KUWAIT

Kuwait lies at the north-west corner of the Arabian Gulf, and has a total area of 17,818 square km.

The State of Kuwait includes nine islands: Warba, Bubiyan, Miskan, Failaka, Auhah, Akaaz, Kubbar, Qaruh and Umm Al-Maradim.

The weather of Kuwait is characterised by long, hot and dry summers, and short warm and (occasionally) wet winters. Temperatures average 45C in summer and 8C in winter.

Modern Kuwait began more than 250 years ago when the country emerged as an independent political entity under the rule of the first Al-Sabah and his son.

Kuwaitis are a minority in their own country and have been for many decades.

The official language of Kuwait is Arabic, although English, the second language of business, is widely understood but not everywhere.

In Kuwait a refrigerator is essential, a freezer a necessity. Most food is imported. Prior to sale all food is subject to stringent testing and all sales outlets, open markets, local baqalas and supermarkets are regularly inspected by the Ministry of Public Health and the Municipality.

Readymade clothing in Kuwait ranges from cheap quality items to very expensive designer couture. Styles reflect the polygenetic nature of Kuwait's population.

Though Kuwaitis are by and large liberal and broad-minded, Islamic traditions dictate clothing decorum. Beachwear, worn by either sex, is strictly for the beach or home and will cause offence in the suqs and on the street, Men wearing shorts, or with bare chests, in the street may be considered to be insulting. Expatriate ladies in revealing dresses are likely to attract stares (at the very least) and possibly unwelcome attention from local males.

Most areas in Kuwait have a large supermarket operated by the Co-operative Society. These co-ops (Jameeyah) usually open early until very late at night and stock a vast range of foods and other household items.

Organised sports were first established only in 1936. Today, the country is well equipped to satisfy a wide range of sports and leisure enthusiasts.

Outside the main hotels Kuwait has hundreds of restaurants where substantial meals can be enjoyed for very reasonable prices. Most are based on national cuisines, such as Arabic, Indian, Chinese, Philippino, Italian etc. These are usually more successful which try to serve a mix of cooking styles to satisfy all tastes.