Kuwait has earned a fine international reputation in the areas of art, trade, and for its strategic location which creates a natural link between the desert and the ocean. The name Kuwait appeared around the middle of the Xlth Century during the Hegira. It is an abbreviation which means "the invincible citadel" but it was also known under another name "al-Qurayn", which appears in shipping registers and was used by Portuguese, Dutch, and English travellers. AI-Qurayn is an abbreviation for "the hill" or "elevated land".

Oil was discovered in Kuwait in 1937 by the Oil Company of Kuwait in the Burquan field and was exported for the first time in 1946. Kuwait gained its independence during the reign of Sheikh Abdullah AL-Salem AL-Sabah in 1961 .Today, it celebrates its Independence Day on 25th February. On the following day, Kuwait celebrates the "Liberation Day" in commemoration of regaining its sovereignty after defeating the Iraqi army with the help of the Alliance forces and other friendly countries. In July 1961, the Emirate became a member of the Arab League and of the United Nations in 1963. The first legislative elections in the history of this young State were held, and Sheikh Abdallah Al-Salem, the Emir of Kuwait at that time, inaugurated the first National Assembly on February 29, 1963. Kuwait played a major role in setting up the Gulf Cooperation Council in 1981. The Council held a firm and dignified position during Iraq's invasion of the Country on August 2, 1990, and its seven-month occupation of the territory.

As far as its foreign policy is concerned, Kuwait has constantly strived to improve and reinforce its relationship with the Arab States, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and its friends from other States who were supportive through the ordeal up to the liberation of its territory, and the recovery of its sovereignty on February 26, 1991.

GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION
Kuwait is situated on a 2,300 m2 (16000 km2) strip of sandy plains and is located at 30.27° latitude North of the Equator and 48.46° longitude East of Greenwich, at the North-Western tip of the Arabian Gulf. Its territorial waters are about 2,200 m2 and include nine islands.The largest ones are Failaka, Bubiyan, Warba, and Kubbar which are near six smaller islands: Urn al-Maradim, Maskan, Awhah, Urn al-Namel and Qarouh.

CLIMATE
Kuwait enjoys a variable continental climate with differences in temperature. Summer months are between May and October, and winter with slight shower in November and lasts through April. This is the time of year when the desert vegetation begins to bloom and people take advantage to go for long walks or to go camping.

LANGUAGE
The official language is Arabic although English is also used especially in business, banking, and big shopping centers.

CURRENCY
The Kuwaiti Dinar is the official currency and is divided into coins of: 100,50,20, 10, and 5 Fils and bills of 1, 5, 10, and 20 Dinars. This currency is accepted world-wide and complies with the International Monetary Fund exchange regulations.

RELIGION
Islam is the official religion of Kuwait and is practised in the many mosques throughout the country. There are also churches for Christian residents, Protestants, Greek Orthodox, Maronite and the Ecumenical Church.

VISA
Members of the Gulf Cooperation Council don't need entry visas. Other nationalities can obtain a visa from any Kuwait embassy or consulate. To obtain an entry visa the following documents must be presented: a letter of request, an official document signed by a sponsor, and a photocopy of the passport. Hotels are also allowed to issue visas for their business clients. The visa is valid for one month only and if the time limit is not respected a fine will be imposed.

TRANSPORTATION
Visitors can use an international driving licence issued by their respective country within the time limits of the visa. Taxis and buses run 24 hours a day, and rental cars are available in all regions.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Whether on holiday or just going for a walk, Kuwait has plenty of parks and public gardens to explore. In addition, the Touristic Enterprises Company runs many leisure centers such as Doha Village, the Swimming Pools Complex, Green Island and the Waterfront Project.