This entry contains the total length of all land boundaries and the individual lengths for each of the contiguous border countries. When available, official lengths published by national statistical agencies are used. Because surveying methods may differ, country border lengths reported by contiguous countries may differ.

Topic: Afghanistantotal: 5,987 km

border countries (6): China 91 km; Iran 921 km; Pakistan 2,670 km; Tajikistan 1,357 km; Turkmenistan 804 km; Uzbekistan 144 km

Topic: Akrotiritotal: 48 km

border countries (1): Cyprus 48 km

Topic: Albaniatotal: 691 km

border countries (4): Greece 212 km; Kosovo 112 km; Macedonia 181 km; Montenegro 186 km

Topic: Algeriatotal: 6,734 km

border countries (6): Libya 989 km; Mali 1,359 km; Mauritania 460 km; Morocco 1,941 km; Niger 951 km; Tunisia 1,034 km

Topic: American Samoatotal: 0 km

Topic: Andorratotal: 118 km

border countries (2): France 55 km; Spain 63 km

Topic: Angolatotal: 5,369 km

border countries (4): Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,646 km (of which 225 km is the boundary of discontiguous Cabinda Province); Republic of the Congo 231 km; Namibia 1,427 km; Zambia 1,065 km

Topic: Anguillatotal: 0 km

Topic: Antarctica0 note: see entry on Disputes - internationalnote: see entry on Disputes - international

Topic: Antigua and Barbudatotal: 0 km

Topic: Argentinatotal: 11,968 km

border countries (5): Bolivia 942 km; Brazil 1,263 km; Chile 6,691 km; Paraguay 2,531 km; Uruguay 541 km

Topic: Armeniatotal: 1,570 km

border countries (4): Azerbaijan 996 km; Georgia 219 km; Iran 44 km; Turkey 311 km

Topic: Arubatotal: 0 km

Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Australiatotal: 0 km

Topic: Austriatotal: 2,524 km

border countries (8): Czech Republic 402 km; Germany 801 km; Hungary 321 km; Italy 404 km; Liechtenstein 34 km; Slovakia 105 km; Slovenia 299 km; Switzerland 158 km

Topic: Azerbaijantotal: 2,468 km

border countries (5): Armenia 996 km; Georgia 428 km; Iran 689 km; Russia 338 km; Turkey 17 km

Topic: Bahamas, Thetotal: 0 km

Topic: Bahraintotal: 0 km

Topic: Bangladeshtotal: 4,413 km

border countries (2): Burma 271 km; India 4,142 km

Topic: Barbadostotal: 0 km

Topic: Belarustotal: 3,599 km

border countries (5): Latvia 161 km; Lithuania 640 km; Poland 375 km; Russia 1,312 km; Ukraine 1,111 km

Topic: Belgiumtotal: 1,297 km

border countries (4): France 556 km; Germany 133 km; Luxembourg 130 km; Netherlands 478 km

Topic: Belizetotal: 542 km

border countries (2): Guatemala 266 km; Mexico 276 km

Topic: Benintotal: 2,123 km

border countries (4): Burkina Faso 386 km; Niger 277 km; Nigeria 809 km; Togo 651 km

Topic: Bermudatotal: 0 km

Topic: Bhutantotal: 1,136 km

border countries (2): China 477 km; India 659 km

Topic: Boliviatotal: 7,252 km

border countries (5): Argentina 942 km; Brazil 3,403 km; Chile 942 km; Paraguay 753 km; Peru 1,212 km

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinatotal: 1,543 km

border countries (3): Croatia 956 km; Montenegro 242 km; Serbia 345 km

Topic: Botswanatotal: 4,347.15 km

border countries (4): Namibia 1,544 km; South Africa 1,969 km; Zambia 0.15 km; Zimbabwe 834 km

Topic: Bouvet Islandtotal: 0 km

Topic: Braziltotal: 16,145 km

border countries (10): Argentina 1,263 km; Bolivia 3,403 km; Colombia 1,790 km; French Guiana 649 km; Guyana 1,308 km; Paraguay 1,371 km; Peru 2,659 km; Suriname 515 km; Uruguay 1,050 km; Venezuela 2,137 km

Topic: British Indian Ocean Territorytotal: 0 km

Topic: British Virgin Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Bruneitotal: 266 km

border countries (1): Malaysia 266 km

Topic: Bulgariatotal: 1,806 km

border countries (5): Greece 472 km; Macedonia 162 km; Romania 605 km; Serbia 344 km; Turkey 223 km

Topic: Burkina Fasototal: 3,611 km

border countries (6): Benin 386 km; Cote d'Ivoire 545 km; Ghana 602 km; Mali 1325 km; Niger 622 km; Togo 131 km

Topic: Burmatotal: 6,522 km

border countries (5): Bangladesh 271 km; China 2,129 km; India 1,468 km; Laos 238 km; Thailand 2,416 km

Topic: Burunditotal: 1,140 km

border countries (3): Democratic Republic of the Congo 236 km; Rwanda 315 km; Tanzania 589 km

Topic: Cabo Verdetotal: 0 km

Topic: Cambodiatotal: 2,530 km

border countries (3): Laos 555 km; Thailand 817 km; Vietnam 1158 km

Topic: Cameroontotal: 5,018 km

border countries (6): Central African Republic 901 km; Chad 1,116 km; Republic of the Congo 494 km; Equatorial Guinea 183 km; Gabon 349 km; Nigeria 1975 km

Topic: Canadatotal: 8,891 km

border countries (1): US 8,891 km (includes 2,475 km with Alaska)

note: Canada is the world's largest country that borders only one country

Topic: Cayman Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Central African Republictotal: 5,920 km

border countries (5): Cameroon 901 km; Chad 1556 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,747 km, Republic of the Congo 487 km; South Sudan 1055 km; Sudan 174 km

Topic: Chadtotal: 6,406 km

border countries (6): Cameroon 1,116 km; Central African Republic 1,556 km; Libya 1,050 km; Niger 1,196 km; Nigeria 85 km; Sudan 1,403 km

Topic: Chiletotal: 7,801 km

border countries (3): Argentina 6,691 km; Bolivia 942 km; Peru 168 km

Topic: Chinatotal: 22,457 km

border countries (14): Afghanistan 91 km; Bhutan 477 km; Burma 2,129 km; India 2,659 km; Kazakhstan 1,765 km; North Korea 1,352 km; Kyrgyzstan 1,063 km; Laos 475 km; Mongolia 4,630 km; Nepal 1,389 km; Pakistan 438 km; Russia (northeast) 4,133 km and Russia (northwest) 46 km; Tajikistan 477 km; Vietnam 1,297 km

Topic: Christmas Islandtotal: 0 km

Topic: Clipperton Islandtotal: 0 km

Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Colombiatotal: 6,672 km

border countries (5): Brazil 1,790 km; Ecuador 708 km; Panama 339 km; Peru 1,494 km; Venezuela 2,341 km

Topic: Comorostotal: 0 km

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thetotal: 11,027 km

border countries (9): Angola 2,646 km (of which 225 km is the boundary of Angola's discontiguous Cabinda Province); Burundi 236 km; Central African Republic 1,747 km; Republic of the Congo 1,775 km; Rwanda 221 km; South Sudan 714 km; Tanzania 479 km; Uganda 877 km; Zambia 2,332 km

Topic: Congo, Republic of thetotal: 5,554 km

border countries (5): Angola 231 km; Cameroon 494 km; Central African Republic 487 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,775 km; Gabon 2,567 km

Topic: Cook Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Coral Sea Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Costa Ricatotal: 661 km

border countries (2): Nicaragua 313 km; Panama 348 km

Topic: Cote d'Ivoiretotal: 3,458 km

border countries (5): Burkina Faso 545 km; Ghana 720 km; Guinea 816 km; Liberia 778 km; Mali 599 km

