Kuwait, officially the State of Kuwait, is a small, oil-rich country located in the Middle East at the tip of the Persian Gulf. Known for its vast petroleum reserves, which contribute significantly to its economy, Kuwait boasts a high-income economy and a relatively high standard of living. Its capital, Kuwait City, is a modern metropolis with striking architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. While largely desert, Kuwait has a significant coastline and a history intertwined with maritime trade and pearling before the discovery of oil. The country is a constitutional emirate with a parliamentary system.