Kuwait Official Religion, Currency and Population
Islam is the main official religion of Kuwait. Freedom of religion is guaranteed to the adherents of other religions, provided that no prejudice may occur against Islam.
Islam and the Kuwaiti Constitution
The Kuwaiti Constitution states that Islam is the main, official religion of Kuwait. Islam and the Islamic Sharia (Islamic law) are the main sources of the Kuwaiti Laws and Legislations. Most of the Kuwaiti population embraces Islam. Majority of the Kuwaiti Muslims are Sunnis and the rest are Shia’a. Adherents of other religions are given the complete freedom to practice their own rituals provided that provided that no prejudice may occur against Islam. Christian families practice their own religious rituals with complete freedom in the churches found in Kuwait. This freedom is endorsed by the Kuwaiti government, a matter which enhances the coherence and interdependence of the nation.
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Islam sets the required spiritual, social, economic and political standards for establishing a stable and balanced society. Viewing individuals as the corner stones of societies, Islam encourages individuals to conduct studies and disseminate scientific information all the time. The first verse in Holy Quran revealed to the Prophet Muhammad was in this regard. Allah says what means, “Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous) (Al-Alaq 96:1-3). Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) called for learning and always reminded Muslims with its significance and that seeking knowledge is an obligation on each Muslim.
Islam, also, aims at enhancing Takaful among the individuals of the society. Takaful is an Islamic insurance concept. This is to achieve social justice and coexistence with other religions. Hence, Islamic Shariaa includes a wide range of rules that work on organizing dealings and practices among people. The base for all practices must be upon disseminating justice provisions, equality before law, freedom and Shurra (consultation). The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in Kuwait is keen on enhancing the spirit of Islam and disseminating its teachings. This is besides fostering the influence of the religion in the Kuwaiti society and protecting the Islamic heritage throughout the years.
Islam in the Kuwaiti Society
The influence of Islam is profoundly endorsed in the sincere souls and societies that truly believe in it and abides by Islamic Sharia (Islamic law). Among the Arab communities, the Kuwaiti society is greatly influenced by Islam. As it is located in the Arab Peninsula, the cradle of Islam, Kuwait is an Islamic country since ancient ages. Kuwaitis are originally Muslims. Consequently, the obligation to the tolerant teachings of Islam, commitment with its provisions and abidance by its beliefs is a part of the nature of the Kuwaiti people. Since the establishment of the State of Kuwait, the influence of Islam was highly apparent.
The unit of currency in Kuwait is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KD), divided into one thousand Fils. Currency notes are issued by the Central Bank of Kuwait in the following denominations: quarter Dinar, half Dinar, one Dinar, five Dinars, ten Dinars and twenty Dinars.
History of Kuwait Currency
The first attempt to issue a national currency was during the reign of the fifth Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Abdullah bin Sabah bin Jaber Al-Sabah. In order to reflect the independance of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Abdullah ordered the coining of a national currency. The first coins were made using simple tools like hammers, hence, their shape was irregular and each coin was different than the other. The value of this currency equaled one paisa. After the circulation of only a few hundred pieces of this currency in the markets for few months, it was withdrawn for the following reasons:
- During that period, Kuwait used the Rupee of Queen and Empress Victoria. Among its divisions was the paisa.
- The Indian paisa had the greater share in the market, as result of India’s powerful gold reserve.
- Kuwait had no gold reserve to foster its national currency.
Kuwaiti Dinar
The issue and circulation of currency notes and coins is subject to the provisions of law (32) of 1968 concerning currency, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and the organization of the banking business in the country. Accordingly, the issuing of Kuwaiti currency is the State’s exclusive privilege, solely exercised by CBK. There have been six issues of Kuwaiti currency notes since the introduction of the State’s legal tender in 1961. The Kuwaiti banknotes issues are:
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- The first issue: The Kuwaiti Currency Board issued the first issue of the Kuwaiti Dinar , and on the first day of April 1961 , the first issue was put into circulation, replacing the then circulating “Indian rupee”.
