What three powers dominated Kuwaiti foreign affairs in the 19th century?
The Ottomans, the al-Saud, and Britain
100
Who appoints the prime minister?
The emir
100
What is the capital of Kuwait?
Kuwait City
100
What war caused by the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 resulted in a 6-month long brutal occupation ending with a military intervention by the United States?
Gulf War (August 1990 - February 1991)
200
What two countries does Kuwait share borders with?
Iraq & Saudi Arabia
200
What are the 5 countries that founded the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 1981 to enhance regional security?
Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, & Saudi Arabia
200
Having ruled Kuwait since the 18th century, what family has dominated the Cabinet and controls all positions of ultimate authority?
The Sabah family
200
What percentage of the population is made up of Kuwaiti citizens?
45%
Arab (35%), South Asian (9%), Iranian (4%), other (7%)
200
In what year did Kuwait establish independence from Britain?
1961
300
What is the population of Kuwait?
3.7 million
300
What neighboring country is arguably Kuwait's chief immediate international security threat?
Iran
300
What is the major political party in Kuwait?
NONE
Political parties are not permitted, but factions do exist.
300
What are the names of Mubarak the Great's two sons from whom power alternates?
Jabir and Salim
300
Who was the 20th century ruler that began Kuwait's tradition of dynastic monarchy, having forged a strong alliance with Britain and also creating the state's first social services?
Mubarak the Great (1896-1915)
400
What are the two major religious groups in Kuwait, and what percentage of the population do they represent?
Sunni Muslim (60%) and Shia Muslim (25%), other (15%)
400
What country is Kuwait's top export partner? What country is Kuwait's top import partner?
Export - Japan (19.9%)
Import - United States (12.7%)
400
The action of the emir to dissolve parliament is constitutional under what single exception?
Followed by elections within 60 days
400
What are the main opposition groups in Kuwait?
Muslim Brotherhood, Salafis, Independent Islamists
400
What is the name of the Anaiza tribe that migrated north along the Gulf in the early 18th century to found what we know today as Kuwait?
Bani Utub
500
The National Assembly has been dissolved six times by emiri decree. When was the last time it was most recently dissolved?
December 2011
500
In 2011, Kuwait and what other country briefly recalled their ambassadors after an alleged spy ring was uncovered in Kuwait?
Iran
500
In 2005, the emir granted women the right to vote and run for office. For the first time in 2009, how many women were elected to parliament?
4
500
Who are the bidoon and the hadhar?
The bidoon are non-citizens living in Kuwait. The hadhar are Kuwaitis whose families have deep urban roots as merchants in Kuwait City.
500
During what war did Kuwait request U.S. naval escorts in drastic change to their standard military policy?