Topic: Croatiatotal: 2,237 km

border countries (5): Bosnia and Herzegovina 956 km; Hungary 348 km; Montenegro 19 km; Serbia 314 km; Slovenia 600 km

Topic: Cubatotal: 28.5 km

border countries (1): US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay 28.5 km

note: Guantanamo Naval Base is leased by the US and remains part of Cuba

Topic: Curacao0

Topic: Cyprustotal: 156 km

border sovereign base areas: Akrotiri 48 km; Dhekelia 108 km

Topic: Czechiatotal: 2,046 km

border countries (4): Austria 402 km; Germany 704 km; Poland 699 km; Slovakia 241 km

Topic: Denmarktotal: 140 km

border countries (1): Germany 140 km

Topic: Dhekeliatotal: 108 km

border countries (1): Cyprus 108 km

Topic: Djiboutitotal: 528 km

border countries (3): Eritrea 125 km; Ethiopia 342 km; Somalia 61 km

Topic: Dominicatotal: 0 km

Topic: Dominican Republictotal: 376 km

border countries (1): Haiti 376 km

Topic: Ecuadortotal: 2,237 km

border countries (2): Colombia 708 km; Peru 1529 km

Topic: Egypttotal: 2,612 km

border countries (4): Gaza Strip 13 km; Israel 208 km; Libya 1,115 km; Sudan 1,276 km

Topic: El Salvadortotal: 590 km

border countries (2): Guatemala 199 km; Honduras 391 km

Topic: Equatorial Guineatotal: 528 km

border countries (2): Cameroon 183 km; Gabon 345 km

Topic: Eritreatotal: 1,840 km

border countries (3): Djibouti 125 km; Ethiopia 1,033 km; Sudan 682 km

Topic: Estoniatotal: 657 km

border countries (2): Latvia 333 km; Russia 324 km

Topic: Eswatinitotal: 546 km

border countries (2): Mozambique 108 km; South Africa 438 km

Topic: Ethiopiatotal: 5,925 km

border countries (6): Djibouti 342 km; Eritrea 1,033 km; Kenya 867 km; Somalia 1,640 km; South Sudan 1,299 km; Sudan 744 km

Topic: European Uniontotal: 13,770 km

border countries (20): Albania 212 km; Andorra 118 km; Belarus 1,176 km; Bosnia and Herzegovina 956 km; Holy See 3 km; Liechtenstein 34 km; North Macedonia 396 km; Moldova 683 km; Monaco 6 km; Montenegro 19 km; Norway 2,375 km; Russia 2,435 km; San Marino 37 km; Serbia 1,353 km; Switzerland 1,729 km; Turkey 415 km; United Kingdom 499 km; Ukraine 1,324 km; note - the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement (2020) commits the United Kingdom (UK) to maintain an open border in Ireland, so the border between Northern Ireland (UK) and the Republic of Ireland is only de jure and is not a hard border; the de facto border is the Irish Sea between the islands of Ireland and Great Britain

note: data for European continent only

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)total: 0 km

Topic: Faroe Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Fijitotal: 0 km

Topic: Finlandtotal: 2,563 km

border countries (3): Norway 709 km; Sweden 545 km; Russia 1,309 km

Topic: Francetotal: 3,956 km

border countries (8): Andorra 55 km; Belgium 556 km; Germany 418 k; Italy 476 km; Luxembourg 69 km; Monaco 6 km; Spain 646 km; Switzerland 525 km

metropolitan France - total: 2751

French Guiana - total: 1205

Topic: French Polynesiatotal: 0 km

Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landstotal: 0 km

Topic: Gabontotal: 3,261 km

border countries (3): Cameroon 349 km; Republic of the Congo 2,567 km; Equatorial Guinea 345 km

Topic: Gambia, Thetotal: 749 km

border countries (1): Senegal 749 km

Topic: Gaza Striptotal: 72 km

border countries (2): Egypt 13 km; Israel 59 km

Topic: Georgiatotal: 1,814 km

border countries (4): Armenia 219 km; Azerbaijan 428 km; Russia 894 km; Turkey 273 km

Topic: Germanytotal: 3,694 km

border countries (9): Austria 801 km; Belgium 133 km; Czechia 704 km; Denmark 140 km; France 418 km; Luxembourg 128 km; Netherlands 575 km; Poland 447 km; Switzerland 348 km

Topic: Ghanatotal: 2,420 km

border countries (3): Burkina Faso 602 km; Cote d'Ivoire 720 km; Togo 1098 km

Topic: Gibraltartotal: 1.2 km

border countries (1): Spain 1.2 km

Topic: Greecetotal: 1,110 km

border countries (4): Albania 212 km; Bulgaria 472 km; North Macedonia 234 km; Turkey 192 km

Topic: Greenlandtotal: 0 km

Topic: Grenadatotal: 0 km

Topic: Guamtotal: 0 km

Topic: Guatemalatotal: 1,667 km

border countries (4): Belize 266 km; El Salvador 199 km; Honduras 244 km; Mexico 958 km

Topic: Guernseytotal: 0 km

Topic: Guineatotal: 4,046 km

border countries (6): Cote d'Ivoire 816 km; Guinea-Bissau 421 km; Liberia 590 km; Mali 1062 km; Senegal 363 km; Sierra Leone 794 km

Topic: Guinea-Bissautotal: 762 km

border countries (2): Guinea 421 km; Senegal 341 km

Topic: Guyanatotal: 2,933 km

border countries (3): Brazil 1,308 km; Suriname 836 km; Venezuela 789 km

Topic: Haititotal: 376 km

border countries (1): Dominican Republic 376 km

Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)total: 3.4 km

border countries (1): Italy 3.4 km

Topic: Hondurastotal: 1,575 km

border countries (3): Guatemala 244 km; El Salvador 391 km; Nicaragua 940 km

Topic: Hong Kongtotal: 33 km

regional borders (1): China 33 km

Topic: Hungarytotal: 2,106 km

border countries (7): Austria 321 km; Croatia 348 km; Romania 424 km; Serbia 164 km; Slovakia 627 km; Slovenia 94 km; Ukraine 128 km

Topic: Icelandtotal: 0 km

Topic: Indiatotal: 13,888 km

border countries (6): Bangladesh 4,142 km; Bhutan 659 km; Burma 1,468 km; China 2,659 km; Nepal 1,770 km; Pakistan 3,190 km

Topic: Indonesiatotal: 2,958 km

border countries (3): Malaysia 1,881 km; Papua New Guinea 824 km; Timor-Leste 253 km

Topic: Irantotal: 5,894 km

border countries (7): Afghanistan 921 km; Armenia 44 km; Azerbaijan 689 km; Iraq 1,599 km; Pakistan 959 km; Turkey 534 km; Turkmenistan 1,148 km

Topic: Iraqtotal: 3,809 km

border countries (6): Iran 1,599 km; Jordan 179 km; Kuwait 254 km; Saudi Arabia 811 km; Syria 599 km; Turkey 367 km

Topic: Irelandtotal: 490 km

border countries (1): UK 490 km

Topic: Isle of Mantotal: 0 km

Topic: Israeltotal: 1,068 km

border countries (6): Egypt 208 km; Gaza Strip 59 km; Jordan 327 km (20 km are within the Dead Sea); Lebanon 81 km; Syria 83 km; West Bank 330 km

Topic: Italytotal: 1,836.4 km

border countries (6): Austria 404 km; France 476 km; Holy See (Vatican City) 3.4 km; San Marino 37 km; Slovenia 218 km; Switzerland 698 km

