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Kuwait is a civilized nation and in spite of the harsh weather, it is a pleasant place to live in. The country is surprisingly green in parts and has many fine parks and gardens. Everything essential to modern, comfortable and luxurious living is available. Banking services, communication, educational and health facilities are as good as in advanced countries. There is no personal income tax and there are no property or municipal taxes. Government housing is available in certain cases to Kuwaitis at nominal rents. Education for Kuwaitis in Government schools is free. Kuwait is a welfare state, and many aspects of the inhabitants' needs are heavily subsidised. Water, electricity, petrol, and basic foods such as fish, milk, meat, rice, bread, are extremely cheap because of Government imposed price controls. Local telephone calls are free; medical care was totally free until very recently - now nominal fees is charged for certain services like special tests, X-Rays etc. In addition, KD.1 will be charged on a visit to the local area clinics and KD. 2 on hospital visits. Health insurance has been made compulsory for all expatriates as of 2000 and is closely linked with the residence permit. No new residence will be stamped or old ones renewed without the insurance. It is KD. 50 for the head of the family, KD. 40 for the wife and KD. 30 for every child below 18. Employers will have to pay the insurance premiums for their employees. Although Kuwait imports most of its requirements, it does however produce its own tomatoes, cucumbers and melons as well as other fruits and vegetables. In particular, it produces sufficient fish that it can occasionally export supplies to other Gulf states. Dairy products and poultry are also locally produced. Supermarkets and cooperative societies are of excellent quality. Each residential area of Kuwait has its own complex of shops which include a cooperative society. Kuwait abounds with modern shopping centres selling a wide variety of consumer and luxury goods. Crime is virtually unknown; it is very rare to hear of burglaries or muggings, and certainly pickpockets would appear not to exist. There are two daily newspapers in English and several in Arabic. Most western newspapers are available on the day after their publication. One of the four television channels is available locally in English. Satellite television is available in most hotels and some apartment blocks. Although satellite dishes are banned in Saudi Arabia, they are allowed in Kuwait. A brief amendment in the traffic law stipulates that any car made before 1990 will not be officially renewed. In order to curb traffic violations the National Assembly in June 2001 passed tougher traffic laws containing more penalties and fines for major offences such as running a red signal, driving under the influence of alcohol/narcotics, repetitive offences. Driving a vehicle under the influence of alchohol/narcotics can carry a sentence of upto one year in prison and/or KD 500 fine. Running a red light is punishable by a KD 50 fine and reckless driving by KD 100. |