The economic aid programmes of Kuwait should be viewed within the context of that country's economic status, which cannot be described as either ‘developing’ or ‘developed’. Indeed, such simple classifications fail to allow for a situation in which a nation might be developed in certain aspects yet be ‘under-developed’ in others. Criteria which generally indicate a developed economy include a high income per capita, a high rate of economic growth and a sound external financial situation. The Kuwaiti economy fulfils these requirements. In 1964 the income per capita reached $3,275 in Kuwait as compared to $3,221 for the United States and $2,161 for Sweden. An average annual growth rate reaching eight per cent can be claimed, which is about double that of the highly industrialised world powers. The Kuwaiti balance of payments is most favourable if compared with that of many ‘developed’ nations. Furthermore, it spends over 20 per cent of its national income on economic aid programmes.