Kuwait is a popular destination for teachers looking to move overseas, and one that we often help teachers secure jobs in, however is a country that many people know very little about. Below we've outline some background information and FAQs about the country to help anyone considering making the move there.
Population
The population of Kuwait was estimated as 3.25 million in 2012. Kuwait is unusual in that the Kuwaitis themselves make up only one third of the country whilst two thirds is made up of expatriates.
Climate & Weather
The climate in Kuwait does not vary greatly. The winters are cooler than the summers, although it does tend to be fairly dry all year round. Rainfall is minimal and frost and snow only occur on a very rare occasion and if they do it will be in the north of the country. Temperatures in Kuwait City average at around 25°C although temperatures as high as 45°C are common during the summer months. Winter temperatures can be as low as 8°C though can be as high as 19°C and will vary depending upon the region.
Religion
The official religion in Kuwait is Islam with around 85% of the population being Muslim of which 70% are Sunni, 30% Shia. Of the remaining religions there is estimated to be around 15% of the population, those being mainly Christian, Hindu, or Buddhist.
Dress Code
Kuwaiti dress conservatively in traditional dress and can be offended when people dress inappropriately or not in accordance with Islamic values.
In public places such as shopping malls, restaurants and parks, you are encouraged to dress appropriately. Clothing should not be transparent, indecently expose parts of the body or display offensive pictures or slogans.
Transport
Kuwait has a sufficient, modern system of roads. International driving licences can be used within the time limit of the visa, and expats are required to always carry their licence and registration documents with them. Heavy fines will be given for breaching any road-laws, especially driving whilst under the influence of alcohol, which can lead to expats being deported.
Medical
The healthcare and medical services in Kuwait are of a great standard and compare well with the standards of Western-Europe. Due to the country's small size, waiting lists are practically non-existent. Although some Medical Staff are native to Kuwait, the majority of staff in the hospitals and clinics are expats, who are attracted to the area due to the fantastic salaries and benefits on offer.
Cost of Living
Below we have highlighted the basic everyday costs in order to reflect the prices of common amenities, you can view a more detailed breakdown here.
Note: 1 GBP = 0.46816 KWD
Bread (large loaf) 150 fils
Burger KD 1.150
Cappuccino KD 1
Car rental (compact) KD 9/day
Chocolate bar 100 fils
Cigarettes (20) 400 fils
Cinema ticket KD 2.500
Eggs (dozen) 850 fils
Milk 1 litre 480 fils
Water 1.5 litres (supermarket) 150 fils
We currently have many jobs available in the Kuwait area. If you are interested in working in Kuwait, view our latest jobs or if you have any questions that weren't covered in this post, feel free to email us for more information!
