Kuwait
Country in SW Asia, bounded N and NW by Iraq, E by the Persian Gulf,
and S and SW by Saudi Arabia.
Government
The 1962 constitution was partly suspended by the emir 1976, but reinstated
1980. The national assembly was dissolved and major parts of the
constitution again suspended 1986. The constitution was reinstated
1990, and a new assembly elected 1992.
The constitution vests executive power in the hands of the emir,
who governs through an appointed prime minister and council of
ministers. There is a single-chamber national assembly of 50 members,
elected by restricted suffrage for a four-year term. Women do
not have the vote. Political parties are not permitted and, despite
the appearance of constitutional government, Kuwait is, in effect,
a personal monarchy.
History
Oil was first discovered 1938, and its large-scale exploitation began
after 1945, transforming Kuwait City from a small fishing port
into a thriving commercial centre. The oil revenues have enabled
ambitious public works and education programmes to be undertaken.
Sheik Abdullah al-Salem al-Sabah took the title of emir 1961
when he assumed full executive powers. He died 1965 and was succeeded
by his brother, Sheik Sabah al-Salem al- Sabah. He, in turn, died
1977 and was succeeded by Crown Prince Jabir, who appointed Sheik
Saad al- Abdullah al-Salem al-Sabah as his heir apparent. In 1986
Sheik Jabir suspended the national assembly after it had criticized
his government's policies. In 1990 prodemocracy demonstrations
were dispersed by the police.
Kuwait has used its considerable wealth not only to improve
its infrastructure and social services but also to attempt to
secure its borders, making, for example, substantial donations
to Iraq, which in the past had made territorial claims on it.
It has been a strong supporter of the Arab cause generally.
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