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Archive-name: kuwait-faq
Posting-Frequency: 2/month (7th & 22nd) Last-modified: 08.05.95 Version: 1.01 See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge
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<Table of Contents>
* 1: INTRODUCTION
+ 1.1 Copyright
+ 1.2 Disclaimer
+ 1.3 New version updates
+ 1.4 Group objectives
+ 1.5 Posting guidelines
* 2: GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT KUWAIT
+ 2.1 Historical Preview
+ 2.2 Constitution
o 2.2.1 Sovereignty
o 2.2.2 Executive Authority
o 2.2.3 Legislature
o 2.2.4 Civil Service
o 2.2.5 Public Liberties
+ 2.3 Flag Description
+ 2.4 Geography & Demography
o 2.4.1 Location
o 2.4.2 Capital
o 2.4.3 Climate
o 2.4.4 Language
o 2.4.5 Religion
o 2.4.6 Area & Population
o 2.4.7 Provinces
o 2.4.8 Major Cities
+ 2.5 Kuwait Today
* 3: BUSINESS INFORMATION
+ 3.1 What are the addresses of Kuwait offices in the U.S.?
+ 3.2 What are the addresses of Kuwait offices in the U.K.?
+ 3.3 What are the addresses of Kuwait offices in France?
+ 3.4 What are the addresses of Foreign offices in Kuwait?
o 3.4.1 American Embassy
o 3.4.2 British Emabassy
o 3.4.3 Canadian Embassy
+ 3.5 What are the addresses of Kuwaiti Corporations?
+ 3.6 What is the current exchange rate of the KD?
+ 3.7 Who Are Kuwait's Principal Trading Partners?
o 3.7.1 Imports as of 1989
o 3.7.2 Exports as of 1989
* 4: INTERNET ACCESS IN KUWAIT
+ 4.1 Kuwait University
o 4.1.1 Faculty of Science
o 4.1.2 Faculty of Medicine
o 4.1.3 Faculty of Engineering
+ 4.2 Gulfnet Kuwait (GK)
+ 4.3 Kuwait National Petroleum Corporation (KNPC)
+ 4.4 Public Authority for Applied Edu. & Training (PAAET)
+ 4.5 Kuwait Institute fot Scientific Research (KISR)
+ 4.6 Ministry of Communication (MOC)
* 5: TRAVEL INFORMATION
+ 5.1 Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
+ 5.2 Kuwait Airways
+ 5.3 Travel Bibliography
1: INTRODUCTION
================
soc.culture.kuwait was created on Wed 11.9.94 to provide a forum for the
discussion of Kuwaiti culture, society, and history. This document contains
a collection of frequently asked questions about Kuwait and their
corresponding answers. This FAQ has a posting frequency of 2/month. The
posting dates are the seventh & the twenty second of every month.
All internet addresses in this document are in compliance with the Uniform
Resource Locator (URL) specifications. I hope that this document will be a
helpful resource for everyone.
I would like to thank all the people who provided me with any kind of help
to get this FAQ compiled, especially those ones who contributed considerable
amounts of their time & effort to support my work.
AL-Saegh, Ammar T. | P.O.Box:44 | http://civlab0.civil.mtu.edu:3770
Structural Eng. Student | Houghton, | ftp://ftp.civil.mtu.edu/pub/
Advanced Systems Consultant | MI 49931 | gopher://mtu-ns.mtu.edu:105/2?ammar
Michigan Technological Univ.| USA | finger: ammar@civlab0.civil.mtu.edu
Contributors list:
1) Mr. Jeff Bacon - General Systems Hack, Michigan Technological Univ (USA).
(bacon@mtu.edu)
2) Mr. John Temples III - System Administrator, Gulfnet Kuwait (Kuwait).
(john@gulfa.ods.gulfnet.kw)
3) Mr. Abdalla AL-Othman - Gulfnet Kuwait (Kuwait).
(taishing@access.ods.gulfnet.kw)
4) Mr. Ahmad Al-Nusif - Computer Enginnering Student, Kuwait Univ. (Kuwait).
(morpheous@access.ods.gulfnet.kw)
5) Mr. Ibrahim Dashti - Computer Science Student, Simon Fraser Univ (Canada).
