Exploring Manama, Bahrain: Size And All

Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, a small Arab state situated in a bay on the southwestern coast of the Persian Gulf. It is located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island, which makes up around 83% of the country's landmass. The city is home to around a fifth of the country's population, which was 1,501,635 as of May 14, 2023.

Manama has a diverse population and is a favourite destination for visitors from neighbouring Saudi Arabia. It is relaxed and cosmopolitan, with a modern skyline that includes the Bahrain World Trade Center. The city has a subtropical climate and a desert vegetation, with date palms and camels.

In terms of area, Bahrain is slightly larger than Singapore, covering 780 square kilometres.

Manama's population

Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain. It is a diverse city with a population of 297,502 as of 2012. In 2024, the population is estimated to be 726,505, up from 40,283 in 1950. Manama has grown by 17,623 in the last year, representing a 2.49% annual change.

Manama has long been an important trading centre in the Persian Gulf, and its population includes both native Bahrainis and expatriates. The city's role as a regional port city has made it a hub for migrant workers, and it has often been described as a cosmopolitan city. In 1904, it was estimated that Manama's population was 25,000, half of whom were foreigners from places like Basra, Najd, al-Hasa, Iran, India, and Europe.

The two main branches of Islam, Shia Islam and Sunni Islam, coexist in Manama, with distinct ethnic groups representing each. The Shia community includes native Arab Baharna, Hasawis, and Qatifis of mainland Arabia, as well as Persian Ajam. The Sunni community is represented by Arab Bedouin tribes, Bani Utbah, and Huwala.

Manama's economy

Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, with a population of 297,502 as of 2012. It is the focal point of the Bahraini economy, with a diverse range of industries contributing to its growth and development.

Historically, Manama's economy relied heavily on pearling and shipbuilding, with the pearling industry providing employment for up to 18,000 people in 1907. However, with the onset of the Great Depression and the discovery of oil in 1932, the country's economy began to shift towards the petroleum industry. Today, petroleum remains a significant sector, but Manama has successfully diversified into other areas.

The primary industry in Manama is financial services, with over 200 financial institutions and banks based in the city's CBD and Diplomatic Area. Manama is a financial hub for the Persian Gulf region and a centre of Islamic banking. The city also has a large retail sector, with shopping malls around Seef catering to both locals and tourists.

In addition to financial services and retail, Manama has experienced growth in heavy industry, including aluminium smelting and ship repair. Tourism is another important sector, with Manama being a favourite destination for visitors from neighbouring Saudi Arabia. The city's modern architecture, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions, such as the Bab Al Bahrain and the Manama souq, make it a popular tourist destination.

Manama's diverse economy has attracted several multinational companies, which have established facilities and offices in and around the city. The city's strategic location, well-developed infrastructure, and proximity to other major economic centres in the region have contributed to its economic success.

Manama's history

Manama, the capital of Bahrain, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Here is an overview of Manama's history:

Ancient History

Evidence of human settlement in Manama dates back to the Bronze Age, with the area being inhabited by the Dilmun civilisation around 3000 BC. The Dilmun civilisation was a key regional trading hub, connecting Mesopotamia, Magan, and the Indus Valley civilisation. Manama was also a centre of Shia scholarship and training for religious scholars, the ulema.

Foreign Rule and Invasions

Manama has been under the control of various foreign powers throughout its history. In the 16th century, it fell under Portuguese rule, followed by Persian rule in the 17th century. In the 18th century, Manama was invaded by the ruling dynasty of Saudi Arabia and later by Oman. During this time, Manama's economy suffered due to political instability, with invasions paralysing commercial trade.

British Rule

In the 19th century, Manama became a key location for British activity in the Persian Gulf. The British signed agreements with Bahrain, placing the country under their control and protection. Manama served as a military base for the British during World War I and was officially integrated into the British Empire in 1919. During the British rule, various administrative reforms were implemented, and infrastructure development took place, including the construction of roads and the establishment of a municipal government in Manama.

Independence

Bahrain gained independence from Britain in 1971, with Manama designated as its capital city. Post-independence Manama was characterised by rapid urbanisation and economic growth, particularly in the financial sector. The discovery of oil played a significant role in Manama's development, with the country becoming one of the first post-oil economies in the Persian Gulf.

Recent History

In recent decades, Manama has continued to develop and diversify its economy, attracting multinational companies and becoming a hub for banking and financial services. It has also become a popular tourist destination, known for its modern cityscape and cultural attractions. Manama was designated as the 2012 capital of Arab culture and continues to be an important cultural and economic centre in the region.

Manama's climate

Manama, the capital of Bahrain, has an arid climate with extreme weather conditions. It experiences long, sweltering, and oppressively hot summers, with temperatures reaching up to 45°C (113°F). The highest average temperature is in August, at around 33.8°C (92.9°F). The hot season lasts for about 4.5 months, from mid-May to the end of September.

On the other hand, winters in Manama are cool and dry, with temperatures dropping as low as 7°C (45°F). The coldest month is January, with an average low of 58°F and a high of 68°F. The cool season lasts for about 3 months, from early December to early March.

Throughout the year, precipitation in Manama is almost non-existent, with an average annual rainfall of only 68mm (2.7 inches). The month with the most rain is January, while July typically sees no rainfall.

The city experiences minimal seasonal variation in terms of cloud cover and wet days. August is the cloudiest month, while clear skies are most common in October.

Overall, the climate in Manama is desert-like, with high temperatures, low rainfall, and minimal cloud cover throughout most of the year.

Manama's transport links

Manama is the capital of Bahrain and the country's central transportation hub. The city is located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island, which is the largest island in the archipelago. The city's transport links include air, sea, and road travel.

Air Travel

Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is located on Muharraq Island, around 7km from Manama. It is the primary airport for regional services and essential connections to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Over 60% of the weekly flights are operated by the national carrier, Gulf Air. The airport is served by five public bus lines (A1, A2, 10, 11, and 12), which run every 20 minutes. Airport taxis are also readily available, although they charge extra for pick-up/drop-off at the airport, night travel, and waiting time.

Sea Travel

The Khalifa Bin Salman Port and Mina Salman Port are modern cruise terminals located close to the city. Mina Salman Port is the main seaport of Bahrain and can accommodate 16 ocean-going vessels.

Road Travel

Manama is the main hub of Bahrain's road network, which has been substantially developed in recent years to ameliorate traffic congestion. The city's road network includes a series of ring roads, causeways, and bridges that connect Manama to other islands and settlements. Private vehicles and taxis are the primary means of transportation in the city.

Public bus transportation was launched in 2015 and consists of a comprehensive network of 141 buses. There is currently no railway system in Bahrain, but there are plans to construct one.

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