 Kuwait is a fascinating mix of Western tolerance and strict Islam values. The capital, Kuwait City, is a thriving metropolis which is full of the expected luxury hotels, high-rise office buildings and designer shops, but the country is also home to intricately detailed mosques and palaces, with the Islamic religion playing a vital role in society.
It has grown from a nation of pearl divers and merchants into one of the world’s leading oil exporters. This heritage has not however been forgotten; important traditions and the country’s culture is woven into day to day life. Kuwaitis are warm, hospitable and very friendly, making for an enriching holiday destination and a memorable stay.
Kuwait offers a surprising amount of attractions for such a small country and also boasts a developed tourist infrastructure which offers world class hospitality and service. Kuwait City is home to many manmade tourist attractions such as the Kuwait Towers, Liberation Tower and many museums, but it is outside the capital city where you can really experience and appreciate the country’s beauty.
 The coast plays host to many fine beaches and farther offshore you will find stunning islands which are just waiting to be explored. Many mosques are scattered across the tiny country as well as monuments dedicated to those who died in battle against the Iraqis.
Shopping opportunities are in abundance, with ancient souks selling traditional wares and sprawling malls selling the latest consumer products. The range and variety is endless and products are very good value for money.
Hotels range from deluxe and luxurious to mid-range establishments that are suitable for the entire family. Many top hotels in Kuwait City feature sport complexes, restaurants and shopping malls, while serviced apartments with hotel-style room service are also available.
Weather
 Kuwait shares its weather patterns with Europe, but it does not experience the same temperate conditions as many European countries. The country is overall a lot hotter and drier than those in Europe and sees humidity levels that are sometimes unbearable.
Summers last from June through September and are extremely hot and humid with very little rain. Temperatures slowly increase, peaking in August, the hottest month of the year. Temperatures increase throughout the summer months, with hot winds blowing in from the heart of Arabia. The coastal areas see slightly lower temperatures, but conditions can be uncomfortable because of the high humidity levels.
Sandstorms are common during the summer months, and you should take sensible precautions and heed advice if you are caught in a storm. It is also vital to take measures against heatstroke by ensuring that you always carry water with you and that you never venture out during the heat of the day.
Winters last from November to February and are cooler and therefore more bearable, but the country does experience frequent rain showers at this time. While the showers help to cool the temperatures down, they can also hinder sightseeing and sunbathing.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September and October) are the best times to visit, as temperatures are pleasant and there is little rain.
History
 The area that is today known as Kuwait was once controlled by the various dynasties based in Mesopotamia and Persia. The most influential of these were the Safavids from Persia. They moved into the region around 1500 AD and established a commercial domain along the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
The Ottoman Empire gained control in the 16th century and managed to hold onto Kuwait for 300 years until the Al-Sabah family, which still rules Kuwait, took control of local administration and took a semi-autonomous stand. They feared retribution from the Turks and therefore signed an agreement with the British allowing for British control of Kuwaiti foreign affairs in exchange for military protection.
The Ottoman Empire collapsed at the end of WWI and saw the end of any threat of attack, although Kuwait remained a British territory until 1961, when the country was granted full independence.
Sheikh Abdullah became the head of state, adopting the title of Emir. It was not long before he was making full use of the large revenues gained from oil production and built up the country’s economic infrastructure as well as starting up educational and social welfare programmes.
The main threat to the country came from repeated Iraqi territorial claims over Kuwait, which date back to Kuwaiti independence. The country was seriously threatened by Iraq in 1961, but British military intervention assisted in keeping the country intact. In 1990, Kuwait found itself very much alone. Kuwait had given firm backing to the Iraqis during the Iran-Iraq war and disputes over repayment along with claims over oil fields eventually led to another Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on 1 August 1990.
Sheikh Jaber and his entourage fled into exile in Saudi Arabia, leaving behind a country which was rapidly incorporated into Iraq as its 19th province and then thoroughly pillaged. Nine months later, the Kuwaiti people were given back their country because of a US-led, UN-backed military force which drove the Iraqis out.
Funds were available to finance the enormous task of reconstructing the entire country and the security of the country was dealt with by the signing of defence and security pacts with the USA, the UK and Kuwait’s Gulf allies. Since then, Iraq’s aggressive attitude towards Kuwait has helped to reinforce Kuwaiti loyalty towards its allies. However, despite the attacks and growing allegiance towards other neighbours, Kuwait was one of the first countries to join Operation Iraqi Freedom and provided aid and support during Iraq's process of reconstruction.
During the conflict, the Emir, who was in exile at the time, had made a commitment to restore the 1962 constitution which provides for the elections of a National Assembly (Majlis) and significantly limits the power of the ruling family. The Assembly had been suspended in 1976 by the Emir on the grounds that it was ‘not acting in the best interests of the state’. When the Emir returned to Kuwait in March 1991, he immediately declared a three-month period of martial law, and elections were held in October 1992.
There have been three elections held since which have seen majorities secured by opponents of the Emir. The Assembly has clashed several times with the Emir and the Cabinet (which is still dominated by the al-Sabah family) over the use of state funds and the management of the oil industry. Fundamental to all of these disputes is the growing concern that the al-Sabah clan is no longer capable of running the country.
The recent war in Iraq has had some negative effect of the state, with a dramatic decrease in the number of tourists visiting. However, Kuwaitis are hopeful of a more stable future that is free from conflict.
| 