(dashti@sfu.ca)
This FAQ is available through the following anonymous ftp sites:
** Master Copy
01) ftp://ftp.civil.mtu.edu/pub/ammar/kuwait/
** Australia
01) ftp://plaza.aarnet.edu.au/usenet/FAQs/alt.answers/kuwait-faq
02) ftp://trixie.resmel.bhp.com.au/internet/FAQs/soc.culture.kuwait/
** Austria
01) ftp://ftp.univie.ac.at/archive/faq/
** Brazil
01) ftp://ftp.unicamp.br/pub1/gopher-data/FAQ-RFC-DICAS/Frequently-Asked-Questions/kuwait-faq.Z
** Canada
01) ftp://julian.uwo.ca/doc/FAQ/kuwait-faq
02) ftp://relay.cs.toronto.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/
** Finland
01) ftp://nic.funet.fi/pub/mirrors/rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet-by-hierarchy/soc/answers/kuwait-faq.gz
** France
01) ftp://ftp.ibp.fr/pub2/doc/faqs/
02) ftp://ftp.jussieu.fr/pub2/doc/faqs/kuwait-faq.gz
03) ftp://ftp.pasteur.fr/pub/FAQ/kuwait-faq
04) ftp://ftp.univ-lille1.fr/pub/unix/faq/
** Germany
01) ftp://ftp.fu-berlin.de/doc/usenet/news.answers/kuwait-faq/
02) ftp://ftp.germany.eu.net/pub/newsarchive/news.answers/
03) ftp://ftp.informatik.tu-muenchen.de/pub/comp/usenet/news.answers/
04) ftp://ftp.uni-passau.de//mount/archive.theory/answers/news.answers/kuwait
05) ftp://ftp.uni-stuttgart.de/pub/doc/faq/soc.culture.kuwait
06) ftp://ftp.uni-trier.de/pub/info/faq/kuwait-faq/kuwait-faq.gz
07) ftp://gigaserv.uni-paderborn.de/doc/FAQ/soc.culture.kuwait
08) ftp://gwdu30.gwdg.de/rtfm/usenet-by-hierarchy/soc/culture/kuwait
09) ftp://pascal.zedat.fu-berlin.de/doc/usenet/news.answers/
10) ftp://rzsun2.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/pub/doc/news.answers/
** Ireland
01) ftp://ftp.maths.tcd.ie/news/news.answers/kuwait-faq.gz
** Italy
01) ftp://idea.sec.dsi.unimi.it/.2/FAQ/alt.culture.kuwait/
** Japan
01) ftp://ftp.center.osaka-u.ac.jp/news.answers/kuwait-faq.gz
02) ftp://ftp.iij.ad.jp/pub/NetNews/FAQandDOCS/alt.answers/kuwait-faq
03) ftp://ftp.kddlabs.co.jp/usenet/news.answers/kuwait-faq.gz
04) ftp://ftp.mei.co.jp/free/news/answers/
05) ftp://ftp.sra.co.jp/.a/news.arch/news/faq/kuwait-faq
** Korea
1) ftp://hwarang.postech.ac.kr/pub/usenet/news.answers/
2) ftp://cair-archive.kaist.ac.kr/usenet/news.answers/kuwait-faq
** Kuwait
1) ftp://ftp.ods.gulfnet.kw/pub/kuwait/
2) http://burgan.eng.kuniv.edu.kw:8080/kufaq.html
** Netherlands
1) ftp://ftp.cs.ruu.nl/pub/NEWS.ANSWERS/
2) ftp://mcsun.eu.net/disk0/documents/faq/
** Norway
1) ftp://ugle.unit.no/faq/soc.answers/
** Poland
1) ftp://alga.icm.edu.pl/pub1/usenet/
2) ftp://ftp.cyf-kr.edu.pl/pub/mirror/usenet/kuwait-faq
** Singapore
1) ftp://ntuix.ntu.ac.sg/pub/faq/alt.culture.kuwait/
** Sweden
1) ftp://ftp.sunet.se/pub/usenet/alt.culture.kuwait/
2) ftp://lth.se/pub/netnews/news.answers/
** Taiwan
1) ftp://ftp.ccu.edu.tw/pub/faq/alt/answers/
2) ftp://ftp.csie.nctu.edu.tw/pub/FAQ/soc/answers/kuwait-faq.gz
3) ftp://gate.sinica.edu.tw/pub1/USENET-FAQ/alt/answers/kuwait-faq
4) ftp://iiidns.iii.org.tw/pub/news.answers/
5) ftp://nctuccca.edu.tw/USENET/FAQ/news/answers/
** UK
1) ftp://ftp.warwick.ac.uk/pub/archive/news.answers/
2) ftp://lupin.csv.warwick.ac.uk/pub/archive/news.answers/
3) ftp://src.doc.ic.ac.uk/usenet/usenet-by-hierarchy/news/answers/kuwait-faq
4) ftp://unix.hensa.ac.uk/pub/uunet/usenet/news.answers/
5) http://www.lib.ox.ac.uk/internet/news/faq/archive/kuwait-faq.html
** USA
1) ftp://ftp.cis.ksu.edu/pub/mirrors/news.answers/
2) ftp://ftp.uu.net/usenet/news.answers/kuwait-faq.Z
3) ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/ (MIT, MA, Archive)
4) http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/kuwait-faq/faq.html
1.1 Copyright
--------------
Compilation copyright (c) 1994 by AL-Saegh, Ammar T. Non-commercial copy &
redistribution of this document is permitted in its complete unaltered form.
Modification of this document or any other use which is not specified in this
copyright without a written permission of the author is strictly forbidden.
1.2 Disclaimer
---------------
This FAQ is presented as is with no warranties or guarantees of any kind.
1.3 New Version Updates
------------------------
Version 1.01 Sat 2.25.95
- HTMLized version of kuwait-faq is now available at the electrical
and computer engineering department at Kuwait University:
http://burgan.eng.kuniv.edu.kw:8080/kufaq.html
The HTMLization is performed by Abdalla AL-Othman and revised by
the Web Team at ECE.
- More information updates from the world factbook94.
2.4.1 Location
2.4.3 Climate & Terrain
2.4.5 Religion
2.4.6 Area & Population
3: Business Info
- Addresses of some foreign embassies in Kuwait were provided
by Mr. Ibrahim Dashti.
- New chapter about Tavelling to Kuwait is created with help of
Mr. Ibrahim Dashti. Visiting Kuwait section is moved to there
as an introduction.
