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Facts & Information about Bahrain
LetsExplore has everything you need to know about Bahrain. Check out our country profile, full of essential information about Bahrain’s geography, history, government, economy, population, culture, religion, and languages.
Flag Of Bahrain
Map Of Bahrain
History of Bahrain
The Kingdom of Bahrain has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was one of the earliest areas to convert to Islam in the 7th century A.D. The country has seen various influences from Europe and the Middle East, as well as rulers throughout its history, including the Persians, Portuguese, and British. In more recent history, it was a British protectorate before gaining independence in 1971. Today, Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy headed by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who has ruled since 2002.
Geography of Bahrain
Bahraini geography is unique. It comprises a small archipelago with Bahrain Island being the main island. Other significant islands include Muharraq Island and the Hawar Islands. The country’s topography is relatively flat, with the highest point being Jabal ad Dukhan. The nation’s terrain includes both desert and fertile land, and it lies close to the western shores of the Persian Gulf, within a maritime area known as the Gulf of Bahrain.
The physical map of Bahrain shows various governorates, major cities like Riffa and Hamad Town, and towns like Awali and Zallaq. Notably, Bahrain’s location places it between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, making it a significant player on the Middle East political map.
Tourist Attractions in Bahrain
Bahrain’s rich history and unique geography make it a fascinating destination for tourists. The country’s capital and largest city, Manama (also known as Al Manamah), offers a blend of modern and traditional attractions. Other major cities in the country include Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa ash Sharqi, and Isa Town. All these cities offer their own unique experiences to travelers who visit them. For history enthusiasts, the Bahrain Fort and the Bahrain National Museum offer a glimpse into the country’s past.
For those interested in geography and nature, a visit to the Al Areen Wildlife Park or a tour of the Hawar Islands might be of interest. Another significant attraction is the King Fahd Causeway, a marvel of engineering that connects Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
People Also Ask
If you’re inspecting maps of Bahrain, you may have some queries about the region. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, along with their answers.
Is Bahrain Part of Asia or Africa?
On the world map, Bahrain is located in the Persian Gulf, in West Asia, and the greater Middle East. It shares maritime borders with Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
What Is Bahrain Known For?
Bahrain is known for its culture, traditions, and architecture. The country also has a long history of pearl diving and it is home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world. It also boasts an impressive range of modern attractions including theme parks and water sports activities. Bahrain also has some stunning nature reserves which are worth discovering.
What Language Do People Speak in Bahrain?
The official language spoken in Bahrain is Arabic, although English is also widely spoken and understood. Other common languages used include Persian, Urdu, Hindi, and Malayalam.
Facts & Figures
- King: Hamad ibn Isa al-Khalifah (1999)
Prime Minister: Khalifah ibn Sulman al-Khalifah (1970)
Land area: 239 sq mi (619 sq km); total area: 257 sq mi (665 sq km)
Population (2014 est.): 1,314,089 (growth rate: 2.49%); birth rate: 13.92/1000; infant mortality rate: 9.68/1000; life expectancy: 78.58
Capital and largest city (2011 est.): Al-Manámah, 262,000
Monetary unit: Bahrain dinar
National Name: Mamlakat al Bahrayn
Current government officials
Bahrain Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members
- Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members of Foreign Governments
Date of Information: 5/2/2012
| King | HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa |
| Prime Min. | KHALIFA bin Salman Al Khalifa |
| Dep. Prime Min. | ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa |
| Dep. Prime Min. | Jawad bin Salim al-ARAIDH |
| Dep. Prime Min. | KHALID bin Abdallah Al Khalifa |
| Dep. Prime Min. | MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak Al Khalifa |
| Min. of Culture | MAI bint Muhammad Al Khalifa |
| Min. of Education | Majid bin Ali Hasan al-NUAYMI |
| Min. of Energy | Abd al-Husayn MIRZA |
| Min. of Finance | AHMAD bin Muhammad bin Hamad bin Abdallah Al Khalifa |
| Min. of Foreign Affairs | KHALID bin Ahmad bin Muhammad Al Khalifa |
| Min. of Health | Sadiq bin Abd al-Karim al-SHIHABI |
| Min. of Housing | Basim bin Yacub al-HAMAR |
| Min. of Human Rights & Social Development | Fatima bint Ahmad al-BALUSHI |
| Min. of Industry & Commerce | HASAN bin Abdallah Fakhru |
| Min. of Interior | RASHID bin Abdallah bin Ahmad Al Khalifa |
| Min. of Justice & Islamic Affairs | KHALID bin Ali Al Khalifa |
| Min. of Labor | Jamil Muhammad Ali HUMAYDAN |
| Min. of Municipal Affairs & Urban Planning | JUMA bin Ahmad al-Ka’abi |
| Min. of the Royal Court | KHALID bin Ahmad bin Salman Al Khalifa |
| Min. of the Royal Court for Follow-Up Affairs | AHMAD BIN ATIYATALLAH Al Khalifa |
| Min. of Royal Court Affairs | ALI bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa |
| Min. of Transportation | KAMAL bin Ahmad Muhammad |
| Min. of Works | ISSAM bin Abdallah Khalaf |
| Min. of State for Defense Affairs | MUHAMMAD bin Abdallah Al Khalifa |
| Min. of State for Follow-Up Affairs | Muhammad bin Ibrahim al-MUTAWA |
| Min. of State for Foreign Affairs | Ghanim bin Fadhil al-BUAYNAYN |
| Min. of State for Human Rights Affairs | Salah ALI, Dr. |
| Min. of State for Information Affairs | Samira RAJAB |
| Min. of State for Shura Council & Parliament Affairs | Abd al-Aziz bin Muhammad al-FADHIL |
| Attorney Gen. | ALI bin Fadhil al-Buaynayn |
| Governor, Central Bank of Bahrain | Rashid bin Muhammad al-MARAJ |
| Ambassador to the US | Huda Azra Ibrahim NUNU |
| Permanent Representative to the UN, New York | Jamal Faris al-RUWAYI |
Languages: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu
Ethnicity/race: Bahraini 46%, Asian 45.5%, other Arabs 4.7%, African 1.6%, European 1%, other 1.2% (includes Gulf Co-operative country nationals, North and South Americans, and Oceanians) (2010 est.)
Geography
Bahrain, which means “two seas,” is an archipelago in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Saudi Arabia. The islands for the most part are level expanses of sand and rock. A causeway connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.
Government
Constitutional monarchy.
History
Known in ancient times as Dilmun, Bahrain was an important center of trade by the 3rd millennium B.C. The islands were ruled by the Persians in the 4th century A.D., and then by Arabs until 1541, when the Portuguese invaded them. Persia again claimed Bahrain in 1602. In 1783 Ahmad ibn al-Khalifah took over, and the al-Khalifahs remain the ruling family today. Bahrain became a British protectorate in 1820. It did not gain full independence until Aug. 14, 1971.
Although oil was discovered in Bahrain in the 1930s, it was relatively little compared to other Gulf states, and the wells are expected to be the first in the region to dry up. Sheik Isa ibn Sulman al-Khalifah, who became emir in 1961, was determined to diversify his country’s economy, and he set about establishing Bahrain as a major financial center. The country provides its people with free medical care, education, and old-age pensions.
Conflicts between the Shiite and Sunni Muslims are a recurring problem in Bahrain. The Sunni minority, to which the ruling al-Khalifah family belongs, controls nearly all the power and wealth in the country. the Shiites continue to agitate for more representation in government, and minor violent clashes have led to about two dozen deaths since 1994.
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