Nutrition Country Profile: State of Kuwait

"The State of Kuwait is located at the north-western tip of the Persian Gulf. It is bordered on the North and West by Iraq, on the South and West by Saudi Arabia and on the East by the Persian Gulf. Its territory of 17 818 km2 consists mainly of arid desert and includes several islands, the largest of which is Bubiyan, near the Iraqi border. The climate is extremely hot from April to September, with temperatures over 49°C. Humidity is generally low except in August and September. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is 13.5°C. Annual rainfall is usually less than 150 mm per year, mostly falling in the winter season (FAO, Forestry Division). Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy, governed by the Sabah family. Over 90 % of the country’s population lives within the 500 km2 area surrounding Kuwait City and its harbour. Kuwait's economy is dominated by the oil industry. It has limited natural fresh water resources, and desalination facilities provide most of the water for human consumption. Agriculture is limited by the lack of water and arable land. Aquatic resources, fish and crustaceans are plentiful in the Gulf."