5.1 Kuwait International Airport.
5.2 Kuwait Airaways.
5.3 Travel Bibliography
- KISR & the MOC have been added to the internet sites in Kuwait.
not enough info so far.
Update Sat 8.5.95
- Updating paaet entry - thanks to raaj for the corrections.
1.4 Group Objectives
---------------------
soc.culture.kuwait is an unmoderated newsgroup; however, self moderation is
highly appreciated. We are looking forward for this newsgroup to be a "Safe
Haven" in the usenet; away from the flame-wars which are associated with
many other newsgroups. Hopefully this newsgroup will be a healthy environment
where Kuwaitis & Non-Kuwaitis inside & outside Kuwait can participate in
educated objective discussions that will promote intercultural communication
among people from different parts of the world who might have different
cultural, social, and educational backgrounds.
In addition to the friendly & educational nature of this newsgroup, we would
like to maintain a semi-professional aspect by encouraging individuals as
well as organizations to seek & provide business advisement and technical
assistance through this newsgroup.
We can think of this newsgroup as an international resource which all of us
can benefit from by using it to get in touch, make friends, and learn from
each others.
1.5 Posting Guidelines
-----------------------
No posting requirements are needed in this newsgroup. Everyone is encouraged
to post and participate in discussions taking place in here. Nevertheless,
following usenet "Netiquette" will make you and everyone who reads your posts
much happier in the long run. Here are few guidelines on how to do so:
1.5.1 Be nice to everybody. Treat everyone in here the way you would treat
your loved ones :) unless if you happen to be a sadist, and you derive
a lot of pleasure by inflicting pain on the people you love :-D
1.5.2 By flaming others, you are only creating a bad image of yourself. So;
be good to yourself, don't flame anyone! If a flame-war becomes
inevitable, carry it through email. No one enjoys watching people
bicker incessantly.
1.5.3 Try to use clear subjects to your articles which are short & precise.
It's also helpful to tag your subject to make it more indicative when
necessary.
1.5.4 Use a reasonable tone of voice. Only use capital letters when you
really need to do so. USING ALL UPPER CASE LITTERS IN THE USENET IS
EQUIVALENT TO SHOUTING IN REAL LIFE. DO NOT USE CAPITALIZATION IF YOU
DO NOT NEED TO DO SO!
1.5.5 NEVER use profane expressions. Profanity can be socially and
religiously provocative for a lot of people. Please try to be as
civilized as you can when you post in here.
1.5.6 A lot of people who might post in this newsgroup learned English as
foreign language. They might not be very successful in articulating
their thoughts and ideas. Also, some people might not be very
familiar with UNIX text editors such as vi which may cause their
posts to be somewhat messy. Please don't make fun of those people.
Everyone should feel welcome to post & followup in here. You can help
those people by sending them your comments in this regard privately
via email.
1.5.7 Always sign your articles with your real name (preferably your full
name). If you have changed your finger name for any reason make sure
to set it back to your real name before you post. Posting articles by
anonymous authors is extremely unprofessional behavior.
1.5.8 Never post any email messages sent to you without a prior
authorization to do so by the person sent you the message. email
messages should always remain to be confidential.
1.5.9 When you followup on an article and wish to quote another person,
edit out whatever not applicable to your reply. Also, maintain
followups in the same thread. Only post a followup as a new post if
you want to deviate from the original subject.
1.5.10 If you want to test your message please do so in testing newsgroups
such as: alt.test, gnu.gnusenet.test, misc.test, or your site's test
newsgroup.
1.5.11 Don't crosspost to this newsgroup unless if you're required to do so
by usenet conventions.
1.5.12 Newsgroups come in all different colors and flavors :) to optimize
the purpose of your article you must first select the most fit
group to post it. As indicated by the charter, this group deals
with Kuwaiti culture, society, and history. Articles not directly
related to these topics could be posted in other newsgroups which
are more related to their contents. Some other available groups
which you might be interested in are: talk.politics.mideast,
soc.religion.islam, alt.religion.islam, and soc.culture.arabic.
Use your best judgement as to which group your article will fit the
most ;)
2: GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT KUWAIT
====================================
This chapter contains general information about Kuwait.
2.1 Historical Preview
-----------------------
During the years of the Ottoman rule during the 16th century, Kuwait was an
autonomous arab monarchy, with an administration controlled by a Sheikh of
the Sabah family, which continues to be the ruling dynasty. In 1899, fearing
an extension of Turkish control, the ruler of Kuwait made a treaty with the
United Kingdom, accepting British protection while surrendering control over
external relations. In 1918, at the end of the First World War, the Ottoman
Empire was dissolved, and nominal Turkish sovereignty over Kuwait ended. The
sheikhdom remained a self-governing British protectorate until 1961.
During the reign of Sheikh Ahmed (1921-1950), work began on the development
of Kuwait's petroleum industry, the basis of the country's modern prosperity.
Petroleum was first discovered in Kuwait in 1938, but exploration was
interrupted by the Second World War. After 1945, drilling resumed on a large
scale, and extensive deposits of petroleum were found. Supported by revenues
from petroleum exploitation, Kuwait City developed from a small dhow port
into a thriving modern commercial center. Sheikh Ahmad was succeeded in 1950
by his cousin, Sheikh Abdullah AL-Salim AL-Sabah, who used petroleum revenues
substantially for the welfare of his people. A program of public works and
educational development, inaugurated in 1951, transformed Kuwait into a
well-equipped country, with a comprehensive system of welfare services.