- The second issue: CBK circulated the second issue of banknotes in two phases, starting on November 17 ,1970 for 1/4, 1/2, and 10 Dinars notes and later on April 20, 1971, 1 and 5 Dinars notes were released.
- The third issue: The Central Bank of Kuwait put into circulation the third issue on February 20, 1980. And on 9th February, 1986, a new 20 Dinars note was put into circulation.
- The fourth issue: Soon after liberation, the fourth issue was put into circulation on March 24th, 1991, so as to allow a speedy exchange of the withdrawn third issue and to ensure the country’s swift economic recovery.
- The fifth issue: Was placed into circulation effective April 3rd, 1994. The fifth Issue utilized high-level technology and technical features and security developments realized by the bank note printing industry at the time. The fifth issue of Kuwaiti banknotes has lost its status as legal tender by the end of banking business hours on Thursday 1-10-2015. Holders of the fifth issue banknotes shall still be able to exchange them at CBK Banking Hall within an extended period of 10 years from the effective date of the resolution dated 19-04-2015.
- The Sixth issue : The Sixth Issue of the Kuwaiti Currency was released into circulation on June 29, 2014. The sixth issue of the Kuwaiti Dinar banknotes employs a clear and elegant structure throughout the entire series, using visual representations of nationally significant elements and economic accomplishments that are all grounded on one unified background that is of the Kuwaiti flag. The banknotes feature iconic and culturally significant buildings on the front while the backside illustrates Kuwait’s accomplishments and economic milestones throughout history.
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- The new banknotes were also designed with the visually impaired in mind. The banknotes’ values are larger in size and the raised print aids the visually impaired in distinguishing each banknote from the other.The sixth issue of the Kuwaiti Dinar banknotes includes the most advanced security measures such as innovative printing processes, color changing features and visual elements that become visible upon tilting the banknote.
Commemorative Coins
After independence, and to mark the achievements reached in the State of Kuwait in all aspects, the Central Bank of Kuwait issues gold, gold plated and silver Commemorative coins, and commemorative banknotes on different occasions to the public and currency collectors.
Source: Central Bank of Kuwait
In June 30, 2012, the population of Kuwait was estimated at 3,268,431 persons according to the Central Statistical office. In this census, the number of Kuwaitis reached 1,128,381 while the rest were non-Kuwaitis and foreigners.
In June 30, 2012, the population of Kuwait was estimated at 3,268,431 persons according to the Central Statistical office. In this census, the number of Kuwaitis reached 1,128,381 while the rest were non-Kuwaitis and foreigners.
The City of Kuwait and its suburbs contain most of the Kuwaiti population, especially on the shore of the Arabian Gulf. The main source of data for the growth of Kuwait population across the history is from the estimates recorded by travelers who used to pass through the country. In 1957, the first official census carried out. Its results stated that the Kuwaiti population reached 206.473 persons. The number of non-Kuwaitis was 92.851.
In 1961, the Kuwaiti population was estimated at 321.621 persons, comprising 62% males and 37% females. The arrival of large numbers of immigrants at that time resulted in this gender percentage gap. Every five years since 1965, Kuwait has regularly conducted censuses.
In 1985, the population reached 1.697.301 persons, comprised 56% males and 44% females. In 1990, the population reached 2.141.465 persons. The percentage of non-Kuwaitis scored 72%. In same year, the Iraqi aggression against Kuwait occurred. As a result, large number of the non-Kuwaitis emigrated. Hence, major changes in the population structure took place.
In 1995, the Kuwaiti population reached 1.577.598 persons. The percentage of non-Kuwaitis was 58%. On April 2005, the ninth census was carried out for people, housing and facilities. This census is the first for the State of Kuwait in the Twenty-First Century. The preliminary estimates showed that the Kuwaiti population reached 2.213.403 persons. The number of Kuwaitis was 880.774 and that for non-Kuwaitis was 1.332.629.
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