Kuwait

Kuwait, located on the Arabian Peninsula, has a history dating back thousands of years. In ancient times, the area served as a vital transit point for maritime trade between Mesopotamia, India, and the Mediterranean. During the 18th century, Kuwait became a hub for trade and pearl diving due to its strategic location in the Persian Gulf.

In 1899, to protect itself from external threats, Kuwait entered into an agreement with the United Kingdom, becoming a British protectorate while retaining internal autonomy. In 1961, it gained independence and became a sovereign nation. In the following years, Kuwait thrived thanks to its vast oil reserves, discovered in the 20th century, making it one of the world's leading oil exporters.

In 1990, Kuwait was invaded by Iraq under Saddam Hussein's regime, but the occupation lasted less than a year due to the intervention of a U.S.-led coalition during the Gulf War. After its liberation in 1991, Kuwait rebuilt its infrastructure and resumed its role as a significant player in the global economy.