's population was estimated at 2,111,561 in 2002, a figure that includes 1,159,913 non-nationals, most of whom are expatriate workers. Expatriates (including Palestinians, Indians, and Iranians) meet about 81% of the country's manpower needs. The majority of native Kuwaitis are Sunni Arab Muslim. However, 40% of the total population is believed to be Shia.

The dinar is Kuwait's official currency. Kuwait's economy, which was traditionally based on pearling and...