ABSTRACT
Kuwait is a small Arab state located at the north-west corner of the Arabian Gulf. The Arab population of Kuwait originates mainly from the Najd region of Arabia. Kuwait's basic lack of resources and its geographical location forced its population to depend heavily on the sea as the major source of livelihood and trade, pearl-diving and boat-building flourished in the Gulf area prior to the discovery of oil. Although great economic changes have occurred in Kuwait during the post-war years, tribal and clan relationships continue to prevail. Prior to 1948 there was a small Jewish community in Kuwait but this disappeared with the establishment of the State of Israel in that year. Tribal and family loyalties were reflected in the administration of Kuwait prior to its independence, when major posts were held by members of the ruling family and by other members of the merchant class.
