Jacob Langhamer

ALED 313
4/26/2016
Final Country Report
The Basics
Part A
1. How was the name Kuwait chosen as the name of the country?
A: The name Kuwait is derived from the Arabic diminutive of the Hindustani kt
(fort) when founded as a trading post.
2. What is the predominant wildlife of Kuwait?
A: 30 species of desert mammals, and 300 species of birds.
3. What is the most common food to eat in Kuwait?
A: Most popular dishes include Machboos chicken, beef or fish over especially
spiced rice. Seafood is also a significant part of the diet, especially fish.
4. What is the overall population of Kuwait?
A: 4,063,865
5. Is Kuwait currently involved in any wars?
A: No, although the Kuwaiti government is not fond of outside nations and has had many
issues with the Iraqi and Iran governments.
6. Who are the old war heroes from Kuwait?
A: Moortuza Borsadi, Joanita Figredo and Michael Mascarnhas.
7. What age is it legal to consume alcohol in Kuwait?
A: Alcohol consumption is illegal in the country.
8. If there are any terroristic groups in Kuwait, what are the most famous ones?
A: There are no famous terroristic groups in Kuwait to this day, however, many sudden
attacks have happened in the past with Iran groups.

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9. What form of transportation is the most common in Kuwait?
A: Cars are the most effective and popular means of transportation in Kuwait, as well as
taxis and busses.
10. What is the predominant religion of those who live in Kuwait?
A: Islam is the most popular religion practiced in Kuwait with the majority of the
population being Sunni Muslims.
Part B
Location: Middle East, bordering the West side of the Persian Gulf.
Neighboring Countries: Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Population:
i.

Size: 2,788,534.

ii.

Urbanization: 98.3% of total population (2015).

iii.

Ration male to female: 1.41 male(s)/female (2015 est.).

iv.

Age distribution: 0-14 years: 25.32% (male 367,176/female 338,883)

15-24 years: 15.21% (male 233,306/female 190,903)
25-54 years: 52.32% (male 924,103/female 534,769)
55-64 years: 4.82% (male 76,707/female 57,663)
65 years and over: 2.33% (male 30,681/female 34,343) (2015 est.)

D. Ethnic Groups: Kuwaiti 31.3%, other Arab 27.9%, Asian 37.8%, African 1.9%, other 1.1%
(includes European, North American, South American, and Australian) (2013 est.).
E. Religions: Muslim (official) 76.7%, Christian 17.3%, other and unspecified 5.9%.
F. Languages: Arabic (official), English widely spoken.
G: Type of government: constitutional emirate.

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H: Education:
i.

Literacy rate? Age 15 and over can read and write; total population is 96.3%.

ii.

Average level of education? Kindergarten - Secondary

I: Climate: dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters.

J. Topography/terrain: flat to slightly undulating desert plain.
K. Economy:
i. Major industries: petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, water
desalination, food processing, construction materials.
ii. World rank: 176.
iii.

Unemployment rate: 3% (2014 est.).

L. History. Pick 2 major events and why you chose them.

1. The Battle of Chains a battle fought in 636 AD between the Sassanid Empire and the
Rashidun Caliphate due to the Rashidun Caliphate looking to extend their frontiers into Sassanid
territory: Kuwait. I chose this historic event because it was one of the first battles to ever occur
on Kuwait soil, and I love historic battles that influences great changes to those nations in the
future.
2. Discovery of Oil occurred in 1937 after the 15-year trade blockades against Kuwait were
lifted and Kuwait's large oil reserves were discovered by the US-British Kuwait Oil Company. I
chose this event because oil is among the scarcest, yet valued resource in the world, and the
Middle East holds approximately 65% of all the oil in the world.
The nation of Kuwait also has many core values, symbols and fundamentals that shape
the way the nation resides today.
Fundamentals

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Kuwait is a traditional community, one in which they greet one another in a particular
way that makes them distinctive from other countries. Therefore, I would consider Kuwait to be
a country that is more focused on short-term aspects. Indifferent to the original culture, I pride
myself off of being a long-term type of person. For example, I am currently a college student that
has barely begun to embark on a new journey: the real world. As for my main objective and goal
that has yet to occur, is to be able to provide for my future wife and kids. Therefore, my goals are
more affiliated with long-term versus short-term, unlike the principles and behaviors of Kuwait.
The fundamentals of short-term versus long-term are important to me because that is how
I was raised: preparation for a life and family of my own. I am not there yet, but when I am, my
goal is to be sure they have a successful future and are financially taken care of to the extent
where they can pursue their dreams that will impact a family of their own. Therefore, my goals
and main objectives rest surely on a long-term mindset. However, I also share a similar approach
to short-term perspectives as the Kuwait culture. Although my customs are not the same as the
people of Kuwait, I greet each person in a particular manner: for men, a handshake, and women a
hug. In result, I feel that I could become acclimated to the Kuwait culture, due to the generosity
shared between one another.
A strong UAI is also a fundamental that Kuwait practices, for they are a stricter society
that shows emotion and has precise objectives through schooling. I can definitely live in a
society like Kuwait, due to the importance of setting goals and achieving them. Many benefits
come with having a stronger UAI, and society tends to remain intact while practicing the
fundamental. Therefore, a stronger UAI is extremely appealing to me, and I would be drawn to
Kuwait because of it.