2.2 Constitution
-----------------
The principal provisions of the constitution, promulgated on 16 November
1962, are set out below. On 29 August 1976 the Amir suspended four articles
of the Constitution dealing with the National Assembly. On 24 August 1980 the
Amir issued a decree ordering the establishment of an elected national
assembly before the end of February 1981. The new Assembly was elected on 23
February 1981, and fresh legislative election followed on 20 February 1985.
The National Assembly was dissolved by Amiri decree in July 1986, and some
sections of the constitution, including the stipulation that new elections
should be held within two months od dissolving the Assembly, were suspended.
A new national assembly was elected on 5 October and convened on 20 October
1992.
2.2.1 Sovereignty
Kuwait is an independent sovereign Arab State; its sovereignty may not be
surrendered, and no part of its territory may be relinquished. Offensive war
is prohibited by the Constitution. Succession as Amir is restricted to heirs
of the late Mubarak AL-Sabah, and an Heir Apparent must be appointed within
one year of the accession of a new Amir.
2.2.2 Executive Authority
Executive power is vested in the Amir, who exercises it through the Council
of Ministers. The Amir will appoint and dismiss ministers on the
recommendation of the Prime Minister. Ministers need not be members on the
National Assembly, though all ministers who are not Assembly members assume
membership ex officio in the Assembly for the duration of office. The Amir
also formulates laws, which shall not be effective unless published in the
Official Gazette. The Amir establishes public institutions. All decrees
issued in these respects shall be conveyed to the Assembly. No law is issued
unless it is approved by the Assembly.
2.2.3 Legislature
A National Assembly of 50 members will be elected for a four-year term by all
natural-born literate Kuwait males over the age of 21, except servicemen and
police, who may not vote. Candidates for election must posses the franchise
and be over 30 years of age. The assembly will convene for at least eight
months in any year, and new elections shall be held within two months of the
last dissolution of the outgoing assembly.
Restrictions on the commercial activities of ministers include an injunction
forbidding them to sell property to the government.
The Amir may ask for reconsideration of a bill passed by the Assembly and
sent to him for ratification, but the bill would automatically become law if
it were subsequently passed by a two-thirds majority at the next sitting, or
by a simple majority at a subsequent sitting. The Amir may declare martial
law, but only with the approval of the Assembly.
The assembly may pass a vote of `no confidence' in a minister, in which case
the Minister must resign. Such a vote is not permissible in the case of the
Prime Minister, but the Assembly may approach the Amir on the matter, and the
Amir shall either dismiss the Prime Minister or dissolve the Assembly.
2.2.4 Civil Services
Entry to the civil service is confined to Kuwait citizens
2.2.5 Public Liberties
Kuwaitis are equal before the law in prestige, rights and duties. Individual
freedom is guaranteed. No one shall be seized, arrested or exiled except
within the rules of law.
No punishment shall be administered except for an act or abstaining from an
act considered a crime in accordance with a law applicable at the time when
the act is commited, and no penalty shall be imposed more severe than that
which could have been imposed at the time of committing the crime.
Freedom of opinion is guaranteed to everyone, and each has the right to
express himself through speech, writing or other means within the limits of
law.
The press is free within the limits of law, and it should not be suppressed
except in accordance with the dictates of law.
Freedom of performing religious rites is protected by the State according to
prevailing customs, provided it does not violate the public order and
morality.
Trade unions will be permitted and property must be respected. An owner is
not banned from managing his property except within the boundaries of law. No
property should be taken from anyone, except within the prerogatives of law,
unless a just compensation be given.
Houses may not be entered, except in cases provided by law. Every Kuwaiti
has freedom of movement and choice of place of residence within the state.
This right shall not be controlled except in cases stipulated by law.
Every person has the right to education and freedom to choose his type of
work. Freedom to form peaceful societies is guaranteed within the limits of
law.
2.3 Flag Description
---------------------
The national flag (proportions 2 by 1) has three equal horizontal stripes, of
green, white and red, with a superimposed black trapezoid at the hoist.
2.4 Geography & Demography
---------------------------
Following is a brief description of Kuwait's geography & demography.
2.4.1 Location
The State of Kuwait lies at the north-west extreme of the Arabian (Persian)
Gulf, bordered to the north-west by Iraq, and to south by Saudi Arabia. The
State comprises a mainland region and nine small islands. The larges Kuwaiti
island is Bubiyan, although the most populous is Failaka. Immediately to the
south of Kuwait, along the Gulf, lies a neutral (Partitioned) Zone of 5,700 sq
km, which is shared between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The total land area of
kuwait is 17,818 sq km. kuwait shares 464 km of boundries with its neighbours.
242 km with iraq, and 222 km with saudi arabia.
2.4.2 Capital
The capital of Kuwait is Kuwait City.
2.4.3 Climate & Terrain
Much of the country is arid desert, and the climate is generally hot and
humid. Summer temperatures may exceed 50 degrees C (122 degrees F), and in
january, the coldest month, temperatures range between -2.8 degrees C and 28.3
degrees C (27 to 85 degrees F). Annual rainfall varies from 10mm (0.4 in) to
370mm (14.6 in).
The terrain is flat to slightly undulating desert plain.