Topic: Jamaicatotal: 0 km

Topic: Jan Mayentotal: 0 km

Topic: Japantotal: 0 km

Topic: Jerseytotal: 0 km

Topic: Jordantotal: 1,744 km

border countries (5): Iraq 179 km; Israel 307 km; Saudi Arabia 731 km; Syria 379 km; West Bank 148 km

Topic: Kazakhstantotal: 13,364 km

border countries (5): China 1,765 km; Kyrgyzstan 1,212 km; Russia 7,644 km; Turkmenistan 413 km; Uzbekistan 2,330 km

Topic: Kenyatotal: 3,457 km

border countries (5): Ethiopia 867 km; Somalia 684 km; South Sudan 317 km; Tanzania 775 km; Uganda 814 km

Topic: Kiribatitotal: 0 km

Topic: Korea, Northtotal: 1,607 km

border countries (3): China 1,352 km; South Korea 237 km; Russia 18 km

Topic: Korea, Southtotal: 237 km

border countries (1): North Korea 237 km

Topic: Kosovototal: 714 km

border countries (4): Albania 112 km; North Macedonia 160 km; Montenegro 76 km; Serbia 366 km

Topic: Kuwaittotal: 475 km

border countries (2): Iraq 254 km; Saudi Arabia 221 km

Topic: Kyrgyzstantotal: 4,573 km

border countries (4): China 1,063 km; Kazakhstan 1,212 km; Tajikistan 984 km; Uzbekistan 1,314 km

Topic: Laostotal: 5,274 km

border countries (5): Burma 238 km; Cambodia 555 km; China 475 km; Thailand 1,845 km; Vietnam 2,161 km

Topic: Latviatotal: 1,370 km

border countries (4): Belarus 161 km; Estonia 333 km; Lithuania 544 km; Russia 332 km

Topic: Lebanontotal: 484 km

border countries (2): Israel 81 km; Syria 403 km

Topic: Lesothototal: 1,106 km

border countries (1): South Africa 1,106 km

Topic: Liberiatotal: 1,667 km

border countries (3): Guinea 590 km; Cote d'Ivoire 778 km; Sierra Leone 299 km

Topic: Libyatotal: 4,339 km

border countries (6): Algeria 989 km; Chad 1,050 km; Egypt 1,115 km; Niger 342 km; Sudan 382 km; Tunisia 461 km

Topic: Liechtensteintotal: 75 km

border countries (2): Austria 34 km; Switzerland 41 km

Topic: Lithuaniatotal: 1,545 km

border countries (4): Belarus 640 km; Latvia 544 km; Poland 100 km; Russia (Kaliningrad) 261 km

Topic: Luxembourgtotal: 327 km

border countries (3): Belgium 130 km; France 69 km; Germany 128 km

Topic: Macautotal: 3 km

regional borders (1): China 3 km

Topic: Madagascartotal: 0 km

Topic: Malawitotal: 2,857 km

border countries (3): Mozambique 1,498 km; Tanzania 512 km; Zambia 847 km

Topic: Malaysiatotal: 2,742 km

border countries (3): Brunei 266 km; Indonesia 1,881 km; Thailand 595 km

Topic: Maldivestotal: 0 km

Topic: Malitotal: 7,908 km

border countries (6): Algeria 1,359 km; Burkina Faso 1,325 km; Cote d'Ivoire 599 km; Guinea 1,062 km; Mauritania 2,236 km; Niger 838 km, Senegal 489 km

Topic: Maltatotal: 0 km

Topic: Marshall Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Mauritaniatotal: 5,002 km

border countries (4): Algeria 460 km; Mali 2,236 km; Morocco 1,564 km; Senegal 742 km

Topic: Mauritiustotal: 0 km

Topic: Mexicototal: 4,389 km

border countries (3): Belize 276 km; Guatemala 958 km; US 3,155 km

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States oftotal: 0 km

Topic: Moldovatotal: 1,885 km

border countries (2): Romania 683 km; Ukraine 1202 km

Topic: Monacototal: 6 km

border countries (1): France 6 km

Topic: Mongoliatotal: 8,082 km

border countries (2): China 4,630 km; Russia 3,452 km

Topic: Montenegrototal: 680 km

border countries (5): Albania 186 km; Bosnia and Herzegovina 242 km; Croatia 19 km; Kosovo 76 km; Serbia 157 km

Topic: Montserrattotal: 0 km

Topic: Moroccototal: 3,523.5 km

border countries (3): Algeria 1,941 km; Mauritania 1,564 km; Spain (Ceuta) 8 km and Spain (Melilla) 10.5 km

note: an additional 75-meter border segment exists between Morocco and the Spanish exclave of Penon de Velez de la Gomera

Topic: Mozambiquetotal: 4,783 km

border countries (6): Malawi 1498 km; South Africa 496 km; Eswatini 108 km; Tanzania 840 km; Zambia 439 km; Zimbabwe 1,402 km

Topic: Namibiatotal: 4,220 km

border countries (4): Angola 1,427 km; Botswana 1,544 km; South Africa 1,005 km; Zambia 244 km

Topic: Naurutotal: 0 km

Topic: Navassa Islandtotal: 0 km

Topic: Nepaltotal: 3,159 km

border countries (2): China 1,389 km; India 1,770 km

Topic: Netherlandstotal: 1,053 km

border countries (2): Belgium 478 km; Germany 575 km

Topic: New Caledoniatotal: 0 km

Topic: New Zealandtotal: 0 km

Topic: Nicaraguatotal: 1,253 km

border countries (2): Costa Rica 313 km; Honduras 940 km

Topic: Nigertotal: 5,834 km

border countries (7): Algeria 951 km; Benin 277 km; Burkina Faso 622 km; Chad 1,196 km; Libya 342 km; Mali 838 km; Nigeria 1,608 km

Topic: Nigeriatotal: 4,477 km

border countries (4): Benin 809 km; Cameroon 1,975 km; Chad 85 km; Niger 1,608 km

Topic: Niuetotal: 0 km

Topic: Norfolk Islandtotal: 0 km

Topic: North Macedoniatotal: 838 km

border countries (5): Albania 181 km; Bulgaria 162 km; Greece 234 km; Kosovo 160 km; Serbia 101 km

Topic: Northern Mariana Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Norwaytotal: 2,566 km

border countries (3): Finland 709 km; Sweden 1,666 km; Russia 191 km

Topic: Omantotal: 1,561 km

border countries (3): Saudi Arabia 658 km; UAE 609 km; Yemen 294 km

Topic: Pakistantotal: 7,257 km

border countries (4): Afghanistan 2,670 km; China 438 km; India 3,190 km; Iran 959 km

Topic: Palautotal: 0 km

Topic: Panamatotal: 687 km

border countries (2): Colombia 339 km; Costa Rica 348 km

Topic: Papua New Guineatotal: 824 km

border countries (1): Indonesia 824 km

Topic: Paracel Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Paraguaytotal: 4,655 km

border countries (3): Argentina 2,531 km; Bolivia 753 km; Brazil 1,371 km

Topic: Perutotal: 7,062 km

border countries (5): Bolivia 1,212 km; Brazil 2,659 km; Chile 168 km; Colombia 1,494 km; Ecuador 1,529 km

Topic: Philippinestotal: 0 km

Topic: Pitcairn Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Polandtotal: 2,865 km

border countries (6): Belarus 375 km; Czechia 699 km; Germany 467 km; Lithuania 100 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 209 km; Slovakia 517 km; Ukraine 498 km

Topic: Portugaltotal: 1,224 km

border countries (1): Spain 1,224 km

Topic: Puerto Ricototal: 0 km

Topic: Qatartotal: 87 km

border countries (1): Saudi Arabia 87 km

Topic: Romaniatotal: 2,844 km

border countries (5): Bulgaria 605 km; Hungary 424 km; Moldova 683 km; Serbia 531 km; Ukraine 601 km

