What is the capital of Kuwait?

The capital of Kuwait is Kuwait City

Kuwait City lies at the heart of the country, on the south shore of Kuwait Bay on the Persian Gulf.

Kuwait City is the capital and seat of government of Kuwait. Kuwait itself has an estimated population of 4,865,298 (2025).

Whether Kuwait City counts as the largest city in Kuwait depends on which definition of a city you use, as explained in the questions below and on our capital versus largest city reference.

Kuwait City at a glance

Country	🇰🇼 Kuwait
Founded	1752
Largest city in Kuwait	Kuwait City
Time zone	UTC+03:00 (AST)
Currency	Kuwaiti dinar (KWD)

About Kuwait City

Kuwait City grew from a small fishing village settled by the Bani Utub in the mid-18th century.

Kuwait City is the country's political and economic heart, home to the National Assembly, the headquarters of most Kuwaiti corporations and the entirety of the country's banking system.

The Kuwait Towers, officially opened in March 1979, are the best-known symbol of the modern city.

City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Kuwait City.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Kuwait?

The capital of Kuwait is Kuwait City.

Is Kuwait City the largest city in Kuwait?

It depends on how you measure it. Kuwait City is the capital and the heart of an urban area of roughly 3 million, which is where almost the whole country lives. But Kuwait City has no administrative status of its own, so city-proper rankings instead put Hawalli or Al Ahmadi first. Which city is 'largest' therefore depends entirely on the definition.

Where is Kuwait City located?

Kuwait City lies at the heart of the country, on the south shore of Kuwait Bay on the Persian Gulf.

What time zone is Kuwait City in?

Kuwait City uses UTC+03:00 (AST).

What currency is used in Kuwait City?

Kuwait City, like the rest of Kuwait, uses the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD, symbol د.ك).

Capitals of neighbouring countries

See the full profile of Kuwait on its country page, or browse every capital city.

Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated 2026-07-02. Report a correction.