Kuwait vs Qatar
Kuwait
Qatar
| Metric | Kuwait | Qatar |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Kuwait City | Doha |
| Population | 5,026,078 | 3,115,889 |
| Area (km²) | 17,818 | 11,586 |
| Population density (/km²) | 282 | 269 |
| GDP per capita (USD) | $32,300 | $72,500 |
| Region | Western Asia | Western Asia |
| Currency | KWD | QAR |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic |
| Main religions | Islam | Islam |
| Time zone | UTC+3 | UTC+3 |
Green highlights the higher value (or higher GDP per capita). Figures are approximate.
At a glance
Kuwait and Qatar are both located in Asia (both in Western Asia). Kuwait has the larger population — about 1.6× the population of Qatar, while Kuwait covers more land area.
For full geographic detail, see the Kuwait map and the Qatar map.
Opposite ends of the Gulf coast
Kuwait sits at the northern head of the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Qatar is a peninsula halfway down the Arabian coast, bordering only Saudi Arabia. Both are small, hot and very flat, and most of their people live in a single capital region. Both were British protectorates. Kuwait became independent in 1961 and Qatar in 1971, and both were founding members of the Gulf Cooperation Council in 1981.
Oil first, gas first
Kuwait's economy rests on crude oil. Its Burgan field is one of the largest in the world, and the country remains a member of OPEC. Qatar's rests on natural gas from the offshore North Field, shipped worldwide as LNG, and it left OPEC in 2019. Both have used energy income to build sovereign wealth funds. The Kuwait Investment Authority, whose roots go back to 1953, is often described as the world's oldest. The Qatar Investment Authority was set up in 2005 and has invested heavily in European property, banks and sport.
Politics: parliament versus appointed council
Kuwait has had an elected National Assembly since its 1962 constitution, long the most powerful parliament in the Gulf. Its frequent clashes with appointed governments slowed many projects. In May 2024 the emir suspended the assembly and some constitutional articles for up to four years. Qatar's Shura Council is mostly appointed; it held its first legislative elections in 2021 but later moved back to an appointed council.
Invasion, blockade and mediation
Kuwait's modern history is marked by Iraq's invasion in August 1990 and its liberation by a US-led coalition in February 1991. Qatar's defining crisis was the 2017–2021 blockade by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt. Kuwait did not join the blockade and mediated between the two sides. Both states host US military bases and were affected by the 2026 regional war involving Iran.
Daily life
In both countries citizens are a minority of residents. Kuwaitis make up a larger share of their country than Qataris do of theirs. Arabic is official in both, and English is widely used. Qatar has grown into an events hub since hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while Kuwait has a lower tourism profile. See also Qatar vs UAE.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Kuwait in OPEC?
- Yes, Kuwait is an OPEC member. Qatar left OPEC in 2019 to focus on natural gas.
- Does Kuwait have an elected parliament?
- Kuwait has had an elected National Assembly since 1962, but the emir suspended it in May 2024 for up to four years.
- Do Kuwait and Qatar share a border?
- No. Kuwait borders Iraq and Saudi Arabia, while Qatar's only land border is with Saudi Arabia.