Topic: Russiatotal: 22,407 km

border countries (14): Azerbaijan 338 km; Belarus 1,312 km; China (southeast) 4,133 km and China (south) 46 km; Estonia 324 km; Finland 1,309 km; Georgia 894 km; Kazakhstan 7,644 km; North Korea 18 km; Latvia 332 km; Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 261 km; Mongolia 3,452 km; Norway 191 km; Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 209 km; Ukraine 1,944 km

Topic: Rwandatotal: 930 km

border countries (4): Burundi 315 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 221 km; Tanzania 222 km; Uganda 172 km

Topic: Saint Barthelemytotal: 0 km

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhatotal: 0 km

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevistotal: 0 km

Topic: Saint Luciatotal: 0 km

Topic: Saint Martintotal: 16 km

border countries (1): Sint Maarten 16 km

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelontotal: 0 km

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinestotal: 0 km

Topic: Samoatotal: 0 km

Topic: San Marinototal: 37 km

border countries (1): Italy 37 km

Topic: Sao Tome and Principetotal: 0 km

Topic: Saudi Arabiatotal: 4,272 km

border countries (7): Iraq 811 km; Jordan 731 km; Kuwait 221 km; Oman 658 km; Qatar 87 km; UAE 457 km; Yemen 1,307 km

Topic: Senegaltotal: 2,684 km

border countries (5): The Gambia 749 km; Guinea 363 km; Guinea-Bissau 341 km; Mali 489 km; Mauritania 742 km

Topic: Serbiatotal: 2,322 km

border countries (8): Bosnia and Herzegovina 345 km; Bulgaria 344 km; Croatia 314 km; Hungary 164 km; Kosovo 366 km; North Macedonia 101 km; Montenegro 157 km; Romania 531 km

Topic: Seychellestotal: 0 km

Topic: Sierra Leonetotal: 1,093 km

border countries (2): Guinea 794 km; Liberia 299 km

Topic: Singaporetotal: 0 km

Topic: Sint Maartentotal: 16 km

border countries (1): Saint Martin (France) 16 km

Topic: Slovakiatotal: 1,587 km

border countries (5): Austria 105 km; Czechia 241 km; Hungary 627 km; Poland 517 km; Ukraine 97 km

Topic: Sloveniatotal: 1,211 km

border countries (4): Austria 299 km; Croatia 600 km; Hungary 94 km; Italy 218 km

Topic: Solomon Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Somaliatotal: 2,385 km

border countries (3): Djibouti 61 km; Ethiopia 1,640 km; Kenya 684 km

Topic: South Africatotal: 5,244 km

border countries (6): Botswana 1,969 km; Lesotho 1,106 km; Mozambique 496 km; Namibia 1,005 km; Eswatini 438 km; Zimbabwe 230 km

Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: South Sudantotal: 6,018 km

border countries (6): Central African Republic 1,055 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 714 km; Ethiopia 1,299 km; Kenya 317 km; Sudan 2,158 km; Uganda 475 km

note: South Sudan-Sudan boundary represents 1 January 1956 alignment; final alignment pending negotiations and demarcation; final sovereignty status of Abyei Area pending negotiations between South Sudan and Sudan

Topic: Spaintotal: 1,952.7 km

border countries (5): Andorra 63 km; France 646 km; Gibraltar 1.2 km; Portugal 1,224 km; Morocco (Ceuta) 8 km and Morocco (Melilla) 10.5 km

note: an additional 75-meter border segment exists between Morocco and the Spanish exclave of Penon de Velez de la Gomera

Topic: Spratly Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Sri Lankatotal: 0 km

Topic: Sudantotal: 6,819 km

border countries (7): Central African Republic 174 km; Chad 1,403 km; Egypt 1,276 km; Eritrea 682 km; Ethiopia 744 km; Libya 382 km; South Sudan 2,158 km

note: Sudan-South Sudan boundary represents 1 January 1956 alignment; final alignment pending negotiations and demarcation; final sovereignty status of Abyei region pending negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan

Topic: Surinametotal: 1,907 km

border countries (3): Brazil 515 km; French Guiana 556 km; Guyana 836 km

Topic: Svalbardtotal: 0 km

Topic: Swedentotal: 2,211 km

border countries (2): Finland 545 km; Norway 1,666 km

Topic: Switzerlandtotal: 1,770 km

border countries (5): Austria 158 km; France 525 km; Italy 698 km; Liechtenstein 41 km; Germany 348 km

Topic: Syriatotal: 2,363 km

border countries (5): Iraq 599 km; Israel 83 km; Jordan 379 km; Lebanon 403 km; Turkey 899 km

Topic: Taiwantotal: 0 km

Topic: Tajikistantotal: 4,130 km

border countries (4): Afghanistan 1,357 km; China 477 km; Kyrgyzstan 984 km; Uzbekistan 1,312 km

Topic: Tanzaniatotal: 4,161 km

border countries (8): Burundi 589 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 479 km; Kenya 775 km; Malawi 512 km; Mozambique 840 km; Rwanda 222 km; Uganda 391 km; Zambia 353 km

Topic: Thailandtotal: 5,673 km

border countries (4): Burma 2,416 km; Cambodia 817 km; Laos 1,845 km; Malaysia 595 km

Topic: Timor-Lestetotal: 253 km

border countries (1): Indonesia 253 km

Topic: Togototal: 1,880 km

border countries (3): Benin 651 km; Burkina Faso 131 km; Ghana 1,098 km

Topic: Tokelautotal: 0 km

Topic: Tongatotal: 0 km

Topic: Trinidad and Tobagototal: 0 km

Topic: Tunisiatotal: 1,495 km

border countries (2): Algeria 1,034 km; Libya 461 km

Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)total: 2,816 km

border countries (8): Armenia 311 km; Azerbaijan 17 km; Bulgaria 223 km; Georgia 273 km; Greece 192 km; Iran 534 km; Iraq 367 km; Syria 899 km

Topic: Turkmenistantotal: 4,158 km

border countries (4): Afghanistan 804 km; Iran 1,148 km; Kazakhstan 413 km; Uzbekistan 1,793 km

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Tuvalutotal: 0 km

Topic: Ugandatotal: 2,729 km

border countries (5): Democratic Republic of the Congo 877 km; Kenya 814 km; Rwanda 172 km; South Sudan 475 km; Tanzania 391 km

Topic: Ukrainetotal: 5,581 km

border countries (6): Belarus 1,111 km; Hungary 128 km; Moldova 1,202 km; Poland 498 km; Romania 601 km; Russia 1,944 km, Slovakia 97 km

Topic: United Arab Emiratestotal: 1,066 km

border countries (2): Oman 609 km; Saudi Arabia 457 km

Topic: United Kingdomtotal: 499 km

border countries (1): Ireland 499 km

Topic: United Statestotal: 12,002 km

border countries (2): Canada 8,891 km (including 2,475 km with Alaska); Mexico 3,111 km

note: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is leased by the US and is part of Cuba; the base boundary is 28.5 km

Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refugestotal: 0 km

Topic: Uruguaytotal: 1,591 km

border countries (2): Argentina 541 km; Brazil 1,050 km

Topic: Uzbekistantotal: 6,893 km

border countries (5): Afghanistan 144 km; Kazakhstan 2,330 km; Kyrgyzstan 1,314 km; Tajikistan 1,312 km; Turkmenistan 1,793 km