2.4.4 Language
The official language is Arabic, which is spoken by virtually all Kuwaiti
nationals (estimated, on the basis of later definition, to have comprised
28.6% of Kuwait's population at mid-1990) and by many of the non-Kuwaiti
residents of the country. English is also used in commercial circles.
2.4.5 Religion
The Kuwaiti inhabitants are mainly Muslims. However, adherents of other
religious beliefs can freely practice their rituals in Kuwait.
Moslims in kuwait comprise 85% of the total population (kuwaitis+non
kuwaitis).
2.4.6 Area & Population
Area ................................. 17,818 sq km (6,880 sq mi)
Population (Kuwaitis + Non-Kuwaitis)
1980 ................................. 1,357,952
1985 ................................. 1,697,301
1988 ................................. 1,899,377
1989 ................................. 1,979,149
1990 ................................. 2,062,275
1994 ................................. 1,819,322
The population at mid 1990 comprised:
Kuwaiti Males ........................ 295,039
Kuwaiti Females ...................... 294,182
Non-Kuwaiti Males .................... 839,675
Non-Kuwaiti Females .................. 633,379
Total Kuwaitis ....................... 589,221
Total Non-Kuwaitis ................... 1,473,054
Total Population ..................... 2,062,275
Percentage of Kuwaitis ............... 29%
Kuwaiti:Non-Kuwaiti ratio ............ 1:2.50
Population Density (per sq km) ....... 115.7
It was estimated that in late 1992 Kuwait had a population of 1,350,000.
Population Growth Rate ............... 5.24% (1994 est)
Birth Rate ........................... 29.43/1000
Death Rate ........................... 2.37/1000
Net Migration Rate ................... 25.35/1000
Infant Mortality Rate ................ 12.5/1000
Life Expectancy (total) .............. 74.99 years
Life Expectancy (male) ............... 72.83 years
Life Expectancy (female) ............. 77.25 years
Total Fertility Rate ................. 4 cildren/woman
Literacy Rate (total) ................ 73% (1990 est)
Literacy Rate (male) ................. 77%
Literacy Rate (female) ............... 67%
Labor Force .......................... 566,000 (1986 est)
2.4.7 Provinces (1985 census)
Province Area (sq km) Population Capital
~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
AL-Asema 199.8 241,356 Kuwait City
Hawalli 238.4 493,127 Hawalli
Farwaniya 210.0 420,020 Farwaniya
AL-Jahra 11,230.2 241,285 Jahra
AL-Ahmadi 5,119.6 301,513 Ahmadi City
2.4.8 Major Cities (1985 census)
Kuwait City .......................... 44,335
Salmiya .............................. 153,369
Hawalli .............................. 145,126
Jaleeb al-shuyukh .................... 114,771
Jahra ................................ 111,222
South Kheetan ........................ 69,256
Farwaniya ............................ 68,701
Sabahiya ............................. 60,787
Fahaheel ............................. 50,081
Abraq Kheetan ........................ 45,120
2.5 Kuwait Today
Kuwait has had a remarkable recovery from the Iraqi invasion of 1990.
The oil well fires were put out in less than a year, when many people
estimated it would take two years or more. Driving around Kuwait,
there is very little visible evidence of the war which occured, and
life is, for the most part, back to normal. However, there are still
scars on the environment which may take years to repair.
3: BUSINESS INFORMATION
========================
Kuwait is a small and relatively open economy with proven crude oil
reserves of about 94 billion barrels - 10% of world reserves. Kuwait
has rebuiltits war-ravaged petroleum sector; its crude oil production
at least 2.0 million barrels per day by the end of 1993. The government
ran a sizable fiscal deficit in 1993. Petroleum accounts for nearly half
of GDP and 90% of export and government revenues.
National product (GDP) ............... $25.7 billion (1993 est.)
GDP real growth rate ................. 15% (1993 est.)
GDP per capita ....................... $15,100 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate ....................... 3% (1993)
Unemployment rate .................... NEGL% (1992 est.)
Budget (revenues) .................... $9 billion
Budget (expenditures) ................ $13 billion
Exports .............................. $10.5 billion (1993 est.)
Imports .............................. $6 billion (1993 est.)
External Dept ........................ $7.2 billion (1989 est.)
3.1 What are the addresses of Kuwait offices in the U.S.?
----------------------------------------------------------
Following are the addresses of Kuwait offices in the U.S.
3.1.1 Embassy & Chancery
2940 Tilden Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 966-0707
Fax: (202) 966-0517
Consulate: (202) 966-1897 Open 10AM-1PM.
3.1.2 Permanent Mission to the U.N.
321 East 44th Street
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 973-4300
Fax: (212) 370-1733
3.1.3 Cultural Office
3500 International Drive, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 364-2100
Fax: (202) 363-8394
3.1.4 Health Office
4201 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 686-4304
Fax: (202) 686-4308
3.1.5 Liason Office
3500 International Drive, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 364-2200
Fax: (202) 363-2241
3.1.6 Kuwait University Office
3500 International Drive
Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 363-8055
Fax: (202) 367-3253
3.1.7 Kuwait News Agency
National Press Building Suite 906
529 14th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20045
Tel: (202) 347-5554
Fax: (202) 347-6837
3.1.8 Kuwait Information Office
2600 Virginia Avenue, NW
Suite 404
Washington, D.C. 20037
Tel: (202) 338-0211
Fax: (202) 338-0957
3.1.9 Kuwait Airways (Washington)
1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW
suite 1117
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 296-4644
Fax: (202) 296-7895
3.1.10 Kuwait Airways (New York)
405 Park Avenue
New Yourk, NY 10022
Res: (212) 308-5454
DDM: (212) 319-1222
3.2 What are the addresses of Kuwait offices in the U.K.?
----------------------------------------------------------
45/46 Queen's Gate
London SW7
Tel: +44-71-589 4533
+44-71-581 2698
3.3 What are the addresses of Kuwait offices in France?
--------------------------------------------------------
N/A
3.4 What are the addresses of Foreign offices in Kuwait?
---------------------------------------------------------
Following are the addresses of some foreign offices in Kuwait.
