General information about Bahrain

Here is general and detailed information about Bahrain:

📌 General Information

Official Name: Kingdom of Bahrain

Capital: Manama

Location: Island nation in the Persian Gulf, located between the Qatar Peninsula and Saudi Arabia

Area: Approximately 778 km² (smaller than even Turkey’s smallest provinces)

Population: ~1.6 million (2025 estimate, more than half of the population are foreign workers)

Official Language: Arabic (English is also widely used)

Religion: Mostly Muslim (a mix of Shia and Sunni)

Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BHD) – 1 BHD is one of the most valuable currencies among Gulf countries.

📖 History

Throughout history, Bahrain has been under the rule of the Dilmun Civilization, the Babylonians, the Persians, and the Islamic Caliphates.

It was occupied by the Portuguese in the 19th century, then came under the influence of the Ottoman Empire and then of Britain in the 18th century.

It declared independence from Britain in 1971.

It became a kingdom through constitutional amendments in 2002.

🌍 Geography

Bahrain consists of 33 islands. The largest is Bahrain Island.

It is connected to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Bridge (25 km long).

It has a desert climate; summers are very hot (over 40°C) and winters are mild.

Freshwater resources are very limited, so desalination plants are used.

💰 Economy

Its economy is largely dependent on oil and natural gas revenues.

However, due to its limited reserves, it has developed in recent years in banking, finance, tourism, and telecommunications.

Bahrain is known as the financial center of the Gulf region.

Tax rates are low, making it an attractive country for foreign investment.

🏙️ Culture and Lifestyle

Traditional Arab culture and a modern lifestyle are intertwined.

The Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix is ​​held annually and is one of the country’s most important international events.

Shopping malls, skyscrapers, and luxury hotels are prominent.

Rice, fish, and dates play a significant role in traditional cuisine. Machboos (spicy rice and meat) is a popular dish.

Education and healthcare services are considered more developed than in some other Gulf countries.

🏛️ Government

Type of Government: Constitutional monarchy with elements of absolute monarchy

Head of State: King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

Parliament: Bicameral (Consultative Council and House of Representatives)

Politically, tensions occasionally arise between the Shia majority and the Sunni ruling family.

🗺️ Featured Places

Manama: The capital city, a financial center, is famous for its modern skyscrapers.

Bahrain World Trade Center: An iconic skyscraper with integrated wind turbines.

Bahrain Fort (Qal’at al-Bahrain): An ancient fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Al-Fateh Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the Middle East.

Tree of Life: A mysterious tree that has lived in the middle of the desert for 400 years.