Bahrain

Country Profile: Bahrain

Official Name: Kingdom of Bahrain

Capital: Manama

Geography:

Bahrain is an archipelago made up of the Bahrain Island and thirty smaller islands. It is located in the Persian Gulf, near the eastern shores of Saudi Arabia.

Area: Approximately 780 square kilometers (approximately 301 square miles).

Population: Approximately 1.5 million people (as of 2023 estimate).

Language: The official language is Arabic, although English is widely used.

Climate:

Bahrain has a desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters. The country’s limited rainfall occurs mainly in the cooler months.

Economy:

While Bahrain’s economy has traditionally been heavily reliant on oil, in recent years there has been a shift towards services, with banking and tourism becoming increasingly important. Bahrain has a modern economy with a high Human Development Index.

Government:

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with the King as the head of state, and the Prime Minister as the head of government.

Education:

Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14, and is free in public schools. Bahrain has a high literacy rate, and the country is home to several institutions of higher learning.

Culture:

Bahrain has a rich history and culture with influences from the surrounding Arab countries. It is known for its traditional music, dance, and pearl fishing heritage.

Noteworthy Facts:

Bahrain was one of the first Gulf states to discover oil and to build a refinery, and it has a history dating back to the ancient Dilmun civilization. It is also the first Gulf state to have taken serious steps in the late 20th century to diversify its economy to prepare for the post-oil and post-gas period, and therefore has a reputation as a relatively liberal and modern Arabian Gulf country.

This is a general overview of Bahrain. There’s much more to learn about this country, from its ancient history to its modern advancements.