Bahrain's People: What's Their Official Demonym?

People from Bahrain are called Bahrainis.

Bahrain's name and language

Bahrain, officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in West Asia. The name Bahrain is derived from the Arabic word 'Bahr', meaning 'sea'. The country's name is thought to refer to the 'two seas' that surround the island, although it is not clear which two seas these are. Today, Bahrain's two seas are generally thought to be the bay east and west of the island, or the salt and freshwater present above and below ground.

Bahrain's official language is Arabic, and Bahraini Arabic is the most widely spoken dialect. However, English is widely spoken and is a compulsory second language in schools. Other languages spoken in Bahrain include Persian (Farsi), Urdu, Hindi, and Tagalog, owing to the country's diverse population.

Bahrain's history

The people of Bahrain are called Bahrainis. Now, here is a detailed history of Bahrain.

Bahrain, officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in West Asia. It is situated on the Persian Gulf and comprises a small archipelago made up of Bahrain Island and about 30 smaller islands. The name Bahrain is derived from the Arabic term 'al-baḥrayn', meaning 'two seas'.

Bahrain has been inhabited since ancient times and was the site of the ancient Dilmun civilisation, a commercial centre that traded with ancient Sumer. In the fourth century CE, Bahrain was annexed into the Sasanian Empire. In the seventh century, Muslims conquered the area and ruled until the sixteenth century.

In 1521, Portugal took control of Bahrain, using it as a pearling post and military garrison. This situation lasted until 1602, when the Persians, led by Shah Abbas the Great of Safavid Iran, wrested control from the Portuguese. In 1783, the Bani Utbah and allied tribes captured Bahrain from Nasr Al-Madhkur, and the Al Khalifa royal family has ruled since.

In the nineteenth century, Bahrain became a protectorate of the United Kingdom, signing several treaties with the British, who offered protection from the Turks in exchange for access to the Persian Gulf. In 1935, the British placed their main Middle Eastern naval base in Bahrain.

Bahrain officially declared its independence on 14 August 1971. The country experienced a dramatic rise in oil prices in the 1970s and 1980s, which significantly benefited its economy. In the 1990s, Bahrain suffered internal and external problems, including a push for democratic reforms and tense relations with Iraq and the United States.

In recent years, Bahrain has faced criticism for its human rights record, particularly during the Bahraini uprising of 2011, when the country experienced protests inspired by the Arab Spring. Despite these challenges, Bahrain remains a welfare state, providing free and comprehensive healthcare for its citizens and expatriates.

Bahrain's population

The population of Bahrain is approximately 1.5 million, including more than 700,000 non-nationals. The population is growing rapidly, with a high birth rate and a low death rate. Bahrain has a high population density, with most people living in cities in the north of the country. The capital and largest city, Manama, is home to around 148,000 people and stands on a seabed, with parts of the city recently reclaimed from the water. Manama has modern buildings and wide, tree-lined roads, as well as an older section with a traditional souk, or marketplace.

Bahrain is an ethnically diverse country, with a mix of Arabs, Asians, and other nationalities making up its population. The majority of the population is Arab, with roughly half being native-born Bahrainis and the other half consisting of foreigners from countries like Iran, India, and Pakistan. There is also a significant Christian population, as well as a small number of Jews and Hindus.

Bahrain has a young population, with one-third of its people under the age of 15. The country has a low unemployment rate of around 4%, although youth unemployment is a concern. The economy is heavily reliant on the petroleum and aluminium industries, with these sectors accounting for a large portion of exports and GDP. However, Bahrain has been diversifying its economy, with growing sectors in banking, tourism, and communications.

The official language of Bahrain is Arabic, but English, Farsi, and Urdu are also widely spoken due to the country's diverse population. Education is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 14 and is free for Bahraini citizens in government schools. Bahrain has a universal healthcare system, providing free and comprehensive medical care to both nationals and expatriates.

Bahrain's economy

People from Bahrain are called Bahrainis. Now, here is some information about Bahrain's economy:

Bahrain has the second-highest-valued currency unit in the world, the Bahraini Dinar. The country has invested heavily in the banking and tourism sectors since the late 20th century, with many large financial structures in its capital, Manama. Bahrain's economy has benefited from the regional boom driven by the demand for oil, and the country is the main banking hub for the Persian Gulf and a centre for Islamic finance.

Bahrain has worked to diversify its economy, especially due to its limited oil supplies compared to its Persian Gulf neighbours. The country has expanded into heavy industries, retail, and tourism, and has developed one of the first post-oil economies in the Persian Gulf. Bahrain's other exports include aluminium, construction materials, and financial services.