3.4.1 American Embassy
Bnaid al-Gar, Arabian Gulf St., opposite Safir International
Hotel (formerly Kuwait International)
Tel: +965-242 4151
3.4.2 British Embassy
Arabian Gulf St., near Kuwait Towers and Dasman Palace
Tel: +965-243 2046
3.4.3 Canadian Embassy
Da`iyah, Block 4, al-Mutawakkel St., House 24
Tel: +965-256 3025
3.5 What are the addresses of some Kuwaiti Corporations?
---------------------------------------------------------
The best way to research business opportunities in Kuwait is to start with
contacting Kuwait Chamber of Commerce. Their address is:
Kuwait Chamber of Commerce (f. 1959)
P.O.Box: 775
Safat, Kuwait 13008
Tel: (965) 243-3854
Fax: (965) 243-3858
Telex: 22198
Following are the addresses of some major Kuwaiti Corporations.
3.5.1 Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (f. 1980)
P.O.Box: 22235
Safat, Kuwait 13083
Tel: (965) 242-3130
Fax: (965) 242-0779
Telex: 44015
3.5.2 Kuwait National Petroleum Company (f. 1960)
P.O.Box: 70
Safat, Kuwait 13001
Tel: (965) 242-0121
Fax: (965) 243-3839
Telex: 22006
3.5.3 Kuwait Oil Company (f. 1934)
P.O.Box: 9758
Ahmadi, Kuwait 61008
Tel: (965) 398-9111
Fax: N/A
Telex: 44211
3.5.4 Arabian Oil Company (f. 1957 shared with KSA)
P.O.Box: 1641
Safat, Kuwait
Tel: (965) 243-9201
Fax: N/A
Telex: 22095
3.6 What is the current exchange rate of the KD?
-------------------------------------------------
One Kuwaiti dinar is worth approximately US$3.35. Kuwait's currency is
tied to a basket of Western currencies, so its exchange rate relative
to them does not vary significantly.
$1000 = KD300
&1000 = KD500
JY1000 = KD3
DM1000 = KD192
FF1000 = KD56
3.7 Who Are Kuwait's Principal Trading Partners?
-------------------------------------------------
Following are the principal trade partners of Kuwait.
3.7.1 Imports as of 1989 (KD'000)
USA ................................. 244,696
Japan ............................... 237,952
Germany ............................. 147,271
United Kingdom ...................... 121,780
Italy ............................... 100,342
3.7.2 Exports as of 1989 (KD'000)
Japan ............................... 586,959
Netherlands ......................... 409,077
Italy ............................... 360,555
Taiwan .............................. 233,893
Pakistan ............................ 168,119
4: INTERNET ACCESS IN KUWAIT
=============================
Internet access in kuwait is available through educational and public domains.
4.1 Kuwait University
----------------------
Kuwait University (KU) provide internet access through its full integrated
computing facilities. Use of those computing facilities is limited to KU
faculty, staff, and students. Unauthorized use of KU computing facilities for
non-academic purposes is strictly forbidden. Information provided in this
section as a reference. Please DO NOT send email to the system administration
addresses provided in this section inquiring information about internet
access in Kuwait.
4.1.1 Faculty of Science
Subdomain: sci.kuniv.edu.kw (educational)
Sysadmin: softeng@sci.kuniv.edu.kw
Main-Server: sun470 (sparc server)
Auxiliary-Server: sun490 (sparc server)
Hosts: host1-host29 (sparc stations)
Operating-System: SunOS Release 4.1.2
WWW: http://www.sci.kuniv.edu.kw/
FTP: N/A
4.1.2 Faculty of Medicine
Subdomain: kuniv.edu.kw (educational)
Sysadmin: alali@hsccwww.kuniv.edu.kw
Main-Server: hsccwww (Quadra800)
Auxiliary-Server: N/A
Hosts: N/A
Operating-System: N/A
WWW: http://hsccwww.kuniv.edu.kw/
FTP: N/A
4.1.3 Faculty of Engineering
Subdomain: eng.kuniv.edu.kw (educational)
Sysadmin: N/A
Main-Server: burgan (sparc server)
Auxiliary-Server: fowaris (sparc server)
Hosts: N/A
Operating-System: SunOS Release 4.1.2
WWW: burgan.eng.kuniv.edu.kw:8080
FTP: N/A
4.2 Gulfnet Kuwait (GK)
-----------------------
Gulfnet Kuwait is Kuwait's sole provider of Internet connectivity, the
only Internet provider in the Arabian Gulf, and the first Internet provider
in the Arab world.
Rates for internet acessibility are set by the Ministry of Communication
(MOC). Current rate for students is KD45 per month per shell account, while
the rate for non-students is KD65 for the same deal.
