Abstract
The paper examines the spatial patterning of the three major causes of mortality in Kuwait. Since the population of Kuwait is composed of two well-identified communities: Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis, the distribution of deaths will be affected by different social, economic and demographic characteristics of both groups.
Mortality rates are calculated per 100, 000 of the total population according to the international classification of death causes. The major groups of mortality causes are: neoplasms, diseases of the circulatory system, and accidents and injuries, which are responsible for nearly two-thirds of the total deaths in Kuwait. Of all the causes, diseases of the circulatory system cause the highest rate of death. Accidents and injuries come second, followed by neoplasms.
Mortality rates from all causes are higher among Kuwaitis than among non-Kuwaitis. Rates are also higher in most cases among males of both communities than females. The highest figures of mortality, however, are those recorded in the Capital governorate including the township of Kuwait, and Jahra governorate, which is densely populated by foreign immigrants. Immigrants tend to suffer from accidents and injuries.
