Exploring Bahrain's Geography: Square Footage Of This Nation

Bahrain is a small Arab state situated in a bay on the southwestern coast of the Persian Gulf. It is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and about 30 smaller islands. The country spans some 760 square kilometres (290 sq mi), and is the third-smallest nation in Asia after the Maldives and Singapore. The name Bahrain is derived from the Arabic term 'al-baḥrayn', meaning 'two seas'.

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands

Bahrain is an archipelago of islands in the Persian Gulf, comprising a total area of 780 square kilometres. It is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain and is an island country in West Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the Qatar Peninsula.

Bahrain is often described as an archipelago of 33 islands, but due to land reclamation projects, this number has increased to 84. The country consists of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, with Bahrain Island being the largest and constituting around 83% of the country's landmass. The other notable islands include the Hawar Islands, Muharraq Island, Umm an Nasan, and Sitra.

The country has a coastline of 161 kilometres and does not share any land boundaries with other nations. Bahrain has a varied topography, with a low desert plain rising gently to a central escarpment, with the highest point being the 134-metre Mountain of Smoke. The country experiences mild winters and hot, humid summers.

Bahrain's natural resources include large quantities of oil and natural gas, as well as fish in its offshore waters. The country has a diverse range of flora and fauna, with over 330 species of birds and 18 species of mammals. The Hawar Islands, in particular, are known for their importance in bird migration and the presence of the dugong, a marine mammal.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has a rich history, having been influenced by various civilisations throughout the centuries. It is known for its pearl fisheries and was one of the earliest areas to adopt Islam during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad. Bahrain also has a long tradition of trade and commerce, dating back to the ancient Dilmun civilisation.

The country's name means 'two seas' in Arabic

The country's name, Bahrain, is derived from the Arabic term "al-Bahrayn", which means "two seas". However, the precise "two seas" to which the name refers remain disputed.

Some believe the name refers to the bay east and west of the island, or the seas north and south of it. Another theory suggests that the "two seas" are the salt and freshwater present above and below the ground. In ancient times, Bahrain was known for its freshwater springs, which bubbled up in the sea north of the island and were used by the country's famous pearl divers.

In addition, the al-Ahsa region proposes that the "two seas" were the Great Green Ocean (the Persian Gulf) and a peaceful lake on the Arabian mainland.

Bahrain is the third-smallest nation in Asia

Bahrain, officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a small island country in West Asia, situated in the Persian Gulf. It is the third-smallest nation in Asia, with a land area of 760 square kilometres (290 square miles) or 778 square kilometres (300 square miles) according to another source. For context, Bahrain is about 3.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. and is roughly the same size as New York City.

Bahrain is an archipelago consisting of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, with Bahrain Island making up around 83% of the country's landmass. The country is bordered by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with a causeway connecting it to the latter.

Bahrain's small size is reflected in its population, which numbers around 1.5 million as of 2023. The country's capital and largest city, Manama, is home to around one in nine residents. Bahrain has a high population density, with an estimated 1,909 inhabitants per square kilometre.

Despite its small size, Bahrain has a diverse economy, with significant contributions from the banking, tourism, and oil sectors. The country has been recognised by the World Bank as a high-income economy.

Bahrain's highest point is the 134-metre Mountain of Smoke

Bahrain is a small island country in West Asia, situated in the Persian Gulf. It comprises a small archipelago of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, centred on Bahrain Island, which makes up around 83% of the country's landmass. The country spans 760 square kilometres (290 sq mi), making it the third-smallest nation in Asia.

Bahrain's highest point is the 134-metre (440-foot) Mountain of Smoke, also known as Jabal ad Dukhan in Arabic. This hill is located in the Southern Governorate of Bahrain and is named for the haze that often surrounds it on humid days. The Mountain of Smoke is the country's highest point, rising 134 metres above mean sea level.

The Mountain of Smoke holds archaeological significance, with flint dating to the Stone Age discovered on and around the hill. Additionally, there are several caves of indeterminate type in the vicinity of the mountain. The Mountain of Smoke is a popular tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Bahrain is largely flat and arid, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The country experiences minimal rainfall, mostly during the winter months, with an average annual precipitation of 70.8 millimetres or 2.8 inches. The natural landscape is characterised by desert terrain, with periodic droughts and dust storms posing the main natural hazards.

While Bahrain is predominantly flat, the Mountain of Smoke stands out as a notable geographical feature, offering a contrast to the surrounding desert plains.

Bahrain's population is around 1.5 million

Bahrain is a small island country in West Asia, situated in the Persian Gulf. It is the third-smallest nation in Asia, with a land area of 760 square kilometres (290 square miles). The country is made up of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, with Bahrain Island accounting for around 83% of the country's landmass.

As of May 14, 2023, the population of Bahrain was approximately 1.5 million, with 712,362 people being Bahraini nationals. The population is concentrated in the two principal cities, Manama and Al Muharraq. Bahrain is a diverse country, with a mix of ethnic and religious groups. Non-nationals make up more than half of the population, with a significant number of people from South and Southeast Asia. The country's official religion is Islam, with Muslims constituting around 74% of the population. The majority of Bahraini Muslims follow the Shia branch, while the remaining are Sunni. Christians make up about 14.5% of the population, and there are also small Jewish and Hindu communities.

Bahrain has a high population density, with 1,607,049 people per square kilometre as of 2024. The median age is 33.2 years, and the country has a life expectancy of 78 years for men and 80 years for women. The country's population growth and diverse demographics have significant implications for its social, economic, and political landscape.

Frequently asked questions