Kuwait's journey to independence was shaped by its geographical position and its vast oil resources, discovered in the early 20th century. Under British protection since the late 19th century, Kuwait enjoyed relative stability but was also subject to external influences and control. By the mid-20th century, a surge in national consciousness swept through many Arab nations, inspiring Kuwaitis to push for sovereignty and governance freed from colonial rule. As other countries in the region gained independence, such as Egypt and Iraq, the momentum for Kuwaiti self-determination grew stronger. In 1961, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Kuwait's emir, addressed the population proclaiming the country’s independence from Britain. This declaration not only transformed Kuwait's political landscape but also signified the broader anti-colonial movements taking place throughout the Arab world. The UK retained only a limited military presence after independence, symbolizing the gradual shift in regional dynamics that would occur in the subsequent decades. Following the declaration, Kuwait paved its path as a sovereign state, eventually becoming a member of the Arab League and the United Nations.