Kuwait PR Country Landscape 2010 Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management ● ● ● ● Acknowledgments Produced by: Florida International University’s graduate Global Communications class Fall 2009 Landscape project chair: Rosanna M. Fiske, APR, Chair-elect, Public Relations Society of America; Florida International University Public Relations and Advertising Associate Professor Revised and approved by: Fatima al Salem, Kuwaiti communications professional and doctoral candidate at Indiana University Signed off by: Rosanna M. Fiske, APR Date of completion: August 2010 Country Profile State of Kuwait Location: Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia; strategic location at the head of the Persian Gulf (The world fact book, 2009). Area: 17,820 sq km (6,880 sq mi); approximately the size of the state of New Jersey (U.S. Department of State, 2009). Borders: Iraq 240 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km (The world fact book, 2009). Map: (U.S. Department of State, 2009) Time Zones: UTC+3 (eight hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) (The World Fact book, 2009). Population: As of June 2008 the population was estimated at 3,399,637 including approximately 1.05 million Kuwaiti citizens and 2.34 million non-Kuwaiti nationals (U.S. Department of State, 2009). Age Structure: As estimated for 2009, between 0 – 14 years: 26.4% (male 361,150/female 348,518), 15 – 64 years: 70.7% (male 1,219,075/female 683,587) and 65 years and over: 2.9% (male 49,163/female 29,665) (The world fact book, 2009). Ethnic Groups: Kuwaiti – 45%, other Arab – 35%, South Asian – 9%, Iranian – 4%, other – 7 % (U.S. Department of State, 2009). Religions: Muslim – estimated 85% (Sunni 70%, Shi'a 30% among Kuwaitis), with sizable Hindu, Christian, Buddhist and Sikh communities (U.S. Department of State, 2009). Languages: Arabic is the official language, though English is widely spoken (U.S. Department of State, 2009). Climate: Summers are intensely hot and dry with average highs ranging from 42o – 49oC (108o – 120oF); winters are short (Dec. – Feb.) and cool, averaging 10o – 30oC (50o – 80oF), with limited rain (U.S. Department of State, 2009). Capital City: Kuwait City (The world fact book, 2009). Government Type: Constitutional hereditary emirate (The world fact book, 2009). Administrative Divisions: 6 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Ahmadi, Al 'Asimah, Al Farwaniyah, Al Jahra', Hawalli, Mubarak al Kabir (The world fact book, 2009). Independence: June 19, 1961 (from U.K.) (U.S. Department of State, 2009). National Holiday: National Day, February 25, 1950 (The world fact book, 2009). Constitution: approved and promulgated November 11, 1962 (The world fact book, 2009). Legal System: Civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction (The world fact book, 2009). Executive Branch: Chief of state: Amir SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah in position since January 29, 2006. Crown Prince NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah since February 7, 2006 (The world fact book, 2009) Head of government: Prime Minister NASIR AL-MUHAMMAD al-Ahmad al-Sabah in position since April 3, 2007 (The world fact book, 2009). Legislative Branch: Unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Umma (50 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; all cabinet ministers are also ex officio voting members of the National Assembly) Elections: last held May 16, 2009 (next election to be held in 2013) Election Results: percent of vote by bloc – Not applicable- seats by bloc – Sunni Muslim groups 11, liberals 7, Shiite Muslim groups 6, Popular Action Bloc 3, unaffiliated tribal groups 23 (The world fact book, 2009). Judicial Branch: High Court of Appeal (The world fact Bbook, 2009). Political Parties: Islamists; merchants; political groups; secular liberals and pro-governmental deputies; Shia activists; tribal groups (The world fact book, 2009). Currency: Dinar or KWD (The world fact book, 2009) Brief History The origin of the state of Kuwait is usually placed at about the beginning of the 18th century, when the Banū (Banī) Utūb, a group of families of the Anizah tribe in the interior of the Arabian Peninsula migrated to the area that is now Kuwait.1 Kuwait's modern history began in the 18th century with the founding of the city of Kuwait by the Uteiba, a subsection of the Anaiza tribe, who are believed to have traveled north from Qatar. Threatened in the 19th century by the Ottoman Turks and various powerful Arabian Peninsula groups, Kuwait sought a treaty relationship with Britain. In 1899, the ruler Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah signed an agreement with the British Government that pledged himself and his successors neither to cede any territory, nor to receive agents or representatives of any foreign power without the British Government's consent, in exchange for protection and an annual subsidy. 