Domain: kuwait.net (commercial)
Sysadmin: support@kuwait.net
Info: info@kuwait.net
Main-Server: access (Intel 486)
Auxiliary-Server: gulfa (Intel 486)
Hosts: N/A
Operating-System: SCO UNIX System V/386 Release 3.2
WWW: www.kuwait.net
FTP: ftp.kuwait.net
4.3 Kuwait National Petroleum Corporation (KNPC)
-------------------------------------------------
Domain: q8petroleum.com.kw (commercial)
Sysadmin: N/A
Main-Server: N/A
Auxiliary-Server: N/A
Hosts: N/A
Operating-System: N/A
WWW: N/A
FTP: N/A
4.4 Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Domain: paaet.edu.kw (educational)
Sysadmin: raaj@paaetms.paaet.edu.kw
info: info@paaetms.paaet.edu.kw
Main-Server: paaetms
Auxiliary-Server: N/A
Hosts: N/A
Operating-System: SunOS
WWW: http://www.paaet.edu.kw/Info/
FTP: N/A
4.5 Kuwait Institue for Scientific Research (KISR)
--------------------------------------------------
Domain: kisr.kw
Sysadmin: N/A
Main-Server: N/A
Auxiliary-Server: N/A
Hosts: N/A
Operating-System: N/A
WWW: N/A
FTP: N/A
4.6 Ministry of Comminication (MOC)
-----------------------------------
Domain: moc.kw
Sysadmin: N/A
Main-Server: N/A
Auxiliary-Server: N/A
Hosts: N/A
Operating-System: N/A
WWW: N/A
FTP: N/A
5: TRAVEL INFORMATION
======================
People holding Western passports will find it relatively easy to get a
visa to visit friends and relatives in Kuwait. Contact the Kuwaiti
Embassy in your country (some phone numbers provided in 3.2-3.5) for full
details. Section 5.3 lists some recommended books that can be used as
guides for traveling to Kuwait or other countries in the Middle East
region.
Traveling by air is the primary trasportation method to get in & out of
Kuwait. Currently, there is a total of 7 airports in kuwait. Following
is a breakdown of the number of airports in kuwait meeting some different
international specification:
Airports with permanent-surface runways: 4
Airports with runways over 3,659 m: 0
Airports with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 4
Airports with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 0
At present, Kuwait International Airport is the only operating airport in
Kuwait for civilian aviation, and the main air carrier in Kuwait is Kuwait
Airways.
5.1 Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
---------------------------------------
As of January 1995, the following airlines provided services between
KWI and cities mentioned:
Aeroflot(SU; Russian):
Moscow(MOW)
Air China(CA):
Beijing(BJS) Karachi(KHI)
Air France(AF):
Paris(PAR)
Air India(AI):
Bombay(BOM) Madras(MAA) Paris(PAR)
Trivandrum(TRV)
Air Lanka(UL):
Colombo(CMB)
Alitalia(AZ):
Rome(ROM)
Balkan(LZ; Bulgarian):
Sofia(SOF)
Biman Bangladesh Airlines(BG):
Dhaka(DAC)
British Airways(BA):
London(LON) New York(NYC)
Cyprus Airways(CY):
Larnaca(LCA)
Czechoslovak Airlines(OK):
Prague(PRG)
Egyptair(MS):
Alexandria(ALY) Cairo(CAI) Luxor(LXR)
Emirates(EK):
Dubai(DXB)
Gulf Air(GF):
Abu Dhabi(AUH) Bahrain(BAH) Doha(DOH)
Muscat(MCT) Sharjah(SHJ)
Iberia(IB; Spanish):
Madrid(MAD; in cooperation with Kuwait Airways)
Indian Airlines(IC):
Bombay(BOM) Calicut(CCJ) Delhi(DEL)
Iran Air(IR):
Isfahan(IFN) Shiraz(SYZ) Tehran(THR)
KLM(KL; Dutch):
Amsterdam(AMS)
Kuwait Airways(KU):
Abu Dhabi(AUH) Alexandria(ALY) Amsterdam(AMS)
Athens(ATH) Bahrain(BAH) Bangkok(BKK)
Beirut(BEY) Bombay(BOM) Cairo(CAI)
Casablanca(CAS) Colombo(CMB) Damascus(DAM)
Delhi(DEL) Dhahran(DHA) Dhaka(DAC)
Doha(DOH) Dubai(DXB) Frankfurt(FRA)
Geneva(GVA) Istanbul(IST) Jakarta(JKT)
Jeddah(JED) Karachi(KHI) Kuala Lumpur(KUL)
Lahore(LHE) Larnaca(LCA) London(LON)
Luxor(LXR) Madrid(MAD; in cooperation with Iberia)
Manila(MNL; in cooperation with Philippine Airlines)
Munich(MUC) Muscat(MCT) New York(NYC)
Paris(PAR) Riyadh(RUH) Rome(ROM)
Shiraz(SYZ) Singapore(SIN) Tehran(THR)
Lufthansa(LH; German):
Frankfurt(FRA)
Middle East Airlines(ME; Lebanese):
Beirut(BEY)
Middle East Airlines(ME; Lebanese):
Beirut(BEY)
Olympic Airways(OA; Greek):
Athens(ATH)
Oman Air(WY):
Dubai(DXB) Muscat(MCT)
Pakistan International Airlines(PK):
Karachi(KHI) Lahore(LHE)
Philippine Airlines(PR):
Manila(MNL; in cooperation with Kuwait Airways)
Qatar Airways(Q7):
Doha(DOH)
Saudia(SV):
Dhahran(DHA) Jeddah(JED) Riyadh(RUH)
Syrian Arab Airlines(RB):
Aleppo(ALP) Damascus(DAM) Deirezzor(DEZ)
TAROM(RO):
Bucharest(BUH)
Turkish Airlines(TK):
Istanbul(IST)
United Airlines(UA):
Frankfurt(FRA; operated by Lufthansa)
ZAS Airline of Egypt(ZA):
Alexandria(ALY) Cairo(CAI) Luxor(LXR)
5.2 Kuwait Airways
-------------------
Main Office:
Kuwait International Airport
P.O.Box 394
Safat, Kuwait 13004
Tel: +965-434 5555 (20 lines)
+965-434 6666 (20 lines)
+965-434 7777 (20 lines)
Telex: 23036 KT and 23067 KT
Offices in English-speaking countries:
CHICAGO:
2015 S.Arlington Heights Road, Suite 107
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Tel: +1-708-437 5455
+1-800-621 2175
Fax: +1-708-437 2292
LONDON:
** 16 Baker Street
London W1M 2AD
Tel: +44-71-412 0006 (Admin.)