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Another fundamental of the Kuwait culture would be its strong subjective well-being:
restraint. The laws of Kuwait and tradition prohibits alcohol use, one of the very few countries
that feel the need to. Due to the Islamic-based constitution, residents of Kuwait are not permitted
to consume alcohol. In result, most residents are to reside in a country that finds entertainment
through hiking, water skiing, or shopping in one of Kuwaits decorative malls. Obviously, these
perspectives reflect some of the United States sources of entertainment, however, they also
differ in numerous ways. For example, many occupations of residents of the United States reside
in alcohol consumption and dance halls. These occupations are not only beneficial to the general
public, but also allow a large number of Americans to be employed, and gifts the government
with more funds through taxes to help sustain financial stability.
Although the culture of Kuwait may differ from the United States, it also differs from my
personal sources of entertainment as well. Specifically being from Texas, I love to dance and
was raised in an environment that used alcohol to relieve stress and allow oneself to escape from
the real world issues that the typical person faces each day. Though I do not share the same
type of restraint as Kuwait, I do believe in a civilized country, which Kuwait portrays many of
those values. Therefore, I feel that I would feel safe in a type of environment with the moral code
that Kuwait implements, and could adjust accordingly with the particular environment. Another
similar fundamental in relation to restraint that Kuwait tends to share are its masculine-based
society. Especially in the work force, there are many more jobs for men than women, tying back
to the traditional short-term practices of the country. I would be encouraged to visit or relocate
simply for the large job market for men, and I also grew up with the mindset of the man should
be the bread winner in the household. Therefore, I could adjust quite well to the masculinity of
Kuwait customs.

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Values
One of the many values that Kuwaitis are raised to practice is the Islamic-Muslim
religion. There are two main sub-sects of Islam in Kuwait, 45 percent of the population is Sunni
Muslim, while 40 percent of the population is Shi'a Muslim. The remaining 15 percent of the
population practices Christianity, Hinduism, Parsi, and other religions (Countries and Their
Cultures). I also have religious beliefs, but it is not those of Kuwaitis. I was brought up as a
Christian, therefore, I differ in religion background than the vast majority of Kuwaitis. However,
I do believe that is because of the typical American culture I was raised in. Although the United
States has various backgrounds in religion, Christianity is among the top practiced religion.
Another core value practiced by Kuwaitis is respect, especially while greeting one
another and accepting gifts. When encountering a Kuwait resident, it is expected that a hug and
one or two kisses on the cheek are exchanged. This greatly differs in the United States, for most
people greet with a handshake, or oftentimes just verbally greeted. Although I greet others much
differently than the typical Kuwaiti, I still hold respect as a core value. I may not practice it to
the same extent as Kuwaitis, but knowing right from wrong, being polite, and accepting of
peoples gifts are among key aspects of respect that I practice daily.
Another practiced value of the Kuwait culture is through their etiquette. Their personal
boundaries are much different than Westerners, as in sitting, talking and standing closer to one
another. It is also common that the same sex touch one another much more than Westerners as a
sign of friendship. This value differs greatly than that of the United States, as most people of the
same sex (especially men) do not invade ones space when approaching one another. I also differ
in etiquette than Kuwaitis, for I like my personal space to not be invaded and respected from
afar.

