team+6+Kuwait

Kuwait

By: Shawn Donaldson

Kuwait is a relatively small country located at the North Eastern portion of the Persian Gulf. Its land mass is roughly 6,880 square miles, which is approximately the same size as the state of New Jersey. The topography of the country is relatively flat, desert plains. Summers in Kuwait are very hot, reaching temperatures of around 120°F and last about 9 months out of the year. The region does not receive much rain throughout the year, most of it occurring during the winter months.



The capital of Kuwait is Kuwait City, located on the southern coast of the Kuwait Bay. [|http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=965598&Number=1453555#Post1453555] Inhabitants are known as Kuwaiti, the plural being Kuwaitis. Kuwait has a population of around 3,500,000 people,

 roughly the same number of people living in Connecticut. The majority of the population’s ethnic background is Kuwaiti, with immigrants from surrounding Arabic countries being a close second. The majority of the population is Muslim, with substantial Christian, Hindu and Buddhist areas. The greater part of the people speaks Arabic, although English is still spoken wildly throughout the country. (21).

The currency for the country is the Kuwait Dinar, which is roughly equivalent to 3.62 US dollars (22). The largest industry in Kuwait is oil exports. Producing roughly 10 percent of the world’s oil, it is about 93 percent of the GDP of exports for Kuwait (23).

Geography





Pre-Independence

By: Vishal Shah


 * Ancient Kuwait **

The story of Kuwait’s rise to becoming a luxurious, petroleum rich state begins over two thousand years ago. While sailing the harsh seas to India, Alexander the Great and his admirals docked their ship on an uncharted island. The island would come to be known to the Greeks as “Ikaraos”, meaning “the opportune moment”. Seeing how Alexander the Great had discovered accidentally, the name seemed quite fitting. However, the ancient Sumerians had another name for it; Failaka. It was in fact the largest of Kuwait’s nine islands. Upon the discovery of the island, the Greeks established an extensive settlement for trading, making it a crucial trading post between Mesopotamia and India. Failaka or Ikaraos thrived from the third to the first century BC having various goods pass through the port from India, China, and Africa. // **[References: Combination of (7)-(13)]** //




 * Banu Khalid **

It is not until the1700s that we begin to see a civilization take form in Kuwait. In 1716, the clan, Bani Utbah, from the tribe Aniza migrated to a port in the Persian Gulf. They later named it Kuwait due to the extreme drought in Arabia. The tribes settled under the regime of Banu Khlid. With occupation of large areas of land from Kuwait to Qatar, the Banu Khalid developed a strong influence along the Persian Gulf by developing a solid business in trading, in particular trading pearls. In addition, the tribe would trade spices with India; these two businesses allowed the people to make a comfortable living. The clan however began having family disputes early in the 18th century. This led to many settlers leaving the regime and practicing their independence against it. By 1752, the internal disputes among the Banu Khalid had gotten out of hand. Attacks by land and sea from neighboring tribes resulted in the selection of a new leader for Kuwait. // **[References: Combination of (7)-(13)]** //




 * Al-Sabah Family **

During the unstable times of the Banu Khalid, other permanent families in the fort became prosperous traders and gained influence in Kuwait. The Al Sabah family, in particular, claimed responsibility for the law and order of the state. From the first Amir of Kuwait, Sheik Sabah in 1756, till today, the Al-Sabah family continues ruling of Kuwait through their descendants. Under their jurisdiction, Kuwait began to grow quickly and prosperously. It gained a distinctive persona and was comprised with merchants, traders, vessels, and caravans. The economy thrived through trade, fishing, and pearl fishery. It had become an essential part of the trade route through the Arabian Peninsula. Since the first ruler of Kuwait, there have been fourteen decedents of the Al-Sabah family who have ruled Kuwait. // **[References: Combination of (7)-(13)]** //




 * 19th Century-Early 20th Century **

During the early 19th century, Kuwait began to see an increase in crime around the island. Pirates were prowling the waters around the Arabian coast disrupting the trade by stealing, threatening, and bribing. The Persians and their forces had seized control over Basra. Furthermore, the Ottoman Empire continued to threaten the people of Kuwait. However, all sheikdom of Kuwait continued to remain independent of the Ottoman rule. Unfortunately, as the Ottoman Turks began to rule more land, the Al-Sabah family accepted the role of becoming under pro-Ottoman foreign policy, under the rule of Sheik Abdullah II Al-Sabah.



