The Kingdom of Bahrain, or Bahrain (formerly spelled Bahrein), is
an archipelago of 33 islands in the Persian Gulf (or the Arabian Gulf
as the Arabs call it). The strategic King Fahd Causeway (officially
opened on November 25, 1986) links Bahrain with its big neighbour
Saudi Arabia.
The 45 kilometer Qatar–Bahrain Friendship Bridge, currently
being planned, will connect Bahrain to Qatar as the longest fixed
link in the world.
Bahrain was captured by the Al Khalifa family in 1782 from the Persians.
During the 19th century the Al Khalifa family signed a series of treaties
with the UK under which Bahrain was made a British protectorate. The
archipelago gained its independence in 1971. When Bahrain discovered
oil in 1931, it changed the fortunes of the country.
Since the coming of Bahrain's first independent ruler, Sheikh Isa
al-Khalifa, to power in 1999, new economic and political reforms are
being pushed in a vigorous way. The country has gone ahead in improving
relations with western countries. Its ports and airfields were used
by British and US military forces during two Iraq wars and the 2002
Afghan war.
Travel overview
A cosmopolitan travel and trade destination, Bahrain is home to many
sites of interest. Manama, the capital city, is a fascinating travel
destination in the country which is the best place to explore the
different parts of the country. Manama boasts many extensive and gorgeous
malls including Seef Mall, Dana Mall and the Bahrain Mall. You will
have an axciting time while visiting the ancient sites of Dilmun civilization,
including thousands of Burial Mounds, traditional Arab architecture,
such as the Qalat Al Bahrain castle (a UNESCO Heritage site), and
the Bahrain National Museum are worth exploring.
Formula One racing at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which first took place
on April 4, 2004, have made Bahrain a popular tourist destination.
Bahrain attracts tourists from across the world. Michael Jackson is
also enchanted by Bahrain’s attractions.
Capital: Manama
Location: Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi
Arabia
Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Total Population: 708,573
Population Growth Rate: 1.392%
Sex Ratio: 1.255 male(s)/female
Literacy: 89.1%
Ethnic Groups: Bahraini , non-Bahraini
Irrigated land: 40 sq km
Languages: Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu
Time Zone: UTC+3
Currency: Bahraini dinar
Type of govt.: constitutional hereditary monarchy
Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa
Major Political Parties: political parties prohibited but political
societies were legalized per a July 2005 law
Participation in International Organizations: ABEDA, AFESD, AMF,
FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDB, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, LAS,
MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Major Agricultural Products: fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products;
shrimp, fish
Natural Resources & Minerals: oil, associated and nonassociated
natural gas, fish, pearls
Industry & Transportpetroleum processing and refining, aluminum
smelting, iron pelletization, fertilizers, offshore banking, insurance,
ship repairing, tourism
Airports: 3
Roadways:
3,498 km
Major Trade Partners: Saudi Arabia, US , UAE, Saudi Arabia , Japan,
Germany, UK,
Exports: $12.62 billion
Imports: $9.036 billion