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Finally, celebrations are a custom of Kuwaitis, where most marriages are arranged. Men
are allowed to have up to four wives, but women must only have one husband. This practice
would be illegal in the United States, for men and women can only have one spouse, and a much
larger portion of marriages are not arranged. I certainly do not practice this particular celebration
the same way that Kuwaitis do, for it is illegal in my country and considered adultery to even
want more than one spouse, or stay outside of ones marriage with another person.
Heroes and Symbols
The Coat of Arms of Kuwait is among one of the most well-known symbols of the
country. A gold falcon spreading its wings around a ship, with Kuwait written in Arabic, the
symbol portrays the key value of respect, and the fundamental of short-term. The color gold
resembles generosity, which is a key element of tradition in Kuwait that signifies short-term, as
well as the core value of respect practiced by all Kuwaitis while greeting one another, or
engaging in conversation.
Nawal El Kuwaitia, and singer and songwriter out of Kuwait, is among one of the top
icons in Kuwait culture. While finishing her first album, she left the title of it blank, and her
songs listed by number with no titles provided. In doing so, she stated that she left the title of the
album blank because she takes pride in all the songs of my album and therefore I don't refer one
to the other, and I leave the album untitled so that I do not impose a certain song on the dear
listener but I leave the choice open to them, (Wikipedia Nawal El Kuwaitia). In conclusion, one
could consider her act as one of generosity to her listeners, which would implement the key
value of respect practiced by the Kuwaitis.
There are also many traditions and holidays celebrated by Kuwaitis that shape the
country into being as sacred as it is to date.

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Social Relations:
Family is among the most important components of the Kuwait society, even as far as the
names given to fathers, mothers and their offspring. According to the Embassy of the state of
Kuwait, the Arab community names given contain a sort of genealogy. After the birth of a
child, the parents are often referred to by derivatives of the child's name: Abu Khalid is the
"father of Khalid", and Umm-Bader is the "mother of Bader, (Embassy of the State of Kuwait).
Families tend to be relatively large as well, as the typical Kuwait family will have anywhere
between 8-12 children. Although these large families display a close and private impression to
others, they are very fond of their extended families.
Thanks to the staggering 10% of one of the largest energy sources in the world, oil, being
located in Kuwait, many citizens are employed and make a comfortable living. As for the
workplace, there tends to be much struggle with effective communication and being able to hold
down a higher job position for a long period of time. Within these structures, groups and
individuals are constantly struggling to either improve or maintain their position, (Countries &
Cultures Kuwait. There has also been much debate as to how women should be represented in
the workplace, which has caused many issues between genders and businesses.
While visiting the community of local cities and towns in Kuwait, one may witness the
difference in treatment between men and women. For example, men will host the majority of
higher ranked occupations. Women will not be seen in public as policemen, judges, soldiers in
the army, ministers or members of parliament. Women of Kuwait also may typically wear
traditional clothing while in public, denied the right to vote and for many conservative families,
not allowed to leave the house at night (Kuwait, The People of Kuwait).

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As for treatment to outside visitors and future Kuwait residents, Kuwait is among one of
the worst countries due to their attempts of running new residents out of the country, stripping
them of their rights and foul treatment. For example, Kuwait plans to change a few laws to
prevent those not native to the country from getting a job until they have been a resident of
Kuwait for five years (Arabian Business.com). The new laws that are beginning to become intact
are working towards deporting 20,000 expats in the first nine months of this year, and vow to
crack down on an estimated 115,000 believed to have flouted labour and residency laws,
(Arabian Business.com). Health, safety and hospitality are among the many typical amenities
that are not offered while in Kuwait, for they are ranked extremely low for each.
Holiday and Tradition
As the majority of the world does, Kuwait celebrates New Years Day as well. Typically,
the celebration includes many large gatherings of friends and families, large feasts and firework
displays. Due to the mistreatment Kuwait is known to serve incoming visitors, hotels are
normally fully booked for the occasion due to the scenery and festivities during the holiday event
(Kuwait Holidays and Events). However, the vast majority of visitors that flee to the country to
celebrate the beginning of a new year are those that are either on a Kosher diet, or are banned
from alcohol due to religious beliefs.
The majority of residents are relieved of their labor duties during the holiday, regardless
of which day of the week the holiday falls on. The New Years festivities are always celebrated
based upon Kuwait tradition, meaning many gatherings are formed around a dance festival.
According to Maral Amboyan, a Kuwaiti that lives in the United States, Kuwait is very strict on
how they celebrate the holiday. Armenian college and church operate in Kuwait. On December
30, our pupils have to attend the church, and then a big festival is held in the educational

