Kuwait
Kuwait, that small Arab state squeezed between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, was the flashpoint for the Gulf War of 1991. The resulting devastation of its oil fields has since been reversed and a recovered Kuwait enjoys the 5th highest per capita income in the world—and the world's 8th highest rate of obesity. Of its 3.5 million population, over half are non-nationals drawn there for work.
Despite its prosperity, Kuwait, a constitutional monarchy, has not been immune from the effects of the Arab Spring. Early in the protests the emir gave each citizen food rations and a cash grant. But accusations of corruption and waste continue. Modern, Muslim-majority Kuwait still routinely violates human rights, women and minorities are discriminated against, and the press is restricted. Read more about Kuwait at Suite 101.
topic editor
Jen L. Jones - Based in Canada, Jones writes on human rights, history,and the natural world. She focuses also on Turkish and Scottish travel and ...