Kuwait: flag, capital, currency and history
Kuwait, officially the State of Kuwait, is a country in Western Asia, Asia. Its capital is Kuwait City. The currency is the Kuwaiti dinar. Languages spoken include Arabic.
Quick facts about Kuwait
- Official name
- State of Kuwait
- Capital
- Kuwait City
- Region
- Asia, Western Asia
- Currency
- Kuwaiti dinar (KWD, د.ك)
- Languages
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +965
- Internet domain
- .kw
- Area
- 17,818 km² (6,880 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Iraq, Saudi Arabia
- Demonym
- Kuwaiti
- National day
- National Day, February 25
Flag of Kuwait
Download the flag of Kuwait as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇰🇼.
History of Kuwait
Kuwait's coastal area was long linked to Gulf trade and pearling. In the 18th century the Bani Utub settled there, and the Al Sabah family became its rulers from about the 1750s. In 1899 the ruler signed an agreement with Britain that placed Kuwait's foreign affairs under British protection. Oil was discovered in commercial quantities in 1938. Kuwait became fully independent in 1961, and a constitution followed in 1962. Iraq invaded in August 1990, and a coalition ended the occupation in 1991. Kuwait is a constitutional emirate with a national assembly.
Key dates
- c. 1752Sabah I becomes the first ruler of Kuwait from the Al Sabah family.
- 1899Kuwait signs an agreement with Britain placing its foreign relations under British protection.
- 1938Oil is discovered in commercial quantities in Kuwait.
- 1961Kuwait becomes fully independent on 19 June after the 1899 agreement is ended.
- 1962Kuwait adopts its constitution and holds elections for a national assembly.
- 1990Iraq invades and occupies Kuwait in August.
- 1991A US-led coalition liberates Kuwait in February.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Kuwait
Kuwait uses the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD, د.ك). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Kuwait
Celebrations observed in Kuwait, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Kuwait?
The capital of Kuwait is Kuwait City.
What currency does Kuwait use?
Kuwait uses the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD, symbol د.ك).
What languages are spoken in Kuwait?
Languages used in Kuwait include Arabic.
What is the calling code of Kuwait?
The international calling code of Kuwait is +965. Its internet domain is .kw.
Which countries border Kuwait?
Kuwait shares land borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
On which continent is Kuwait?
Kuwait is in Asia, in the region of Western Asia.
What is the national day of Kuwait?
Kuwait marks National Day on February 25.
Neighbours of Kuwait
More countries in Western Asia
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).