Topic: Vanuatutotal: 0 km

Topic: Venezuelatotal: 5,267 km

border countries (3): Brazil 2,137 km; Colombia 2,341 km; Guyana 789 km

Topic: Vietnamtotal: 4,616 km

border countries (3): Cambodia 1,158 km; China 1,297 km; Laos 2,161 km

Topic: Virgin Islandstotal: 0 km

Topic: Wake Islandtotal: 0 km

Topic: Wallis and Futunatotal: 0 km

Topic: West Banktotal: 478 km

border countries (2): Israel 330 km; Jordan 148 km

Topic: Worldthe land boundaries in The World Factbook total 279,035.5 km (not counting shared boundaries twice); two nations, China and Russia, each border 14 other countries

note 1: the total is actually misleading in terms of accuracy, since one cannot accurately measure every river meander along a boundary; a number rounded slightly higher - to 280,000 km - makes more sense and has been coordinated with and approved by the US State Department note 2: 46 nations and other areas are landlocked, these include: Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Czechia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Holy See (Vatican City), Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Paraguay, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, South Sudan, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, West Bank, Zambia, Zimbabwe; two of these, Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan, are doubly landlocked

note 3: worldwide, some one-quarter of interior (non-coastal) borders are rivers; South America with 43% leads the continents, followed by North America with 32%, Africa with 30%, Europe with 23%, and Asia with 18%; Australia has no interior national river bordersthe land boundaries in The World Factbook total 279,035.5 km (not counting shared boundaries twice); two nations, China and Russia, each border 14 other countries

note 1: the total is actually misleading in terms of accuracy, since one cannot accurately measure every river meander along a boundary; a number rounded slightly higher - to 280,000 km - makes more sense and has been coordinated with and approved by the US State Departmentnote 2: 46 nations and other areas are landlocked, these include: Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Czechia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Holy See (Vatican City), Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Paraguay, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, South Sudan, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, West Bank, Zambia, Zimbabwe; two of these, Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan, are doubly landlocked

note 3: worldwide, some one-quarter of interior (non-coastal) borders are rivers; South America with 43% leads the continents, followed by North America with 32%, Africa with 30%, Europe with 23%, and Asia with 18%; Australia has no interior national river borders

Topic: Yementotal: 1,601 km

border countries (2): Oman 294 km; Saudi Arabia 1,307 km

Topic: Zambiatotal: 6,043.15 km

border countries (8): Angola 1,065 km; Botswana 0.15 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,332 km; Malawi 847 km; Mozambique 439 km; Namibia 244 km; Tanzania 353 km; Zimbabwe 763 km

Topic: Zimbabwetotal: 3,229 km

border countries (4): Botswana 834 km; Mozambique 1,402 km; South Africa 230 km; Zambia 763 km


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Bahrain due to COVID-19.  Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate: [973] 1724-2700; US Embassy Manama, Bldg. 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj, PO Box 26431, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain; https://bh.usembassy.gov/; ManamaConsular@state.gov
Telephone Code: 973
Local Emergency Phone: 999
Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Arid; mild, pleasant winters and very hot, humid summers
Currency (Code): Dinars (BHD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages: Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu
Major Religions: Muslim 73.7%, Christian 9.3%, Jewish 0.1%, other 16.9%
Time Difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Adhari Park; Al Areen Wildlife Park; Manama (includes National Museum, Al Khamis Mosque, Al-Qudaibiya Palace); The Tree of Life; Arad Fort; Qal'at al-Bahrain- ancient harbor & capital of Dilmun
Major Sports: Soccer, mixed martial arts, cricket, car racing
Cultural Practices: If eating a meal on the floor, it is considered taboo to let one's feet touch the food mat. To avoid this situation, sit cross legged or kneel.
Tipping Guidelines: While there is often a 10% service charge at restaurants, it is still customary to leave a 10% tip for wait staff. Taxi drivers expect a 10% tip and porters will be happy with about 100 dinars per bag.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Tuesday, March 22, 2022


Topic: Introduction
Background: In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared their independence from Spain. After Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay left, the area that remained became Argentina. The country's population and culture were heavily shaped by immigrants from throughout Europe.In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared their independence from Spain. After Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay left, the area that remained became Argentina. The country's population and culture were heavily shaped by immigrants from throughout Europe.

Topic: Geography
Area: total: 2,780,400 sq km

land: 2,736,690 sq km

water: 43,710 sq km
Climate: mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest
Natural resources: fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium, arable land

Topic: People and Society
Population: 46,245,668 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups: European (mostly Spanish and Italian descent) and Mestizo (mixed European and Amerindian ancestry) 97.2%, Amerindian 2.4%, African descent 0.4% (2010 est.)
Languages: Spanish (official), Italian, English, German, French, indigenous (Mapudungun, Quechua)
Religions: Roman Catholic 62.9%, Evangelical 15.3% (Pentecostal 13%, other Evangelical 2.3%), Jehovah's Witness and Church of Jesus Christ 1.4%, other 1.2% (includes Muslim, Jewish), none 18.9% (includes agnostic and atheist), unspecified 0.3% (2019 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.82% (2022 est.)

Topic: Government
Government type: presidential republic
Capital: name: Buenos Aires
Executive branch: chief of state: President Alberto Angel FERNANDEZ (since 10 December 2019); Vice President Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER (since 10 December 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government (2019)

head of government: President Alberto Angel FERNANDEZ (since 10 December 2019); Vice President Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER (since 10 December 2019) (2018)
Legislative branch: description: bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of:
Senate or Senado (72 seats; members directly elected on a provincial basis with 2 seats awarded to the party with the most votes and 1 seat to the party with the second highest number of votes; members serve 6-year terms with one-third of the membership renewed every 2 years)
Chamber of Deputies or Cámara de Diputados (257 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote using the D'Hondt method; members serve 4-year terms with one-half of the membership renewed every 2 years)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: large diversified economy; financial risks from debt obligations, rapid inflation, and reduced investor appetites; resource-rich, export-led growth model; increasing trade relations with China; G20 and OAS leader; tendency to nationalize businesses and under-report inflationlarge diversified economy; financial risks from debt obligations, rapid inflation, and reduced investor appetites; resource-rich, export-led growth model; increasing trade relations with China; G20 and OAS leader; tendency to nationalize businesses and under-report inflation
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $893.31 billion (2020 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $19,700 (2020 est.)
Agricultural products: maize, soybeans, wheat, sugar cane, milk, barley, sunflower seed, beef, grapes, potatoes
Industries: food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel
Exports: $64.18 billion (2020 est.)
Exports - partners: Brazil 16%, China 11%, United States 7%, Chile 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: soybean products, corn, delivery trucks, wheat, frozen meat, gold (2019)
Imports: $52.14 billion (2020 est.)
Imports - partners: Brazil 21%, China 18%, US 14%, Germany 6% (2019)
Imports - commodities: cars, refined petroleum, vehicle parts, natural gas, soybeans (2019)Page last updated: Wednesday, May 11, 2022


Topic: Photos of Kuwait

Topic: Introduction
Background: Kuwait has been ruled by the AL-SABAH dynasty since the 18th century. The threat of Ottoman invasion in 1899 prompted Amir Mubarak AL-SABAH to seek protection from Britain, ceding foreign and defense responsibility to Britain until 1961, when the country attained its independence. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq in August 1990. Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led UN coalition began a ground assault in February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days. In 1992, the Amir reconstituted the parliament that he had dissolved in 1986. Amid the 2010-11 uprisings and protests across the Arab world, stateless Arabs, known as Bidoon, staged small protests in early 2011 demanding citizenship, jobs, and other benefits available to Kuwaiti nationals. Other demographic groups, notably Islamists and Kuwaitis from tribal backgrounds, soon joined the growing protest movements, which culminated in late 2011 with the resignation of the prime minister amidst allegations of corruption. Demonstrations renewed in late 2012 in response to an amiri decree amending the electoral law that lessened the voting power of the tribal blocs.

