Global Connections- The Middle East

Natural resources have played a huge role in politics and economy in the Middle East. Water is very important, so is oil. Countries make natural resources and then export them to other countries to help with the economy.

Kuwait's physical geography has an area of 17,820 square km. It's capital is Kuwait city, it's terrain is a completely flat desert plain. Kuwait's highest elevation point is 306 m.

Kuwait's climate is very hot and dry in the Summer time. Winters are short and cool with not much rain. Temperature's in the Summer range from 108-120 degrees. In the Winter time, temperature's can range from 50-80 degrees.

Kuwait has a fresh water supply but it's very limited. The source of water for Kuwait is ground water or sea water. The water comes from wells within Kuwait, Kuwait does control their water source. Kuwait does have headquarters that gets water from the ground.

Types of Industries in Kuwait are petroleum extracting and refining, fertilizer, chemicals, desalination, and construction materials. All of these types are about 48.3% GDP.

A problem Kuwait is currently facing is trafficking. Men and women migrate from many countries to work in Kuwait. Domestic service and Construction face force labors, nonpayment of wages, working long periods of time without rest, no food, and threats. There's restrictions on movement such as passports. Sometimes they have to stay at work and can't leave. Kuwait's government has worked poorly to fix the trafficking situation.

The population of Kuwait is a total of 3,520,000 people. The life span for women in Kuwait is 78.96 years, for men it's 76.51 years.

Kuwait's GDP is about $15 billion. Kuwait's GDP per capita is an estimation of $48,900. These numbers were estimated or established in 2010.

 Kuwait reserves 105 billion barrels of oil, which is 9% of world reserves. Kuwait has Petroleum or gas and it's 95% of export revenues. Kuwait also have fish as an natural resource, 0.3% of GDP is fish.

0.84% of Kuwait's land is arable, 0.17% of land is used for growing crops. Kuwait has very little crops, they might grow some vegetables, but it's mostly fish and oil.

Kuwait imports $18.77 billion, and exports $65.97 billion. The major exports for Kuwait are oil and refined products, and fertilizers. Major imports in Kuwait are food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, and clothing.

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