Kuwait

After Kuwait gains independence from the United Kingdom in 1961, the state's oil industry sees unprecedented economic growth.

In 1990, Kuwait is invaded and annexed by neighboring Iraq.

The seven month-long Iraqi occupation comes to an end after a direct military intervention by United States-led forces.

Around 773 Kuwaiti oil wells are set ablaze by the retreating Iraqi army, resulting in a major environmental and economic catastrophe.

Kuwait's infrastructure is badly damaged during the war and has to be rebuilt.

Kuwait is a constitutional emirate with a parliamentary system of government, with Kuwait City serving as the country's political and economic capital.

The country has the world's fifth largest oil reserves and petroleum products now account for nearly 95% of export revenues, and 80% of government income.

Kuwait is the eleventh richest country in the world per capita.

In 2007, it had the highest human development index (HDI) in the Arab world.

Kuwait is classified as a high income economy by the World Bank and is designated as a major non-NATO ally of the United States.