An opposition coalition of Sunni Islamists, tribal populists, and some liberals, largely boycotted legislative elections in 2012 and 2013, which ushered in a legislature more amenable to the government's agenda. Faced with the prospect of painful subsidy cuts, oppositionists and independents actively participated in the November 2016 election, winning nearly half of the seats, but a cohesive opposition alliance largely ceased to exist with the 2016 election and the opposition became increasingly factionalized. Since coming to power in 2006, the Amir has dissolved the National Assembly on seven occasions (the Constitutional Court annulled the Assembly elections in June 2012 and again in June 2013) and shuffled the cabinet over a dozen times, usually citing political stagnation and gridlock between the legislature and the government.

The current Amir, who assumed his role in 2020, launched a "National Dialogue" in September 2021 meant to resolve political gridlock. As part of the "National Dialogue," the Amir pardoned several opposition figures who had been living in exile, and they returned to Kuwait. Legislative challenges remain, and the cabinet was reshuffled in March 2022.Kuwait has been ruled by the AL-SABAH dynasty since the 18th century. The threat of Ottoman invasion in 1899 prompted Amir Mubarak AL-SABAH to seek protection from Britain, ceding foreign and defense responsibility to Britain until 1961, when the country attained its independence. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq in August 1990. Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led UN coalition began a ground assault in February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days. In 1992, the Amir reconstituted the parliament that he had dissolved in 1986. Amid the 2010-11 uprisings and protests across the Arab world, stateless Arabs, known as Bidoon, staged small protests in early 2011 demanding citizenship, jobs, and other benefits available to Kuwaiti nationals. Other demographic groups, notably Islamists and Kuwaitis from tribal backgrounds, soon joined the growing protest movements, which culminated in late 2011 with the resignation of the prime minister amidst allegations of corruption. Demonstrations renewed in late 2012 in response to an amiri decree amending the electoral law that lessened the voting power of the tribal blocs.

An opposition coalition of Sunni Islamists, tribal populists, and some liberals, largely boycotted legislative elections in 2012 and 2013, which ushered in a legislature more amenable to the government's agenda. Faced with the prospect of painful subsidy cuts, oppositionists and independents actively participated in the November 2016 election, winning nearly half of the seats, but a cohesive opposition alliance largely ceased to exist with the 2016 election and the opposition became increasingly factionalized. Since coming to power in 2006, the Amir has dissolved the National Assembly on seven occasions (the Constitutional Court annulled the Assembly elections in June 2012 and again in June 2013) and shuffled the cabinet over a dozen times, usually citing political stagnation and gridlock between the legislature and the government.

The current Amir, who assumed his role in 2020, launched a "National Dialogue" in September 2021 meant to resolve political gridlock. As part of the "National Dialogue," the Amir pardoned several opposition figures who had been living in exile, and they returned to Kuwait. Legislative challenges remain, and the cabinet was reshuffled in March 2022.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia
Geographic coordinates: 29 30 N, 45 45 E
Map references: Middle East
Area: total: 17,818 sq km

land: 17,818 sq km

water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than New Jersey
Land boundaries: total: 475 km

border countries (2): Iraq 254 km; Saudi Arabia 221 km
Coastline: 499 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters
Terrain: flat to slightly undulating desert plain
Elevation: highest point: 3.6 km W. of Al-Salmi Border Post 300 m

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

mean elevation: 108 m
Natural resources: petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas
Land use: agricultural land: 8.5% (2018 est.)

arable land: 0.6% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 7.6% (2018 est.)

forest: 0.4% (2018 est.)

other: 91.1% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 105 sq km (2012)
Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km)
Major aquifers: Arabian Aquifer System
Population distribution: densest settlement is along the Persian Gulf, particularly in Kuwait City and on Bubiyan Island; significant population threads extend south and west along highways that radiate from the capital, particularly in the southern half of the country
Natural hazards: sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring heavy rain, which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year but are most common between March and August
Geography - note: strategic location at head of Persian Gulf
Map description: Kuwait map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Persian Gulf.Kuwait map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Persian Gulf.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 3,068,155 (2022 est.)

note: Kuwait's Public Authority for Civil Information estimates the country's total population to be 4,420,110 for 2019, with non-Kuwaitis accounting for nearly 70% of the population
Nationality: noun: Kuwaiti(s)

adjective: Kuwaiti
Ethnic groups: Kuwaiti 30.4%, other Arab 27.4%, Asian 40.3%, African 1%, other 0.9% (includes European, North American, South American, and Australian) (2018 est.)
Languages: Arabic (official), English widely spoken

major-language sample(s):
كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions: Muslim (official) 74.6%, Christian 18.2%, other and unspecified 7.2% (2013 est.)

note: data represent the total population; about 72% of the population consists of immigrants
Age structure: 0-14 years: 24.29% (male 378,778/female 348,512)

15-24 years: 14.96% (male 245,354/female 202,642)

25-54 years: 52.39% (male 984,813/female 583,632)

55-64 years: 5.43% (male 90,583/female 72,026)

65 years and over: 2.92% (2020 est.) (male 38,614/female 48,752)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 32.4

youth dependency ratio: 28.4

elderly dependency ratio: 4

potential support ratio: 24.9 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 29.7 years

male: 30.7 years

female: 27.9 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.17% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 17.78 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 2.25 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -3.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: densest settlement is along the Persian Gulf, particularly in Kuwait City and on Bubiyan Island; significant population threads extend south and west along highways that radiate from the capital, particularly in the southern half of the country
Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.35% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 3.239 million KUWAIT (capital) (2022)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.19 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.66 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 1.21 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 1.37 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio: 12 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 7.43 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 7.75 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.13 years

male: 77.67 years

female: 80.65 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.24 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 5.5% (2019)
Physicians density: 2.34 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Hospital bed density: 2 beds/1,000 population (2017)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: (2018 est.) <.1%
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: (2018 est.) <1000
HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2018 est.) <100
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 37.9% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 17.9% (2020 est.)

male: 33.5% (2020 est.)

female: 2.2% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 3% (2014)
Education expenditures: 6.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.5%

male: 97.1%

female: 95.4% (2020)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years

male: 13 years

female: 16 years (2015)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 15.4%

male: 9.4%

female: 30% (2016 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: limited natural freshwater resources; some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the water; air and water pollution; desertification; loss of biodiversity
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping-London Convention
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 57.17 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 98.73 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 6.21 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters
Land use: agricultural land: 8.5% (2018 est.)

arable land: 0.6% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 7.6% (2018 est.)

forest: 0.4% (2018 est.)

other: 91.1% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.35% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.75 million tons (2010 est.)
Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km)
Major aquifers: Arabian Aquifer System
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 448.3 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 23.3 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 778.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 20 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: State of Kuwait

conventional short form: Kuwait

local long form: Dawlat al Kuwayt

local short form: Al Kuwayt

etymology: the name derives from the capital city, which is from Arabic "al-Kuwayt" a diminutive of "kut" meaning "fortress," possibly a reference to a small castle built on the current location of Kuwait City by the Beni Khaled tribe in the 17th century
Government type: constitutional monarchy (emirate)
Capital: name: Kuwait City

geographic coordinates: 29 22 N, 47 58 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: the name derives from Arabic "al-Kuwayt" a diminutive of "kut" meaning "fortress," possibly a reference to a small castle built on the current location of Kuwait City by the Beni Khaled tribe in the 17th century
Administrative divisions: 6 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Ahmadi, Al 'Asimah, Al Farwaniyah, Al Jahra', Hawalli, Mubarak al Kabir
Independence: 19 June 1961 (from the UK)
National holiday: National Day, 25 February (1950)
Constitution: history: approved and promulgated 11 November 1962; suspended 1976 to 1981 (4 articles); 1986 to 1991; May to July 1999

amendments: proposed by the amir or supported by at least one third of the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds consent of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the amir; constitutional articles on the initiation, approval, and promulgation of general legislation cannot be amended
Legal system: mixed legal system consisting of English common law, French civil law, and Islamic sharia law
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Kuwait

