Religion Practices

Kuwait, unlike most other Middle Eastern countries, tolerates other religions besides Islam. Although Muslims constitute the vast majority of Kuwaiti nationals, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and Jews also reside in the country. Muslims outnumber all other religions in the country. However, just because Muslims account for 85% of the population does not mean they are a solid bloc. Sunni Muslims account for 70% of the 85% of Muslims, while Shi'a Muslims account for 30%. Tensions between Sunni and Shi'a had flared up here and there, but nothing compared to the Iran-Iraq War.

In comparison to other Arab countries, Kuwait has a sizable Christian population. Catholics account for approximately 140,000 people in Kuwait, or 6% of the population. Protestants have a 50,000 strong following, accounting for 2.14% of the total population. The Coptic Orthodox Church has a significant presence in the country, with 60,000 Kuwaitis belonging to this branch of Christianity.

There are also groups of the Armenian Orthodox Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, and the Seventh-day Adventists, but each has fewer than 5,000 members. Christians are not permitted by law to become Kuwaiti citizens, even through naturalization, but there are approximately 1,000 Kuwaiti citizens who are officially documented as Christian.

Kuwait is considered an open country, so it is not surprising to find people who practice religions other than Islam or Christianity, such as Hindus, Buddhists, and Jews, who are usually migrant workers in Kuwait. Although Kuwait has a tolerance policy toward other religions, Muslims dislike it when other religions attempt to convert Muslims to other non-adherents of Islam.