The landscape is predominantly desert plateau with a lower, more fertile coastal belt. Traditional Arab monarchy. Gained full independence from the UK in 1961. Arabic, but English is widely understood, especially in commerce and industry. Full IDD is available.
Most hotels have facilities.
Airmail to Western Europe takes about five days. The English-language newspapers are the Arab Times and the Kuwait Times . Although remaining loyal to the Royal family, the press enjoys a fair degree of freedom. From time to time these change. Columbus Press Ltd 1999.