During this time, pearls were the only natural resource that allowed Kuwait to have a flourishing economy, which assisted in helping pay debt that the Ottoman Empire owed to European banks. In 1896, Sheik Mubarak al-Sabah, otherwise known as Mubarak the Great, became the new Amir of Kuwait. His goal was to create an alliance with the British, as opponents of Kuwait began to join the Ottoman Empire. The latter part of the 19th century, the British began helping Kuwait regarding its issues with piracy along the Arabian coast. However, they could not do anything about the forced entrances by the Ottoman Turks. In 1899, he signed an agreement with Britain claiming that Kuwait would not give up the Kuwaiti territory under any circumstances. Moreover, Kuwait would not speak with any other foreign alliance without the consent of the British in return for full naval protection and annual subsidy. In 1913, the Anglo-Ottoman Convention ruled that Kuwait would remain with the Ottoman Empire. The agreement defined Kuwait as “Provincial Governors of Al-Hasa” giving the Ottoman Empire sovereignty over Kuwait. However, after World War 1, the British Empire negated the agreement, naming Kuwait an independent Sheikdom under the protection of the British. // **[References: Combination of (7)-(13)]** //




 * 20th Century-Independence **

In the early part of the 20th century, there were some skirmishes with Saudi-Arabia, the Great Depression in America, and the pearl market being captured by Japanese cultured pearls. As a result, the economy of Kuwait became extremely weak and on the brim of collapse. However, in 1934 with hopes to create an expansion within the current state of economy, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah signed an agreement: Gulf Oil Corporation and the Anglo-Persian oil Company. In 1938, the agreement that was signed four years earlier, led to a significant increase in Kuwait's wealth with the first findings of oil. Kuwait was found to be virtually floating on oil, which made it an indispensable asset to Britain. In 1941, Britain gained full control over Iraq and Kuwait. As the country became flourishing once again, healthcare, education, and living standards improved dramatically. By 1953, Kuwait became one of the largest exporters of oil in the Persian Gulf. // **[References: Combination of (7)-(13)]** //



Post-Independence

By: Shawn Donaldson

The treaty between Kuwait and Britain ended in 1961, giving Kuwait a chance to be a sovereign nation. There was a lot of tension between Iraq and Kuwait, and the British did not want to rule out the chance of an Iraqi offensive. These tensions were eased when a coup ended the reign of the Iraqi Prime Minister, Abdul Karim Qasim, although Britain was still concerned about the possibility of these relations taking a harsh turn (24). These concerns were not misplaced, but before anything happened, Kuwait managed to become a very wealthy nation.

Since Kuwait had a relatively small population size, and with the extensive amount of oil reserves in the country, it quickly became one of the most prosperous nations in the world. Hosting roughly 10 percent of the world’s oil reserves, Kuwait was able to produce close to 2 million barrels of oil daily (25). With the ability to produce as much oil as Kuwait could, the price per barrel was seeing a steady decline. While this was a blessing for the country’s economy, it would ultimately be the cause of the Gulf War.

In the summer of 1990, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein blamed Kuwait for the drop in oil prices, hindering Iraq’s ability to pay it’s nearly $70 million debt which was the result of the Iraq-Iran war (25). Talks were held in an attempt to prevent any major fallout; however Kuwait was not willing to cut back its production of oil. After the negotiations failed bring about a peaceful solution, Iraq invaded Kuwait in August of 1990. Upon taking control of the country, Iraq set up a pro Iraqi temporary government, and started to consume Kuwait’s resources, mainly oil. Along with using the oil to regain financial losses, Iraqi soldiers set fire to many of the oil fields in Kuwait, burning anywhere from 3 to 10 million barrels per day (26) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> With the Gulf War starting, the United States, along with Britain and France immediately dispatched forces to aid Kuwait. Syria and Egypt also sent troops to help Kuwait repel the Iraqi invasion (27). No country sent any material support to Iraq, although the PLO and Jordan showed sympathy to the cause. The UN Security demanded the removal of Iraqi troops from Kuwait with the passing of Resolution 660 (27).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Iraq would continue to occupy Kuwait for the next 7 months, until late February 1991, when the coalition of Arab and Western troops forced them out (26). To this day, there are still tensions between Iraq and Kuwait, regarding such issues as territorial demarcations, debts, and the return of missing persons and archives taken during the war (21).