Bahrain's gross international reserves increased substantially in 2004, and the country signed the US-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement in 2005, becoming the first Persian Gulf state to do so. Bahrain's GDP grew by 2.45% in 2023, with the non-oil sector showing a robust increase of 4.48%, indicating successful economic diversification efforts.

The country has a well-developed road network, particularly in Manama, and a modern international airport, Bahrain International Airport, which handled almost 100,000 flights and more than 9.5 million passengers in 2019. Bahrain also has a large share of imports, relying heavily on meat imports from Australia and importing 75% of its total fruit consumption needs.

Bahrain's telecommunications sector has grown, with the country having a connectivity score of 210.4% per person in 2013, higher than the regional average of 135.37% in the Arab States of the Persian Gulf. The number of internet users in Bahrain has also increased over the years, rising from 40,000 in 2000 to 250,0000 in 2008.

Overall, Bahrain's economy is heavily reliant on oil and gas, but the country has made significant strides in diversifying its economy, particularly in the banking, tourism, and heavy industries sectors.

Bahrain's culture

Bahrain is a small Arab state situated in the Persian Gulf, comprising a small archipelago of Bahrain Island and around 30 smaller islands. The name Bahrain is derived from the Arabic term 'al-baḥrayn', meaning 'two seas'. The country's culture is heavily influenced by its Islamic faith and historical trading connections.

Religion

Bahrain's state religion is Islam, with around 70% of the population practising Shia Islam and 30% following Sunni Islam. Shia Muslims are divided into two main ethnic groups: Baharna and Ajam. Sunni Bahrainis are mainly divided into Arabs and Huwala, who are descendants of Sunni Iranians. Religious affiliation is of primary importance in defining one's identity, and there are tensions between the Sunni and Shia communities.

Language

Arabic is the official language of Bahrain and is widely used in daily life. English is also commonly spoken and is taught as a compulsory second language in schools. Farsi and Urdu are additionally spoken by large numbers of Indian and Persian residents.

Food

Bahrain's best-known dish is machbous, consisting of fish or meat served with rice. A popular dessert is muhammar, made from brown rice and sugar or dates, and halwa, a sticky dessert filled with spices and nuts. Snacks such as sambousas, pastries filled with meat, cheese, sugar or nuts, are also enjoyed.

Muslim holidays are often marked by large family meals, with the breaking of the fast during Ramadan celebrated with feasts of traditional food and various sweets and pastries.

Arts and Literature

Bahrain has a strong literary tradition, with most classical Arabic-style works produced by well-known contemporary poets such as Qasim Haddad, Ibrahim al'Urayyid, and Ahmad Muhammed Al Khalifah. However, younger poets are increasingly influenced by Western literature, writing free verse with personal and political content.

Bahrain's music and dance follow the traditional Arabic mode, with music played on instruments such as the oud (lute) and the rebaba (a one-stringed instrument). The ardha is a traditional men's sword dance accompanied by drumming and poetry.

The country also has a rich history of embroidery, particularly in the village of Sanabis, where women sew elaborate gold thread embroidery onto their traditional dresses and cloaks. Fabric weaving and mat-making from sea grasses are also practised, along with the production of dhows, wooden boats made without metal nails.

Greetings and Hospitality

Greetings in Bahrain are generally lengthy, with people asking about each other's health and family. It is customary to stand when someone enters the room and shake hands, with the hand then touched to the heart as a gesture of affection. Offering coffee or tea to visitors is also considered an important custom.

Clothing

Men traditionally wear a long robe called a thobe, with wealthier individuals often opting for a more Western-style thobe with pockets and French cuffs. Men also typically wear a gutra, a scarf wrapped around the head.

Women usually cover their clothes with a black cloak, or abaya, over their head, and a thin black veil, or niqab, over their face. However, it is becoming more common for younger women in cities to leave their faces or heads uncovered.

Economy and Trade

Bahrain has a mixed economy, with a heavy reliance on petroleum processing and refining, contributing to 60% of exports and 30% of the GDP. The country has additionally invested in the banking and tourism sectors, becoming a centre for international banking and headquarters for multinational companies operating in the Persian Gulf region.

Bahrain was historically known for its pearl fisheries, considered the best in the world until the 19th century. Today, Bahrain continues its trading heritage, with exports including aluminium, textiles, and iron ore, and imports such as crude oil, machinery, transportation equipment, and food.

Leisure Activities

Falconry, gazelle and hare hunting, horse and camel racing, and Formula One motor racing are popular leisure pursuits in Bahrain. The country also boasts the largest underwater theme park in the world, Dive Bahrain.

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