2 Mubarak was succeeded as ruler by his sons Jabir (1915-17) and Salim (1917-21). Kuwait's subsequent rulers have descended from these two brothers. Sheikh Ahmed al-Jabir Al Sabah ruled Kuwait from 1921 until his death in 1950, a period in which oil was discovered and in which the government attempted to establish the first internationally recognized boundaries. The 1922 Treaty of Uqair set Kuwait's border with Saudi Arabia and also established the Kuwait-Saudi Arabia Neutral Zone, an area of about 5,180 sq. km. (2,000 sq. mi.) adjoining Kuwait's southern border. Kuwait achieved independence from the British under Sheikh Ahmed's successor, Sheikh Abdullah al-Salim Al Sabah. By early 1961, the British had already withdrawn their special court system, which handled the cases of foreigners resident in Kuwait, and the Kuwaiti Government began to exercise legal jurisdiction under new laws drawn up by an Egyptian jurist. On June 19, 1961, Kuwait became fully independent following an exchange of notes with the United Kingdom KUWAIT3 History Northeast portion of Arabian peninsula becomes part of the Turkish Ottoman 1600s empire. Settlers arrive at the site of present-day Kuwait City from the interior of the Arabian 1700s peninsula. The settlement grows into a bustling trading hub by the early 1800s. 1756 Kuwait comes under the control of the Al-Sabah family, predecessors of Kuwait's present rulers. A degree of semi-autonomy from Ottoman Turkey prevails. Fearing direct rule from Turkey, Sheikh Mubarak "the Great" strikes a deal with 1899 Britain and Kuwait becomes a protectorate. Britain provides naval protection in return for Kuwait allowing London to control its foreign affairs. Large oil reserves discovered by the US-British Kuwait Oil Company. Exploitation 1937 is delayed by World War II, but thereafter fuels the country's development into a modern commercial centre. Major public-works program begins; Kuwait's infrastructure is transformed, 1951 residents enjoy a high standard of living. Independence Kuwait becomes independent with the end of the British protectorate; the sheikh 1961 becomes an emir. The country joins the Arab League. Iraq renews claims that Kuwait is part of its territory but backs down after British military intervention. 1963 Elections held for National Assembly, under terms of newly-drafted constitution. 1976 Emir suspends National Assembly, saying it is not acting in the country's interests. 1980 Iran-Iraq war: Kuwait supports Iraq strategically and financially. 1981 National Assembly recalled; dissolved again in 1986. Domestic security concerns, particularly about Iran's perceived influence over the 1985-86 Shiite minority, prompt the deportations of thousands of expatriates, many of them Iranian. 1990 Iraq complains to OPEC, accusing Kuwait of stealing its oil from a field near the border. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein threatens military action. Bank (National) Holidays4 2009 Holiday Name Observance Feb. 26 Liberation Day Bank & Gov’t Holiday Sep. 22 Eid al-Fitr Holiday Bank & Gov’t Holiday Sep. 23 Eid al-Fitr Holiday Government Holiday Sep. 24 Eid al-Fitr Holiday Government Holiday Nov. 29 Eid al Adha Holiday Bank & Gov’t Holiday Nov. 30 Eid al Adha Holiday Bank & Gov’t Holiday Holidays & Celebrations5 Year 2009 Public Holidays Tuesday, January 1 New Year's Day Wednesday, January 7 Hejira New Year (Islamic New Year) Wednesday , February 25 National Day Thursday, February 26 Liberation Day Monday, March 9 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet) Monday, July 20 Al-Esra Wa Al-Meraj (Ascension of the Prophet). Monday, September 21 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) Saturday, November 28 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there are restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. Traditions Liberation and National Day: National Day and Liberation Day are celebrated on February 25th and February 26th of each year and represent the two most important days in Kuwait’s calendar. The National day is the day that Kuwait became independent from the United Kingdom. Liberation day represents the day Kuwait was freed from Iraqi invasion. 6 These two days are traditionally remembered by a full day of celebratory events, which include artist, concerts, plays, celebrities, poets, and children. Citizens of all backgrounds are encouraged to come to the event and it is day of celebration for everybody. Ramadan: This is an important month long holiday of fasting from dawn to sunset. During this holiday there are many traditional celebrations and customs.