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 160%;">Economy

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">By: Heather Brown <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13.33px;">Kuwait is a geographically small country whose economy has drastically changed over the past 100 years. Kuwait has one of the best natural harbors in the Persian Gulf, that in the early 1900’s allowed Kuwait to rely on harvesting pearls and preparing animal hides to support its economy. (1) During this timeframe, Kuwait also relied on its port to develop a trade network with other countries. Kuwait traded commodities such as horses, wood, spices, coffee and dates to help bolster its economy. Kuwait’s port became a trading post where goods were imported or exported without having to pay duties. (2) Kuwait's top trade partners are Japan, India, EU, South Korea and the United States, in that order. (6)

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: middle;"> Kuwait’s economy today is virtually entirely dependent on petroleum extraction and processing. The oil industry in Kuwait has seen a steady and rapid growth since the 1940’s allowing it to reach 3rd out of its 16 surrounding neighbors in terms of GDP per capita. In the 1960’s Kuwait’s government tried to diversify from oil and overseas investments due to the belief that the oil reserves would be depleted. A small amount of shipbuilding and repair, water desalinization, construction and fertilizer production continues today. However, Kuwait’s high oil revenues have delayed reforms that would diversify the economy and help a more independent private sector to develop.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> By the mid-1980’s Kuwait was selling 250,000 barrels of oil a day. The income from these sales was then directed to overseas investments, which allowed Kuwait to amass one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. (3) Kuwait's economy is strongly linked to the price of oil since over half of its GDP is linked to the oil and gas sector. In the early 1990’s Kuwait became involved in the Persian Gulf War which caused a dramatic drop in oil production and income. However, by the end of 1992, the country had repaired nearly all the damage to its oil fields and its oil output was at about prewar levels. (4) <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13.33px;">With today’s rising oil consumption around the world, Kuwait has amassed an oil reserve of about 102 billion barrels. Kuwait holds about 9.5% of the world’s oil reserves which accounts for 95% of Kuwait’s export revenue and 95% of income. (3) This demand for oil, and the rising sales price of the oil, is expected to grow Kuwait’s economy by 4.5% in 2011. (5)

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: center;">Pictured below is the representation of the 2003 GDP per capita of <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: center;">Kuwait in U.S. dollars in comparision to several surrounding countries.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: center;">Depicted below is the growth rate and total GDP of Kuwait in U.S. dollars over time.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: center;">Pictured below is the West Texas Intermediate oil pricings over time.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: center;">This chart below depicts the breakdown of Kuwait's GDP versus commercial sector.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 160%;">Culture

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">By Katrina Camaiore
Islamic and Arab culture have a strong influence on the culture in Kuwait. Most people in Kuwait are Muslim about 85% (70% Sunni and 30% Shia) (16). The other 15% is Christian, Hindu, and Parsi. The in Kuwait laws are based on the Sharia. The government favors Islam and this lessens peoples religious freedom. People who practice other religions have the freedom to practice that religion but must still follow all the laws which are based on Islamic beliefs. Secularism is not supported. Because so many people in Kuwait are Muslim, Islamic beliefs have a large impact on the culture of Kuwait. For example alcohol is illegal. Ramadan is celebrated widely there(17).

It is not allowed for men and women who are not related to each other to interact or date before marriage (17). When a man is to get married the bride is either picked by the family or a matchmaker. When the bride is engaged, which usually lasts about a month, she is not allowed to leave he house. Neighbors will help to prepare for the wedding, and give gifts, or lend items that will be needed. The grooms father will give a gift, called Daza, to the bride and if her father acc epts then he is giving his blessing for the marriage. The first week after marriage is spent at the brides house, and then they m ove to the grooms house. Due to changing social customs it has become acceptable for men and women to meet each other. Women do not have to marry within the family. But they must still receive approval from their families. The are separate parties for the men and the women to celebrate the wedding (18).

