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Kuwait| Population: | 2,505,559 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area: | 6,880 sq. miles | ||||||
| Location: | Middle East | ||||||
| Capital: | Kuwait City | ||||||
| Major Cities: | Hawalli, Jahra | ||||||
| Language(s): | Arabic | ||||||
| Summer Olympic Debut: | 1968 | ||||||
| Medal Record: |
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Kuwait is a small, oil-rich emirate at the head of the Persian Gulf. It was attacked and overrun by Iraqi forces on August 2, 1990.
After nearly six months of attempts to force Iraq's dislodgment from Kuwait through economic sanctions, on January 17, 1991, the United States helped organize a United Nations-backed force against Iraq and occupied Kuwait. The country was liberated soon thereafter.
Olympic Tradition:
Kuwait first competed in 1968, and has competed continuously since. Won its first Olympic medal at the 2000 Sydney Games - Fehaid Al Deehani won bronze in the men's double trap shooting event. Danah Al Nasrallah became Kuwaiti's first female Olympian in Athens, where she competed in the women's 100m.
Beijing Outlook:
Kuwait is not expected to contend for a medal at the Beijing Games.
Vermont runner misses medal round Vermont Olympian Andrew Wheating missed his chance for an Olympic medal this morning while competing in the men's 800m qualifying heats.