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institution. And on December 31, a dance festival is held, which is attended by actually all
Armenians of Kuwait. We prepare eastern dishes by all means. Then we come together and
enjoy ourselves, Amboyan said, (How do Kuwait Armenians celebrate New Year?).
Cultural Adjustment/Re-entry:
After reviewing a vast amount of information of how Kuwait treats foreigners when
visiting or living in their nation, I simply would advise my acquaintance not to go. As successful
as the economy is, and as beautiful as the city sites may be, it would still not be satisfying due to
the poor treatment one would receive upon arrival. One would also not be able to contribute to
the workforce since Kuwait is developing laws to outlaw foreigners from being able to work
their first five year residency in the country.
Obviously it would be relatively easy to adjust to the scenery of the urban areas and
healthy lifestyle that Kuwaitis are known to practice. However, there are far more difficult areas
to adjust to than there are easy. For example, Kuwait prohibits alcohol and has strict
repercussions for those that intake it. Germany is popular for their many unique, delicious beers,
with the vast majority of citizens known to intake alcohol quite often. Therefore, the adjustment
of denying alcohol for a German in Kuwait would be ambiguous.
The adjustment of religion and language would also be an extreme challenge. Being that
most Kuwaitis are of Muslim beliefs, many countries citizens would have but two choices: learn
their faith or risk the chance of practicing their religion inside their homes behind closed doors.
Also, learning what gestures are appropriate and the native tongue of Kuwaitis are certainly
challenging as well. Therefore, I would advise anyone that wishes to live there to take as many
courses as possible on learning their beliefs, practices and language before stepping on that
airplane or many repercussions may occur.

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Finally, there is the re-entry into the homeland of the traveler. Most issues that
one would have while leaving Kuwait to live in ones original country would be very small:
adjusting to be able to consume alcohol moderately, being able to eat less healthy foods and
acclimating to their own belief system (religion, gestures, etc.) once more. If the traveler returns
to a place of poverty, then that can be quite difficult as well. Also, the climate/weather. Kuwait
displays different types of landscape and weather that may impact ones stay in their country.
Therefore, acclimating to a country up north with different weather and atmosphere may take a
few months of getting used to.
In conclusion, one must also acknowledge the transition to a Kuwaiti lifestyle by viewing
the many pros and cons of the nation of Kuwait. Some of the advantages of living in Kuwait
would include the great economy, marvelous infrastructures and a high supply of jobs available
to the public due to the large amount of oil housed in Kuwait. Some of the disadvantages of
living in Kuwait would be strict guidelines including alcohol consumption and foreign policy,
religion and limitation of job genre and large amount of mistreatment by Kuwaitis and the
Kuwaiti government.
As for the Kuwaiti economy, it is doing extremely well considering the 10% of all the oil
in the world being located in Kuwait. Thousands of jobs are being held by Kuwaiti citizens due
to the booming oil industry, having an unemployment rate of only 3.5%. Therefore, the inflation
rate remains low and the economy makes much more money than it loses year-round. The
infrastructures of Kuwait represent the successful economy well, as Kuwaiti cities are known to
have gorgeous, uniquely diversified buildings that make it one of the most gorgeous settings in
the world. Most of these buildings are government based or corporation owned, costing millions

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of dollars each time one is rooted in a city. Therefore, Kuwait is doing exemplary financially and
has many job opportunities available to the general public.
On the other hand, there are much more disadvantages when choosing to pursue a
Kuwaiti lifestyle, especially for foreigners. Although the economy is exceptional in Kuwait, the
Kuwaiti government is currently working on instilling laws stating that new citizens of Kuwait
may not have a full-time job until they have been a citizen for a minimum of five years.
Therefore, keeping food on the table for ones family, putting a down payment on a new house
or even affording transportation would be extremely difficult for those seeking new residency in
Kuwait. Also, one of a background similar to that of American, European or Chinese would
struggle adjusting to the food and beverage options within the nation of Kuwait. The vast
majority of Kuwaitis (~85%) are Muslim and have a strict Kosher diet. Therefore, the many
foods that one is accustomed to eating in the countries above would be very scarce in Kuwait, if
found at all. There is also a strict law in Kuwait that alcohol is not to be consumed, for those that
do will experience time in prison. Finally, religion is very sacred in Kuwait, with the dominant
religion practiced being Islam. In result, most other religions are frowned upon in the nation and
do not hold churches that practice the many different kinds that are practiced throughout the rest
of the world. However, if one decides to practice their religion while staying in Kuwait, it is best
to do so behind closed doors, for the people of Kuwait will treat outside believers extremely
poorly by staring, cursing and sometimes even getting extremely aggressive.
After much research of the country of Kuwait, I would have to change my opinion on
visiting the country. There are far too many risks one would experience while relocating to the
isolated-based country. Although it is a very unique country with an outstanding economy and

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gorgeous urban settings, the disadvantages heavily outweigh the advantages when deciding to
visit or relocate to Kuwait.

Sources
http://www.britannica.com/place/Kuwait
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http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/spring06/eisa/culture.htm
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https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3696380/all
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https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ku.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Kuwait#Discovery_of_oil_.281937.29
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nawal_El_Kuwaitia

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http://kuwait-embassy.or.jp/E_life_04.shtml
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