| A commercial port for centuries, Kuwait City has
had an urban economy for a long time. People there work in trade or live
off the sea by fishing and gathering pearls. Until recently, a large section
of society lived a nomadic life, roaming in the nearby desert. The oil
wealth led the government to entice these nomads, known as Bedouins, to
live settled lives. |
| Did
you know?
Though geographically small, Kuwait
has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. |
|
| Oil wealth also fueled government efforts to establish
a modern economy. There are about 11,000 people working in the oil industry
of which fewer than 8000 are Kuwaiti nationals.
There is still a shortage of trained Kuwaitis to
fill new positions in other areas of petroleum processing, agriculture,
fishing, social welfare, transportation, communications, energy, tourism
and defence. Many skilled foreigners, therefore, have come to work in Kuwait.
As a result, Kuwait has labourers and professionals from many lands, working
together to maintain a technologically advanced society. |
| Did
you know?
Kuwait has no sales or income taxes. |
|
| The need for native Kuwaiti workers
in the economy has allowed women the option of leaving their customary
work in the home to join the workforce. As yet only a minority of Kuwaiti
women, about 15% in 1990, have taken advantage of this opportunity.
The work style of Kuwaitis is customarily not fast-paced
and intense. Work gets done, but in a relaxed and friendly manner. Most
work is usually interrupted by a four-hour break in the middle of the day
to avoid the mid-day heat.
Some newer businesses have started to maintain
hours throughout the day, but these remain a minority. Government offices,
banks and educational institutions all retain the mid-day break. |
| Did
you know?
Kuwait has a highly developed banking
and financial system. The flow of capital in and out of the country is
unrestricted. |
|