Family and children are very important to people in Kuwait. In the past extended families would live in the same household, but do to urbanization it is nuclear families are more common. Most families have three or four children. It is expected for women to bear children. having children increases a woman's status in society. Women who do not have children are frowned upon in society. The man is in charge of the family and the woman takes care of the children and the house. Due to modernization women have started working out side the home. The divorce rate is increasing in Kuwait (17).

Economic growth due to the production of oil has allowed the advancement of women in society. Women have most of the rights that men do. Women were able to vote in 2005. Women can also get the same education as a man. Women can get most of the jobs that men can get(20).

Men in Kuwait used to wear dish dasha which is like a long white T-shirt or robe. Women usually wear abaya which is a long black over-garment. Young people in Kuwait usually wear western style clothing(14).

Being so close to the Persian Gulf had a big influence to the culture of Kuwait. It allowed for easy transportation to other countries such as India. Being close to the Persian Gulf also influenced them to be sailors, and fisherman. Dhows which are large wooden ships were imported from India and are still being made today (14). Being on the coast has also influenced water sports and activities such as swimming, scub a diving, boating and much more (17).

Other sports that are popular in Kuwait include; Soccer, track and field, volleyball basketball and judo. It can get very hot in the summer so people in Kuwait usually avoid outdoor activities then. There are sea clubs and sports clubs where people can play sports. Soccer is the most popular sport that is played (17).

Seafood is a large part of the diet in Kuwait. The food is very similar to that of South Asian cuisine and Arabian cuisine. The cuisine in Kuwait is also influenced by the spice trade between India and Europe because of the role Kuwait played in the spice trade. Tea is used to show hospitality, and is offered in may settings to guests (14).

The Dewaniya has been a part of the culture in Kuwait for a very long time. It is a reception area where men greets guests, and colleagues. The term Dewaniya is both the room and the gathering that goes on there. This has become a part of everyday life and is a big part of a mans social life. Dewaniya has evolved into many different types. There is public, private and family Dewaniya. A public Dewaniya would be a political meeting of people trying to have more political rights and representation. A private Dewnaiya would be casual, where a group of friends would get together and play games smoke a hookah, or watch sports. A family Dewaniya would be an extension of the home where important meetings took place, this is also where weddings and funerals would take place (15).

Petroleum is a huge part of the economy in Kuwait. Petroleum accounts for 95% of export revenues, and 95% of government income (16). The discovery of oil has allowed Kuwait to be a rich nation and the people there live comfortably. Before oil was discovered a big part of the economy was base on pearling. Pearling died out after pearl farming became popular (14).

People in Kuwait are very superstitious, and they believe that a talisman with writing from the Koran can protect against evil spirits. One of the suppressions they believe in is ayn, also known as the evil eye. It is supposed that the person with the evil eye wishes harm to come to the person they are eyeing. The Hand of Fatima is a popular amulet that is used as protection from evil such as the evil eye. The Hand of Fatima is a sign of sacrifice, patience and fatefulness. Henna is used to make tattoos before marriage to show that the bride is loved and welcome into the family and bring good luck (17).

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 160%;">Refrences

ations/the-world-factbook/geos/ku.html (1) [] (2)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Kuwait#Early_Economy (3)http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/325644/Kuwait/45147/Economy (4)http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0859149.html (5)http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/163889/reftab/96/Default.aspx (6) http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2006/september/tradoc_113408.pdf (7)http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Kuwait.aspx (Vishal) (8)http://www.da.gov.kw/eng/picsandevents/riseofkuwait.php (Vishal) (9)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Kuwait#The_Anglo-Ottoman_Convention (Vishal) (10)http://www.historyofnations.net/asia/kuwait.html (Vishal) (11)http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35876.htm (Vishal) (12)http://www.embassyofkuwait.ca/pages/History/OriginOfKuwait.htm (Vishal) (13) __The History of Kuwait__ by Michael Casey, Chapters 1-4 (Pages 1-64) (Vishal) 14) []  (15) []   (16) []   (17) []   (18) []   (19) []   (20) []   (21)[]  (22)[|http://coinmill.com/KWD_USD.html#KWD=1]  (23)[]  (24)[] (25)[] (26)[] (27)[]

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