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: not specified
Suffrage: 21 years of age and at least 20-year citizenship
Executive branch: chief of state: Amir NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since 30 September 2020); Crown Prince MISHAL Al Ahmad Al Sabah, born in 1940, is the brother of Amir NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah

head of government: Prime Minister Sheikh Muhammad Al Sabah Al Salim Al Sabah (since 19 July 2022); First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmed al-Nawaf Al Sabah (since 22 March 2022), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Talal al-Khaled Al Sabah (since 9 March 2022), and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Dr. Mohammed al-Faris (since 22 March 2022)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by the amir

elections/appointments: amir chosen from within the ruling family, confirmed by the National Assembly; prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the amir; crown prince appointed by the amir and approved by the National Assembly
Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Umma (65 seats; 50 members directly elected from 5 multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 15 ex-officio members (cabinet ministers) appointed by the amir; members serve 4-year terms)

elections: last held on 5 December 2020 (next to be held NA)

election results: all candidates ran as independents, though nearly one-half were oppositionists; composition of elected members - men 50, women 0, percent of women 0%
Judicial branch: highest courts: Constitutional Court (consists of 5 judges); Supreme Court or Court of Cassation (organized into several circuits, each with 5 judges)

judge selection and term of office: all Kuwaiti judges appointed by the Amir upon recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council, a consultative body comprised of Kuwaiti judges and Ministry of Justice officials

subordinate courts: High Court of Appeal; Court of First Instance; Summary Court
Political parties and leaders: none; the government does not recognize any political parties or allow their formation, although no formal law bans political parties
International organization participation: ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, CD, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, Paris Club (associate), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador SALEM Abdallah al-Jaber al-Sabah (since 10 October 2021)

chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702

FAX: [1] (202) 966-8468

email address and website:
https://www.kuwaitembassy.us/

consulate(s) general: Beverly Hills (CA), New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires James HOLTSNIDER (since July 2021)

embassy: P.O. Box 77, Safat 13001

mailing address: 6200 Kuwait Place, Washington DC  20521-6200

telephone: [00] (965) 2259-1001

FAX: [00] (965) 2538-0282

email address and website:
KuwaitACS@state.gov

https://kw.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a black trapezoid based on the hoist side; colors and design are based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I; green represents fertile fields, white stands for purity, red denotes blood on Kuwaiti swords, black signifies the defeat of the enemy
National symbol(s): golden falcon; national colors: green, white, red, black
National anthem: name: "Al-Nasheed Al-Watani" (National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Ahmad MUSHARI al-Adwani/Ibrahim Nasir al-SOULA

note: adopted 1978; the anthem is only used on formal occasions

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Kuwait has a geographically small, but wealthy, relatively open economy with crude oil reserves of about 102 billion barrels - more than 6% of world reserves. Kuwaiti officials plan to increase production to 4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2020. Petroleum accounts for over half of GDP, 92% of export revenues, and 90% of government income.   With world oil prices declining, Kuwait realized a budget deficit in 2015 for the first time more than a decade; in 2016, the deficit grew to 16.5% of GDP. Kuwaiti authorities announced cuts to fuel subsidies in August 2016, provoking outrage among the public and National Assembly, and the Amir dissolved the government for the seventh time in ten years. In 2017 the deficit was reduced to 7.2% of GDP, and the government raised $8 billion by issuing international bonds. Despite Kuwait’s dependence on oil, the government has cushioned itself against the impact of lower oil prices, by saving annually at least 10% of government revenue in the Fund for Future Generations.   Kuwait has failed to diversify its economy or bolster the private sector, because of a poor business climate, a large public sector that employs about 74% of citizens, and an acrimonious relationship between the National Assembly and the executive branch that has stymied most economic reforms. The Kuwaiti Government has made little progress on its long-term economic development plan first passed in 2010. While the government planned to spend up to $104 billion over four years to diversify the economy, attract more investment, and boost private sector participation in the economy, many of the projects did not materialize because of an uncertain political situation or delays in awarding contracts. To increase non-oil revenues, the Kuwaiti Government in August 2017 approved draft bills supporting a Gulf Cooperation Council-wide value added tax scheduled to take effect in 2018.Kuwait has a geographically small, but wealthy, relatively open economy with crude oil reserves of about 102 billion barrels - more than 6% of world reserves. Kuwaiti officials plan to increase production to 4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2020. Petroleum accounts for over half of GDP, 92% of export revenues, and 90% of government income. With world oil prices declining, Kuwait realized a budget deficit in 2015 for the first time more than a decade; in 2016, the deficit grew to 16.5% of GDP. Kuwaiti authorities announced cuts to fuel subsidies in August 2016, provoking outrage among the public and National Assembly, and the Amir dissolved the government for the seventh time in ten years. In 2017 the deficit was reduced to 7.2% of GDP, and the government raised $8 billion by issuing international bonds. Despite Kuwait’s dependence on oil, the government has cushioned itself against the impact of lower oil prices, by saving annually at least 10% of government revenue in the Fund for Future Generations. Kuwait has failed to diversify its economy or bolster the private sector, because of a poor business climate, a large public sector that employs about 74% of citizens, and an acrimonious relationship between the National Assembly and the executive branch that has stymied most economic reforms. The Kuwaiti Government has made little progress on its long-term economic development plan first passed in 2010. While the government planned to spend up to $104 billion over four years to diversify the economy, attract more investment, and boost private sector participation in the economy, many of the projects did not materialize because of an uncertain political situation or delays in awarding contracts. To increase non-oil revenues, the Kuwaiti Government in August 2017 approved draft bills supporting a Gulf Cooperation Council-wide value added tax scheduled to take effect in 2018.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $209.74 billion (2019 est.)

$208.85 billion (2018 est.)

$206.274 billion (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: -3.3% (2017 est.)

2.2% (2016 est.)

-1% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $49,900 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$50,500 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$50,856 (2017 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate): $134.638 billion (2019 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (2017 est.)

3.5% (2016 est.)
Credit ratings: Fitch rating: AA (2008)

Moody's rating: A1 (2020)

Standard & Poors rating: AA- (2020)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0.4% (2017 est.)

industry: 58.7% (2017 est.)

services: 40.9% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 43.1% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 24.5% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 26.5% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 3.5% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 49.4% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -47% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: eggs, dates, tomatoes, cucumbers, poultry, milk, mutton, potatoes, vegetables, eggplants
Industries: petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, water desalination, food processing, construction materials
Industrial production growth rate: 2.8% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 2.695 million (2017 est.)

note: non-Kuwaitis represent about 60% of the labor force
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: NA

industry: NA

services: NA
Unemployment rate: 1.1% (2017 est.)

1.1% (2016 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 15.4%

male: 9.4%

female: 30% (2016 est.)
Population below poverty line: NA
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 50.5 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 62.6 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -10% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 20.6% of GDP (2017 est.)

9.9% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 41.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Current account balance: $7.127 billion (2017 est.)