+44-71-412 0007 (Res.)
Fax: +44-71-412 0008 (Admin.)
+44-71-412 0009 (Accounts)
** Heathrow Airport, Terminal 3
Tel: +44-81-745 7772-6
** Cargo Office
Room 9/10G, Bldg 521
Cargo Village, Heathrow
Tel: +44-81-745 7426/98
LOS ANGELES:
510 West 6th Street, Suite 117
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Tel: +1-213-627 1485
+1-800-252 2064
+1-213-627 6720 (Cargo)
NEW YORK:
** 350 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Tel: +1-212-319 1222
+1-212-308 5707 (Ticketing)
Fax: +1-212-308 0524
** One Cross Island Plaza Rosedale
New York, NY 11422
Tel: +1-718-978 9054
+1-800-221 6727
+1-718-525 0132 (Cargo & Sales)
Fax: +1-718-525 3845
** J.F.K. International Airport
East Wing, Building 51
Jamaica, NY 11430
Tel: +1-718-656 4721 (Arr/Dep Info)
Fax: +1-718-244 0502
SYDNEY:
St. Martin Tower, Level 15
31 Market Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
Tel: +61-2-264 8277
Fax: +61-2-264 8299
TORONTO:
77 Bloor St. West, Suite 1504
Toronto, ON M5S 1M2
Tel: +1-416-926 1275
Fax: +1-416-926 1760
WASHINGTON:
1150 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 1117
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: +1-202-296 4644
+1-800-424 1128
In North America, you can also call +1-800-4KUWAIT (458 9248)
Other cities with offices worldwide:
GULF COUNTRIES:
Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dhahran, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Makkah, Mus-
cat, Ras Al-Khaimah, Riyadh, Sharjah, Shiraz, and Tehran
REST OF MIDDLE EAST:
Aden, Alexandria, Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Istanbul, Lar-
naca, Luxor, Nicosia, and Sanaa
REST OF ARAB WORLD:
Casablanca, Khartoum, Tripoli, and Tunis
REST OF ASIA:
Bangkok, Bombay, Colombo, Delhi, Dhaka, Islamabad, Jakarta, Ka-
rachi, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Manila, Pattaya, Singapore, and To-
kyo
REST OF EUROPE:
Amsterdam, Athens, Copenhagen, Florence, Frankfurt, Geneva, Ma-
drid, Malaga, Milan, Munich, Nice, Paris, Rome, and Zurich
5.3 Travel Bibliography
------------------------
** Middle East on a Shoestring (763 pages)
By Tom Brosnahan, Rosemary Hall, Pertti Hamalainen, Gordon
Robison, Diana Saad, David St. Vincent, Damien Simonis, Neil
Tilbury and Tony Wheeler
ISBN 0-86442-208-3 (1st edition)
Price: Australia $24.95, USA $17.95, UK 11.95 pounds, and Canada
$22.95
Covers Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan,
Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, the
United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
** Arab Gulf States: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the
United Arab Emirates--a travel survival kit (343 pages)
By Gordon Robison
ISBN 0-86442-120-6
Price: Australia $21.95, USA $15.95, UK 9.95 pounds, and Canada
$19.95
Both guides published by
Lonely Planet Publications
Australia:
P.O.Box 617
Hawthorn, Victoria 3122
Tel: 03-819 1877
USA:
Embarcadero West
155 Filbert St., Suite 251
Oakland, CA 94607
Tel: 510-893 8555
UK:
Devonshire House
12 Barley Mow Passage
Chiswick, London W4 4PH
Tel: 081-742 3161
*******************************************************************************
AL-Saegh, Ammar T. | P.O.Box:44 | http://civlab0.civil.mtu.edu:3770
Structural Eng. Student | Houghton, | ftp://ftp.civil.mtu.edu/pub/
Advanced Systems Consultant | MI 49931 | gopher://mtu-ns.mtu.edu:105/2?ammar
Michigan Technological Univ.| USA | finger: ammar@civlab0.civil.mtu.edu
*******************************************************************************
User Contributions:
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