National Flag and The Emblem

In the beginning, the old flag of Kuwait was red in color and the word 'Kuwait' (in arabic) was written in white. After independence the flag was replaced. The new flag comprised of a horizontal rectangle which is twice as long as its wide.



This is divided into 3 equal horizontal strips, 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 flag colours were inspired from a poem by Safie Al-Deen Al Hilli. All this was done in accordance with Kuwaiti laws issued on 7.9.1961 (27 Rabi I 1381 AH), some provisions of which were amended on 18.11.1961 (10 Jumada Al-Akher 1381 AH).

The earlier emblem of Kuwait consisted of "a helmet with a falcon and two intersecting flags" over it till the middle of 1963. Subsequently, the Council of Ministers decided to replace it with a new one. Hence, the present emblem of Kuwait is a falcon with an out-spread wings embracing a dhow. (Boom) Sailing on blue and white wave, which symbolizes Kuwaits maritime tradition.

The State of Kuwait- A Brief Introduction

The rich and beautiful State of Kuwait lies on the northwest corner of the Arabian Gulf. Its territories include nine islands, of which Bubiyan and Faylaka are the most important. To the south and south-west it shares its border with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the north-west with the Republic of Iraq. It covers an area of 17,818 sq.km.

In the early stages Kuwaitis earned a living from the sea through patience peserverance and struggle.

The historic heroism is eventfully transmitted from generation to generation, bravely warding off any invaders who threatened the sovereignty of Kuwait.



The Al Sabah family arrived in Kuwait approximately around early seventeenth century, subsequently, the first elected ruler was Sabah Bin Jaber from Al Sabah family.

The present Amir of the State of Kuwait is His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al Sabah who came to power on 1st of January 1978.

Kuwait is one of the richest countries in the world and imports most of its required commodities. Kuwait is abundantly blessed by its oil reservoirs, and it is the main source of revenue. The government and the oil industry provide innumerable opportunities for business.

The System of Governance in Kuwait is a democratic style of government, where sovereignty rest with the nation as prescribed by the constitution, where the legislative authority is vested in the Amir and National Assembly, while the executive power is vested exclusively with the Amir and his Cabinet of Ministers.

The Iraqi Invasion

Iraq invaded Kuwait on 2nd August 1990 and went on rampage of arson, looting, killing and raping of innocents. The unlawful and illegal invasion lasted for almost seven months, during which period, more than 400 Kuwaitis became martyrs and some were taken as prisoners of war. Hundreds of Kuwaitis and expatriates were tortured, beaten-up and killed.

The United Nations condemned the invasion of Kuwait and authorised use of force to expel the Iraqis. The Arabic Western coalition led by the US began "Operation Desert Storm", successfully compelled the Iraqis to lay down their arms and surrender unconditionally. The retreating Iraqis blew up oil installations, and set more than 720 oil wells on fire. The communication, power and water distillation plants were either destroyed or rendered inoperative.



Finally, on February 26 1991, Kuwait was liberated and the flag of Free Kuwait was raised in a celebration in the Capital at 9 a.m., under the auspices of His Highness The Amir and The Prime Minister.