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Index / Religions
  Kuwait /
Religions
Sunni Islam is dominant in Kuwait, with 60% of the total population. The Shi'is have a representation of about 30%, and is therefore a large minority. Christians represent 10%, but these are mainly expatriate workers. Only Muslims can be citizens of Kuwait.
Likewise, the population of Kuwait is ethnically mixed, due to large expatriate communities.
There are two groups of natives in Kuwait. Arabs whose ancestors belonged to the larger settlements and living off the land, and who have the highest rank in the society. The other native group are the people whose ancestors lived in smaller communities, and who had their income from fishing. This last group has never received full citizenship, even if they are the true natives of Kuwait — more than the first group which are Arab immigrants from the early 18th century.
There are many minority groups, Arabs from other countries, Indians, Pakistanis, Iranians, and before 1991 400 Palestinians. "Real" Kuwaitis represented 25% of the total population, but their relative number has risen after 1991. Kuwaiti governments is now concerned with keeping the number of foreigners below 50%, motivated by security concerns.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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