Kuwait – Perfect Blend of Religious and Metropolitan Cultures

Kuwait is located in the Arabian Gulf and is one of the countries in the Middle East. Sharing border with Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Kuwait is the 4th richest country in the world. It is the mix of religious places and metropolitan sites all over the country that attracts the tourists to visit different cities in Kuwait.

History
The history of Kuwait dates back to more than 4500 years ago, when Stone Age man chose to settle down in this area due to its favourable location. Macedonians in the 4th century BC went on establishing their settlements at this place by occupying the island called Failaka. Starting from 500 AD, it took for than 1200 years for the human settlements to shift from the island to the mainland. It was in the 17th century that a number of Arabic tribes settled down in the area. The Al-Sabah family was among these people that took over the responsibility of establishing law and order in the country and hence, Sabah I bin Jaber became the first emir of the country.

Ottoman Empire became powerful in the region and remained in power till World War I, after which the British army declared Kuwait to be under British protectorate. Kuwait became independent in 1961 and emerged as a powerful oil reserve nation of the region. In 1990, Iraqi forces attempted to capture the country, but were failed in their efforts by the United States army that intervened on the request of Kuwait. The war with Iraq severely damaged the infrastructure of the country.

Popular Places
Kuwait City is the national capital and a world-famous metropolitan area. Other important cities of the country include Jahrah, Salimiyah, Jalib as Suyuh and others. Failaka Island can be visited to explore the wealth of archaeological sites belonging to the Bronze Age and having the influence of Greek architecture.

Kuwait City is known for its parks and gardens, National Museum, Grand Mosque, Kuwait Towers, Liberation Tower and other important tourist spots.

Getting Around
Bus public transport facilities are at their best to connect different cities and regions of the country. Apart from that, one can consider to hire a taxi or avail a car on rent. On your trip to the country, you can think of hiring a guide for hassle-free journeying of Kuwait.

Places of Entertainment
Visit the sea clubs to participate in the activities like swimming and relaxing at beaches. Horse riding ad golfing are other two entertainment options in the country. One can also visit various ship-building sites and museums or do shopping at one of the many popular malls. Restaurants and cafes are there in all parts of the country to offer seafood and other varieties of cuisines.

Accommodation Options
Hotels are expensive in Kuwait, but one can search well to find the budget hotels as well. Chalets, resorts, services apartments and weekend accommodations are other good options.

Currency
Kuwaiti dinar (KD) is the official currency of the country and the highest valued currency in the world. It is better to learn about currency exchange rates with the help of news online. Paper notes are available as 20, 10, 5, 1, ½ and ¼. Coins of 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 fils can be found. It should be noted that 1 KD equals 1000 fils.
 
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