-$5.056 billion (2016 est.)
Exports: $72.83 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$85.2 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: China 20%, South Korea 16%, India 15%, Japan 10%, Taiwan 6%, Vietnam 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, refined petroleum, aircraft, natural gas, industrial hydrocarbon products (2019)
Imports: $59.65 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$68.2 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: China 14%, United Arab Emirates 12%, United States 10%, Saudi Arabia 6%, Japan 6%, Germany 5%, India 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: cars, broadcasting equipment, natural gas, packaged medicines, jewelry (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $33.7 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$31.13 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $47.24 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$38.34 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Exchange rates: Kuwaiti dinars (KD) per US dollar -

0.3049 (2020 est.)

0.3037 (2019 est.)

0.304 (2018 est.)

0.3009 (2014 est.)

0.2845 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 19.371 million kW (2020 est.)

consumption: 63,802,360,000 kWh (2019 est.)

exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.)

imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 6.701 billion kWh (2019 est.)
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 99.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

consumption: 68,000 metric tons (2020 est.)

exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

imports: 68,000 metric tons (2020 est.)

proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 2,720,500 bbl/day (2021 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 342,000 bbl/day (2019 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate exports: 1,837,900 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 101.5 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 915,800 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 705,500 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas: production: 19,509,907,000 cubic meters (2019 est.)

consumption: 24,322,970,000 cubic meters (2019 est.)

exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

imports: 4,805,531,000 cubic meters (2019 est.)

proven reserves: 1,783,958,000,000 cubic meters (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 92.582 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 578,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 44.288 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 47.715 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 381.985 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 583,463 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 6,770,346 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 159 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Kuwait’s telecom infrastructure is well developed, with a focus on mobile infrastructure and services; the telecom sector is important to the country’s economy, and this will become more pronounced in coming years as the economy is purposefully transitioned away from a dependence on oil and gas to one which is increasingly knowledge-based and focused on ICT and related services; the MNOs have focused investment on 5G networks, which support and promote the growth of data traffic; this in turn has been a catalyst for revenue growth in recent quarters; while Kuwait’s mobile sector shows considerable progress; the country’s fixed broadband system is the lowest in the region; the government has stepped up efforts to build up fixed broadband networks, and ultimately this sector offers a potential future growth opportunity; improvements to the fixed broadband infrastructure will help develop sectors such as e-commerce, along with smart infrastructure developments, and tech start-ups. (2022)

domestic: fixed-line subscriptions are nearly 14 per 100 and mobile-cellular stands at nearly 159 per 100 subscriptions (2020)

international: country code - 965; landing points for the FOG, GBICS, MENA, Kuwait-Iran, and FALCON submarine cables linking Africa, the Middle East, and Asia; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 6 (3 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 1 Inmarsat - Atlantic Ocean, and 2 Arabsat) (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
Broadcast media: state-owned TV broadcaster operates 4 networks and a satellite channel; several private TV broadcasters have emerged; satellite TV available and pan-Arab TV stations are especially popular; state-owned Radio Kuwait broadcasts on a number of channels in Arabic and English; first private radio station emerged in 2005; transmissions of at least 2 international radio broadcasters are available (2019)
Internet country code: .kw
Internet users: total: 4,227,857 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 99% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 73,948 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 44

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 6,464,847 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 392.36 million (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 9K
Airports: total: 7 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 4

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2021)
Heliports: 4 (2021)
Pipelines: 261 km gas, 540 km oil, 57 km refined products (2013)
Roadways: total: 5,749 km (2018)

paved: 4,887 km (2018)

unpaved: 862 km (2018)
Merchant marine: total: 165

by type: general cargo 15, oil tanker 28, other 122 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Az Zawr (Mina' Sa'ud), Mina' 'Abd Allah, Mina' al Ahmadi

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: Kuwaiti Armed Forces: Kuwaiti Land Forces (KLF), Kuwaiti Navy, Kuwaiti Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Kuwaitiya; includes Kuwaiti Air Defense Force, KADF), 25th Commando Brigade, and the Kuwait Emiri Guard Brigade; Kuwaiti National Guard (KNG); Coast Guard (Ministry of Interior) (2022)

note 1: the Kuwait Amiri Guard Authority and the 25th Commando Brigade exercise independent command authority within the Kuwaiti Armed Forces, although activities such as training and equipment procurement are often coordinated with the other services

note 2: the Kuwaiti National Guard reports directly to the prime minister and the amir and possesses an independent command structure, equipment inventory, and logistics corps separate from the Ministry of Defense, the regular armed services, and the Ministry of Interior; it is responsible for protecting critical infrastructure and providing support for the Ministries of Interior and Defense as required
Military expenditures: 6.8% of GDP (2021 est.)

6.3% of GDP (2020 est.)

5.6% of GDP (2019) (approximately $10.2 billion)

5.1% of GDP (2018) (approximately $9.25 billion)

5.6% of GDP (2017) (approximately $10 billion)
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 17,000 active armed forces personnel (12,500 Army, including the Amiri Guard and 25th Commando Brigade; 2,000 Navy; 2,500 Air Force); approximately 6,500 National Guard (2022)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces consists of weapons from a wide variety of sources, including Western Europe, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the US; the US is the leading supplier of arms to Kuwait since 2010 (2022)
Military service age and obligation: 17-21 years of age for voluntary military service; Kuwait reintroduced one-year mandatory service for men aged 18-35 in May 2017 after having suspended conscription in 2001; service is divided in two phases – four months for training and eight months for military service; women were allowed to volunteer in 2021 (2022)

Military - note: Kuwait has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022)

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: Kuwait-Iraq: no maritime boundary exists with Iraq in the Persian Gulf Kuwait-Saudi Arabia: their maritime boundary was established in 2000 and has a neutral zone but its extension to Iran’s maritime boundary has not been negotiated  Kuwait-Iraq: no maritime boundary exists with Iraq in the Persian GulfKuwait-Saudi Arabia: their maritime boundary was established in 2000 and has a neutral zone but its extension to Iran’s maritime boundary has not been negotiated
Refugees and internally displaced persons: stateless persons: 92,020 (mid-year 2021); note - Kuwait's 1959 Nationality Law defined citizens as persons who settled in the country before 1920 and who had maintained normal residence since then; one-third of the population, descendants of Bedouin tribes, missed the window of opportunity to register for nationality rights after Kuwait became independent in 1961 and were classified as bidun (meaning "without"); since the 1980s Kuwait's bidun have progressively lost their rights, including opportunities for employment and education, amid official claims that they are nationals of other countries who have destroyed their identification documents in hopes of gaining Kuwaiti citizenship; Kuwaiti authorities have delayed processing citizenship applications and labeled biduns as "illegal residents," denying them access to civil documentation, such as birth and marriage certificates


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Oman due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and armed conflict. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate: [968] 24-643-400; US Embassy in Muscat, P.C. 115, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Oman; ConsularMuscat@state.gov;

https://om.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code: 968
Local Emergency Phone: 999
Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south
Currency (Code): Omani rials (OMR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages: Arabic, English, Baluchi, Swahili, Urdu, Indian dialects
Major Religions: Muslim 85.9%, Christian 6.5%, Hindu 5.5%, Buddhist 0.8%, Jewish <0.1%
Time Difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Yes
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Wahiba Sands; Musandam Fjords; Ras al Jinz; Jebel Akhdar; Salalah; Bahla; Masirah Island; Archeological sites at Bat, Al-Khutm, & Al-Ayn; Grand Mosque in Muscat; Souq Muttrah
Major Sports: Dhow racing (sailing), horse racing, falconry, camel racing, bull fighting
Cultural Practices: Pointing your foot at another person is considered very rude, as is showing the sole of one's foot.
Tipping Guidelines: A tip of 10% is considered the norm at restaurants and hotels. Rounding up or letting the driver keep the change is appropriate for taxis.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Tuesday, March 22, 2022