The Kingdom of Bahrain is a group of many islands located in the Arabian Gulf at the eastern shore of Saudi Arabia. Bahrain known as Pearl of the Arabian Gulf, has a history of more than 5,000 years of civilization, from the mists of time to a vibrant present under a stable government.

Bahrain is the site of immortal Dilmun, religious centre to Summerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, as dramatic excavations prove. Subsequent visitors include Greeks from the time of Alexander the Great, Portuguese, Omani's and the English. Marvelous old sites and buildings compete with modern buildings and colorful traditional markets.

While relatively small in population, land area and resources Bahrain has achieved a high level of social and economic development in a short period. The road network, international airport, telecommunications, public services, medical facilities and universities are all recognized as being among the best in the world. Although great emphasis is naturally placed on the development of its own citizens, due to its large expatriate population Bahrain has a marvelous multi-national mix of nationalities, all living harmonously together in a completely unique mix of cultures. According to the 2001 census bahrain population is 650604.

Bahrain with approx. area of 558 sq.k.m (48 k.m long from North to South and 16 k.m width) equivalent to 85% of the total islands followed by the seven primary islands which are Hawar Island (50 sq. km) far from the cost of Qatar, followed by the desert island of Umm Na'san (19 sq. k.m), the popular Muharraq island (18 sq. k.m) connected by 2 causeways to Bahrain Island, Sitra (10 sq. k.m), an industrial/residential island also connected by Bahrain island by causeway, Nabih Salih island and finally Jidda Island. The remaining small islands, islets and coral reefs combine to make up the rest of the mass.

Bahrain has a desert topography except for a narrow strip of land along with the northern cost. In the interior the land rises gradually towards a central rang of hills with the island highest point of 135 meter at Jabal al Dukhan (meaning the "mountain of smoke" as on hot days it becomes surrounded by a misty haze). Most islands are flat and sandy. A number of fresh water springs or artesian wells are located along the northern cost of Bahrain, unique in the region, both on land and offshore. There are extensive date gardens to the north with irrigated vegetable and fruit gardens along King Fahad Causeway links Bahrain with Saudi Arabia.

Manama - the capital of Bahrain, is modern, dominated by a Manhattan-style skyline with total area of 25.9 squre kilometers and population more than 160,000 people. Manama is encircled by a ring of excellent highways which link it to the interior, the two causeways to Muharraq island, a causeway to the Sitra region, and 24 k.m long causeway to Saudi Arabia is the symbol of modern city.

Manama retains an intimate atmosphere with excellent public services and hotels, impeccable hygiene and reputation for security and public order. As well as modern banking, shopping, diplomatic residential and services areas there still exists the traditional souk

Bahrain is an independent sovereign state ruled by The Amir, His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa (Head of State) assisted by a cabinet of ministers, under the premiership of the Primes Minister His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa (Head of government) and The Crown Price and Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and a Shura (Consultative) Council, comprising appointed representatives of the community. Bahrain is a traditionally ArabMonarchy. Gained full independence from the United Kingdom in 1971(had been a British Protectorate from 1861)

Bahrain is a modern country where freedom of worship to all other faiths are totally acceptable, religions such as Christianity, Hinduism, Parseeisem, Judaism, Buddism, therefore numbers of christian churches could be found in some parts of Bahrain.

Bahrain has an arid desert climate characterized by very hot summers with high humidity while winters are relatively cooler. Average annual precipitation is only 76 mm (3 inches). Various winds influence the temperature and include the Bara from the north, which is a cool wind that sometimes reduces the temperature in June, the Shamal from the northeast which is a moist wind that dominates all year round and the Quss from the south or southwest, which is a hot dry sand laden wind, Average temperature ranges on Bahrain are from 14 to 20 degrees Celsius (67 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit) in January to 29 to 38 degrees Celsius (84 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit) in August.

Health services Are very advanced in the kingdom, free treatment is available for citizens. Private hospitals and pharmacies are also available.

Entry visas: Visa is must for all non Bahrainis except for citizens of GCC countries. 72 hrs and 7 days visa is available at airport, King Fahad causeway, and all Bahrain Embassies abroad. Visa can be extended or renewed through immigration & passport office in Manama.

The official language of Bahrain is Arabic. English is also widely used, especially in Business and banking circles. Many other languages are spoken by various expatriate groups. It is common for people living in Bahrain to be bilingual or multi lingual.(Hindi and Farsi are the most common ones.)

In Bahrain, petroleum production and processing account for about 60% of export receipts (around 40,000 barrels of oil per day) equivalent to 60% of government revenues, and 30% of GDP. Economic conditions have fluctuated with the changing fortunes of oil since 1985, for example, during and following the Gulf crisis of 1990-91. With its highly developed communication and transport facilities, Bahrain is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. A large share of exports consists of petroleum products made from imported crude. Construction proceeds on several major industrial projects. Unemployment, especially among the young, and the depletion of both oil and underground water resources are major long-term economic problems.

Bahrain is a home to numerous Multinational firms and businesses in Gulf. In future major banks and Financial Institutes may take Bahrain as a head-quarter for there business activities.

Bahrain currencies are known as Bahraini Dinars and Government issued in 1, 5, 10, 20 dinars and Coins 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 fills. For the exchange rate of Bahraini Dinars in different currencies, please Click Here [New window]

Map

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