Bahrain's Size: Is It Really That Small?

Bahrain is a small Arab state situated in the Persian Gulf. It is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and about 30 smaller islands. The name Bahrain comes from the Arabic term al-baḥrayn, meaning two seas. With a land area of 760 square kilometres, it is the third-smallest nation in Asia after the Maldives and Singapore. Bahrain is about 12,939 times smaller than the United States.

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 small, low-lying islands

Bahrain is the third-smallest nation in Asia, spanning some 760 square kilometres (290 sq mi). The country's total land area is slightly greater than that of Singapore. The main island is more varied in appearance, consisting of gently folded layers of sedimentary rocks, with a central rocky and barren region rising to 440 feet (134 metres) at Al-Dukhān Hill, the country's highest point. The northern and northwestern coasts afford a contrast to the central region, forming a narrow belt of date palms and vegetable gardens irrigated by artesian water.

Five of the six principal islands are linked by a causeway system. Bahrain Island, where the capital city of Manama is located, is the largest. It is about 30 miles long and 10-12 miles wide. The island accounts for seven-eighths of the country's total land area and is surrounded by smaller islands, including Al-Muḥarraq and Sitrah, which are joined to Bahrain Island by causeways. The second group of islands consists of the Ḥawār Islands, which are situated near the coast of Qatar.

The small islands in both groups are rocky and low-lying, rising only a few feet above sea level. Bahrain has a desert climate and is one of the hottest areas in the world, with its hottest and most humid weather occurring from June to September. The combination of poor soil drainage and few storm sewers can result in muddy city streets and puddles.

The country is situated between Qatar and Saudi Arabia

Bahrain is situated between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with the latter connected via the King Fahd Causeway. The country is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and around 30 smaller islands. It is located in the Persian Gulf, a bay on the southwestern coast of the gulf.

Bahrain's total land area is slightly larger than that of Singapore. The country's landmass is divided into two separate groups of islands, which together extend about 30 miles (50 km) from north to south and 10 miles (16 km) from east to west. The island of Bahrain accounts for seven-eighths of the country's total land area and is surrounded by smaller islands. The second group consists of the Hawar Islands, which are situated near the coast of Qatar, about 12 miles (19 km) southeast of Bahrain Island.

The country's chief city, port, and capital, Manama, is located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island. It is a strikingly modern city, relaxed and cosmopolitan, and a favourite destination for visitors from neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain is the third-smallest nation in Asia

Bahrain is an island country in the Persian Gulf, comprising 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 is situated between Qatar and the northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia and is connected to the latter by the 15-mile-long (24 km) King Fahd Causeway.

Bahrain's population was 1,501,635 as of May 14, 2023, with about half of the population being non-nationals. The capital and largest city is Manama.

Bahrain's small size is in contrast to its economic significance in the region. The country has a high Human Development Index and is recognised by the World Bank as a high-income economy. Bahrain has developed the first post-oil economy in the Persian Gulf, thanks to decades of investment in the banking and tourism sectors. Many of the world's largest financial institutions have a presence in the country's capital.

The capital and largest city is Manama

Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, with an approximate population of 297,502 as of 2012. It is located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island in the Persian Gulf.

Manama has been an important trading centre in the Persian Gulf for a long time. It was first mentioned in Islamic chronicles around 1345 CE and was taken by the Portuguese in 1521 and then by the Persians in 1602. The ruling Al Khalifa dynasty has held the city, with brief interruptions, since 1783.

Manama's economy was traditionally based on pearling, fishing, boatbuilding, and import trade. The discovery of oil in Bahrain in 1932 revolutionised the city's economy and appearance, with the construction of many modern buildings. Today, Manama is a trade, financial, and commercial centre, and it is the seat of numerous banks. It is also the focal point of Bahrain's economy, with the primary industry being financial services.

Bahrain's population is over 1.2 million

Bahrain is a small country, with a population of over 1.2 million, and an area of 760 square kilometres. It is the third-smallest nation in Asia, after the Maldives and Singapore.

Bahrain is an archipelago, consisting of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands. The country is situated in the Persian Gulf, between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, to which it is connected by the King Fahd Causeway. The capital and largest city, Manama, is located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island, which makes up around 83% of the country's landmass.

Bahrain's population is ethnically diverse, with a mix of Arabs, Persians, Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Filipinos, and Indonesians, among others. The country's official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken, and other languages like Urdu, Hindi, and Tagalog are also used by expatriates.

The country's population is predominantly Muslim, with Shia Muslims making up the majority, followed by Sunni Muslims. There are also small Christian, Jewish, and Hindu communities.

Bahrain has a high population density, with over 2000 people per square mile, and it is highly urbanized, with 100% of the population living in urban areas. The population is relatively young, with a median age of 33.2 years.

In terms of economic and social indicators, Bahrain has a high-income economy, recognized by the World Bank. It has a low unemployment rate of 4% and has invested in diversifying its economy away from oil, particularly in the banking and tourism sectors. The country has a universal healthcare system, and while life expectancy is relatively high, at 73 for males and 76 for females, there is an obesity epidemic, with high rates of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

With a population of over 1.2 million and a small geographical area, Bahrain is a densely populated country with a diverse and vibrant society.

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