However, attempts to strictly Islamize the state have been made several times before. These religious groups freely operated in rented villas, private homes, or the facilities of recognized churches. A few Christian Kuwaitis also trace their origins to Lebanon and Syria.Kuwait’s constitution is considered to be the most liberal of all GCC member states. The first group, which makes up about one-quarter of Kuwait’s Christian population, arrived in Kuwait from Turkey and Iraq, and are now well-integrated in Arabic society, speak Arabic, and adhere to the local culture and cuisine. The island of Faylakah, which is located near the entrance of Kuwait Bay, has been populated since … Kuwait is largely a desert, except for Al-Jahrāʾ oasis, at the western end of Kuwait Bay, and a few fertile patches in the southeastern and coastal areas. The Largest Religion in Kuwait It is estimated that between 85% and 95% of Kuwaiti citizens are Sunni Muslims, while between 5% and 15% are Shias. On birth certificates issued to Muslims, the government does not differentiate between Sunnis and Shia. During the Christmas season, stores, malls, and homes were decorated with Christmas trees and lights, and Christmas music, including songs with explicitly Christian lyrics, was broadcast in public spaces and on the radio. However, no estimate of the number of Sunnis among non-citizens exists.Christianity is the largest minority religion in Kuwait. Among non-citizens of Kuwait, there are about 100,000 Shias. The law requires jail terms for journalists convicted of defaming any religion and prohibits denigration of Islam and The government does not designate religion on passports or national identity documents, with the exception of birth certificates. Christians in Kuwait represent 17.3% of the population, while the remainder of the population, especially expats from foreign countries, follow other religions or do not claim affiliation with any particular religion. There are between 200 and 400 Christian Kuwaiti citizens.The constitution provides for religious freedom. Majority of the Kuwaiti Muslims are Sunnis and the rest are Shia'a. Islam influences many customs regarding food, the most prominent of which is the fasting month of Ramadan. Christian holiday decorations were widely available for purchase.

Shia were represented in the police force and some branches of the military/security apparatus, although not in all branches and often not in leadership positions. Kuwait does not have Shia religious training institutions for clergy. The remaining Christian Kuwaitis arrived more recently from Palestine during the 1950s and 1960s. The following is sourced in the main from the 2014 International Religious Freedom Report for Kuwait, compiled by the United States Department of State. According to the CIA World Factbook, Muslims account for 76.7% of Kuwait’s total population. Converts from Islam face pressure from both family members and the local community to recant their Christian faith. A vast majority of Kuwait’s population practice Islam, which is the country's official religion. Among non-citizens of Kuwait, there are about 100,000 Shias. Other Islamic sects also have small populations in Kuwait. The followers of these other religions include Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Bahá'ís.However, these percentages have been calculated on the basis of the total population, where about 69% of the population is represented by immigrants to Kuwait. There are 1.2 million citizens and 2.6 million non-citizens. Members of these congregations reported that they were able to worship without government interference provided they did not disturb their neighbors or violate laws. The constitution states that Islam is the state religion. As Kuwait is predominately an Islamic country, alcohol is illegal within its borders. The government appointed Sunni imams, monitored their Friday sermons, and financed construction of Sunni mosques. Other Islamic sects also have small populations in Kuwait. Religion in Kuwait 09/09/2019 The majority of Kuwaiti nationals are Sunni Muslims; the minority are Shia. Although majority of the Kuwaiti nationals are Muslims, Christians, Hindu, Buddhists and Jews also call Kuwait home. The country is one of only two countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that have non-Muslim citizens. This population includes about 1.3 million Kuwaitis and 2.9 million expatriates. In some instances, Sunni imams were suspended for delivering sermons whose content the government deemed inflammatory. Figures have never been published on the number of Shia, but estimates in the 1980s ranged from 15 to 25 percent of the national population. Unlike most other Middle Eastern countries, Kuwait tolerates other religion apart from Islam. The Kuwaiti society is generally considered to be diverse and liberal, and it is this liberal nature that allows a large population of expats from different religious backgrounds to work and live in Kuwait.All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2020 worldatlas.com