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Kuwait: Governments
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Kuwait is a small, relatively open economy with proved crude oil reserves of about 94 billion barrels - 10% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 90% of export revenues, and 75% of government income. Kuwait's climate limits agricultural development. Consequently, with the exception of fish, it depends almost wholly on food imports. About 75% of potable water must be distilled or imported. Higher oil prices put the FY99/00 budget into a $2 billion surplus.
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The BBC says of the media, "Kuwait has some of the most outspoken newspapers in the Arab world, often aggressive in their coverage of politics and the government. Journalists enjoy greater freedoms than some of their regional counterparts, but restraint is exercised when covering matters relating to the emir and senior royals." [2]
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The new trading settlement in Kuwait elected Sabah bin Jabir bin Adhbi as its first Sheikh. About 1764, Sabah was succeeded by his younger son Abd Allah who was ... elected by the Utbi merchants. In the 19th century the Sabah consolidated their position as the ruling clan when the method of succession changed. Instead of being elected by the merchants, the head of the Sabah was selected by the family and this person became Amir when the merchants pledged their allegiance to him. The Amir and his immediate family were expected to cease trading on their own account to devote themselves to government, and in return they were allowed to levy a small duty on imports.
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Kuwait's dynastic, patriarchal system of government remains firmly in the hands of the Al Sabah, strengthened first by British support and then by Kuwait's oil wealth. Merchant attempts to recover their authority continue to be stymied. Although the 1962 constitution established an elected National Assembly, the parliament's ability to curb the rulers' power was undermined by two multiyear amiri suspensions of civil liberties guarantees. The parliament's power is diluted in several other ways: The amir's cabinet appointments are ex officio members; and an informal tradition gave a monopoly on the prime ministry to the crown prince until 2003. Elections are enthusiastically contested. Native-born Kuwaitis and sons of naturalized Kuwaiti citizens who are twenty-one years of age or older may vote in parliamentary elections but, despite an equal rights provision in the constitution, women are forbidden by law to vote or run for parliamentary office.
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![[Flag of Kuwait]](http://retrieverimages.lycos.com/images/k/u/w/kuwait/i/031.gif)
"Kuwaiti flags came in all shapes and sizes from the establishment of Kuwait until 1961, when on gaining full independence the government decided to replace the old flag with a new design. This was promulgated by a law issued on 7/9/1961 (27 Rabi 1 1381 AH). The first article stipulated that Kuwait's national flag should consist of a horizontal rectangle which is twice as long as it is wide. This is divided into three equal horizontal stripes, the top one being green, the middle white and the bottom red, with the side next to the flag pole forming the base of a black trapezoid protruding into the stripes. The colors of the flag are derived from a poem by Safie Al-Deen Al-Hili."
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The UN family in Kuwait celebrated the UN Day in a reception hosted by the UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, Ms. Valerie Cliff, and other members of the UNCT. In addition to members of the diplomatic core in Kuwait and senior Kuwaiti officials, the reception was attended by a big number of partners, friends of the UN and dignitaries from the Government, civil society and private sector. The guest of honour in this reception was Skaikha Fariha Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, one of the prominent civil society leaders in Kuwait advocating for moderation and tolerance, and a strong supporter of the UN and its pursuit of sustainable human development. More....
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