Map of Kuwait – Governorates, Cities & Location Guide
Explore Kuwait with this interactive country map showing Kuwait City, the six governorates, the Arabian Gulf coastline, major roads and islands. Zoom in to find urban neighbourhoods or zoom out to see Kuwait's location between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Kuwait is a small country in Western Asia, at the northwestern end of the Arabian Gulf (also called the Persian Gulf). Its capital and largest urban centre is Kuwait City, part of a wider metropolitan area extending south and west along the coast.
Kuwait borders Iraq to the north and west, Saudi Arabia to the south and southwest, and the Arabian Gulf to the east. Its capital is Kuwait City. The country has six administrative governorates and several offshore islands, including Bubiyan and Failaka.
Interactive map | Governorates | Landmarks | FAQs
Move and zoom to explore Kuwait City, governorates, highways, desert areas and coastal islands.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Map features and labels may change.
Where Is Kuwait Located?
Kuwait occupies the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. Its eastern coast faces the Arabian Gulf and includes Kuwait Bay, while much of its inland territory consists of low, dry desert landscapes. The country covers approximately 17,818 square kilometres.
- North and west: Iraq and the northern desert borderlands.
- South and southwest: Saudi Arabia.
- East: Arabian Gulf, Kuwait Bay and offshore islands.
Most built-up areas cluster around Kuwait City and neighbouring coastal districts. Large stretches of the west and north are sparsely populated desert. National borders and offshore features become easier to distinguish at different map zoom levels.
Kuwait's Six Governorates
| Governorate | Location and characteristics |
|---|---|
| Al Asimah (Capital) | Includes central Kuwait City and major government and business districts. |
| Hawalli | Densely developed urban districts southeast of the capital, including Salmiya. |
| Farwaniya | Urban and residential areas west and southwest of central Kuwait City. |
| Ahmadi | Southern coastal districts and areas associated with Kuwait's oil industry. |
| Jahra | Extensive northern and western desert areas, plus Al Jahra city. |
| Mubarak Al-Kabeer | Residential suburbs in the southern part of the metropolitan area. |
Governorates are administrative divisions, not separate countries. Spellings may differ between English-language sources.
Cities, Islands and Landmarks on the Map
- Kuwait City: The national capital and centre of government, commerce and cultural attractions.
- Kuwait Towers: Recognisable waterfront landmarks overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
- Salmiya: A prominent coastal district with shops, services and waterfront areas.
- Al Jahra: A major urban centre northwest of Kuwait City.
- Failaka Island: An island east of Kuwait City known for archaeological and historical sites.
- Bubiyan Island: A large island in northeastern Kuwait near the Iraqi border.
- Al Ahmadi: A southern city historically associated with the petroleum sector.
Kuwait Bay forms a prominent inlet beside the capital. Zooming towards the shoreline reveals ports, causeways and island locations; some infrastructure and access arrangements may change over time.
Roads, Airport and Getting Around
Kuwait's road network links the capital with suburban districts, the airport and southern and northern settlements. Kuwait International Airport is southwest of central Kuwait City. Major highways provide connections across the country, but travellers should consult live road information for current routes and conditions.
Public buses and road transport serve urban areas. The embedded map is designed for geographical orientation rather than real-time traffic, public transport schedules or turn-by-turn navigation.
What This Kuwait Map Helps You Find
- Locate Kuwait relative to Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf.
- Compare the six governorates and principal urban areas.
- Explore Kuwait City, Salmiya, Al Jahra and Al Ahmadi.
- Identify Kuwait Bay, Failaka Island and Bubiyan Island.
- Understand how desert areas surround the coastal population centres.
Related Maps and Location Guides
Kuwait Map FAQs
Where is Kuwait on the world map?
Kuwait is in Western Asia at the northwestern end of the Arabian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
What is the capital of Kuwait?
Kuwait City is the capital and the centre of the country's largest metropolitan area.
How many governorates does Kuwait have?
Kuwait has six: Al Asimah, Hawalli, Farwaniya, Ahmadi, Jahra and Mubarak Al-Kabeer.
Which countries border Kuwait?
Kuwait has land borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Is Kuwait mostly desert?
Yes. Much of Kuwait is low, arid desert, while the most densely populated districts are concentrated around the capital and coast.
Does Kuwait have islands?
Yes. Notable islands include Bubiyan and Failaka, along with several smaller islands in the Arabian Gulf.
Can I use this map for driving directions?
Use it to explore locations and general routes, but check a live navigation service for directions and current road conditions.
Disclaimer
For general geographic information only. Map features, borders, roads and landmarks may be approximate or outdated. Do not rely on this page for navigation, emergencies or official decisions. Verify current travel and transport information. Third-party links do not imply affiliation or endorsement.