Kuwait

Full country name: The State of Kuwait
Area: 17,800 sq km (7,000 sq mi)
Population: 3-3.5 million (only 1 million Kuwaiti)
Capital city: Kuwait City
People: Arab (60-65%), Persian (30-35%), Others (5-10%)
Language: Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, Filipino, Bengali
Religion: Muslim (85%), Christian, Hindu
Currency: Kuwait Dinar (KD) check www.xe.com
Time zone: UCT +3 hours (+2 during winter)
Climate: 40-50C (summer), 15-25C (other); dry heat, no humidity

'A heady mix of market bazaars and gleaming skyscrapers along a glistening coast, Kuwait is your prototypical oil-rich state, and travellers looking for a relaxed entry into the Muslim world can look forward to wandering around mosques, souks and other sandy traces of bygone Bedouin days. Behind the glitzy opulence lies a deep sense of traditional values and warm Arabian hospitality.'

Located in the north-west extreme of the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The landscape is predominantly desert plateau with a lower, more fertile coastal belt, and the climate is characterised by hot dry summers and cooler winter months; much better than the humid countries further south in the Gulf like the United Arab Emirates.

Kuwait has the world's fifth largest proven oil reserves and is the ninth richest country in the world per capita. Kuwait's oil fields were discovered and exploited in the 1930s and after it gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1961, the nation's oil industry saw unprecedented growth. Petroleum and petroleum products now account for nearly 95% of export revenues, and 80% of government income.

Kuwait City and the surrounding communities are developing into buzzing metropolises with gleaming high rises, numerous luxury hotels, brand new shopping malls, lots of cafés and restaurants, cinemas and lush parks set along wide avenues. The city's major landmark is the Kuwait Towers, visible from the harbour where oil tankers come and go, docking alongside hundreds of cargo ships and pleasure craft.

Kuwait is now regarded as a relatively safe destination with plenty to interest the traveller, not only in Kuwait City itself but throughout, from its arid desert plateau to the fertile coastal belt and the nine small offshore islands over which it has sovereignty. Opportunities to engage in outdoor activities such as diving, snorkelling, fishing, camping and many other sports are plentiful. There is a vibrant expatriate lifestyle and there are many clubs and societies where to make new friends; a popular attraction being the hash.

Kuwait is blessed with a large expanse of desert that is worth exploring, if for nothing else for the arresting tranquility. The gas flares from oil wells light up the night sky and star gazers will not be disappointed. Although flat and relatively inhospitable, the desert is home to more than 400 species of plants and numerous exotic animals and birds. The desert is a popular weekend retreat for campers and day trippers. There are a number of camp resorts and farms with facilities.

Kuwait is on the move and is becoming an increasingly popular expatriate destination in the Middle East. Thousands have been flocking to Kuwait since the 1950s and despite a slight rude interruption in the early 90s (due to the Gulf War) continue to do so in vast numbers. People are embracing an expatriate lifestyle that guarantees safety, security, activity and an opportunity to combine a western existence with a cultural and traditional Arabian experience.

Kuwait positives: Vibrant expatriate community / saving potential / centre for Middle East and Asian holidays

Other points to consider

Kuwait schools offer 1 year contracts, but the rest of the Middle East is 2 year minimum.

For such a small country there are a large number of international schools.

Many schools will take NQTs (newly qualified teachers) whereas they are not eagerly sought elsewhere. Teachers can get a year's experience in Kuwait and then, if they wish, pop over to Dubai the following year with a healthy bank account and good experience.

Kuwait offers higher salaries on average than the UAE. Cost of living is far less - so savings potential is more.

Furnished accommodation and flights are always provided.

Kuwait is one of the more progressive Middle East countries with respect to education. Kuwait has one of the few special needs international schools. Kuwaitis strongly value education and those who send their children to international schools rather than state schools do so because they are more liberal and may wish to send their children abroad for university.

Interesting fact: Kuwait and the UK have been strong allies since the late 1700s.

The expat social life revolves around house parties and social clubs. Examples of clubs our teachers belong to: theatre club, scuba club, running club, Caledonian club, bicycling club, riding club, rugby club, drama club, British/American/Australian (fill in your nationality) club. Gyms/health clubs are very popular as well for exercise and socialising. All in all this is a healthier, more well-rounded lifestyle than one that involves falling out of a pub drunk every Saturday.

There are movie theatres, restaurants of all sorts: Japanese, Thai, Italian, KFC, you name it and lots of malls both indoor and outdoor with all the major department stores. This is not the back of beyond.

There are expats from all over the world in Kuwait with especially large British, South African and North American communities. There are good-sized military communities nearby for those who love men in uniform.