Kuwait

Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling Kuwaiti Al-Sabah dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on August 2, 1990. Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led, UN coalition began a ground assault on February 23, 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure damaged during 1990-91. The Al-Sabah family has ruled since returning to power in 1991, and reestablished an elected legislature that in recent years has become increasingly assertive. Arabic is the official language.