Leslie Massey
Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf, known for its thriving economy, rich history, and pearl trade. It is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain and is headed by a king, whose succession is hereditary. Here are some interesting facts about Bahrain:
- It is the smallest country in the Middle East and Asia's third smallest country, covering only 295 square miles.
- Bahrain was one of the earliest adopters of Islam, converting as early as 628 AD.
- It staged the Middle East's first Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2004.
- Bahrain is home to the Tree of Life, a mesquite tree planted in the 1500s that stands alone in the southern desert with no obvious water sources.
- It has the world's largest underwater theme park, Dive Bahrain, spanning over 100,000 square meters.
- Bahrain is the third biggest per-capita consumer of electricity in Asia and the world.
- The country's name comes from the Arabic term al-Bahrayn, which means two seas.
What You'll Learn
Bahrain is the third smallest country in Asia
Bahrain has a coastline stretching 100 miles and does not share a land border with any other country. The country's capital and largest city is Manama, which is located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island.
Bahrain's small size has not prevented it from having a rich history and culture. The country is believed to have been the place where Arabian and Persian cultures coexisted and was famous for its pearl fisheries and textile industry in ancient times. Today, Bahrain is one of the richest countries in the world based on GDP per capita and has a well-equipped defence force. The country also has a strong foreign policy, with 25 embassies around the world, and is a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
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It has one of the largest mosques in the world
The Kingdom of Bahrain is home to one of the largest mosques in the world, the Al-Fateh Mosque, also known as the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. Covering an area of 6,500 square meters, the mosque can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers and is crowned with the largest fiberglass dome in the world.
The construction of the mosque was completed in 1987 under the patronage of the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and was named after Ahmed Al Fateh. The Al-Fateh Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a testament to Bahrain's rich history and cultural significance.
The mosque's vast size and architectural grandeur reflect the country's Islamic heritage and traditions. With its ability to host thousands of worshippers, it serves as a central gathering place for the religious community in Bahrain. The mosque's design and construction involved intricate craftsmanship, incorporating various artistic and architectural elements that showcase the skills and talents of those involved in its creation.
The Al-Fateh Mosque has become an iconic landmark in Bahrain, attracting visitors and tourists alike. Its architectural beauty and religious significance have made it a popular destination for those seeking to learn more about the country's cultural and spiritual heritage. The mosque's status as one of the largest in the world underscores Bahrain's contribution to Islamic architecture and reinforces the country's religious and cultural identity on a global scale.
The Al-Fateh Mosque stands as a symbol of unity and devotion, welcoming people from all walks of life to come together in prayer and reflection. Its presence as one of the largest mosques in the world underscores Bahrain's commitment to religious practices and its role in shaping the country's social and cultural landscape.
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Bahrain has a series of bridges and causeways to Saudi Arabia
Bahrain has a series of bridges and causeways that connect it with Saudi Arabia. The King Fahd Causeway, a 15- to 25-mile-long series of bridges and causeways, links Bahrain with the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It is possible to drive halfway across, with a border crossing at the midpoint. The causeway was inaugurated in 1986 and, as of 2010, an estimated 25,000 vehicles used it daily.
The idea of building a bridge linking Bahrain to Saudi Arabia had been of great interest to both kingdoms for generations. The project to build the bridge began during an official visit to Bahrain in 1954 by King Saud, who wished to nurture and solidify the bonds between the two countries. In 1965, plans to construct the causeway began to take form officially when the Prime Minister of Bahrain, Sheikh Khalifah ibn Sulman Al Khalifah, paid a courtesy visit to King Faisal, who again expressed his wish to move forward with the project.
The causeway was constructed in three segments: from Al-Aziziyyah, south of Khobar, to the Border Station on Passport Island; from the Border Station to Nasan Island in Bahrain; and from Nasan Island to Al-Jasra, Northern Governorate, on the main island of Bahrain. The project cost a total of US$800 million (SAR3 billion). The four-lane road is 25km long and its two roadways are 11.6m wide.
The construction of the causeway has strengthened bilateral relations and regional defence and has helped both countries economically and politically. A second causeway is also planned, with the $3.5bn project moving towards construction.
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It was once believed to be the Garden of Eden
Bahrain was once believed to be the Garden of Eden due to its resemblance to the ancient land of Dilmun. Dilmun, which encompassed Bahrain and parts of eastern Saudi Arabia, was described as a "virtual Garden of Eden" in ancient texts—a land where the wolf and the lamb lived in harmony and youth was eternal.
The ancient Mesopotamian mythology describes Dilmun as a pure and holy place. According to the Sumerian epic of the second millennium BCE, King Gilgamesh of Uruk identified the "flower of eternal youth" in Dilmun. The sweet water springs and lush vegetation were described as heaven on earth, where there was no disease or death.
The archaeological site of Saar in Bahrain, which dates back to around 1900 BC, reveals a prosperous trading society with abundant water supplies. The town, which was one of several bustling towns in Bahrain, was ruled from a city whose ruins lie beneath a medieval fort six miles to the northeast. Merchants in the area grew rich as ships laden with copper from Oman stopped in Dilmun while travelling to Babylon in Mesopotamia. Dilmun was also famous for its dates and pearls.
Dilmun achieved everlasting fame in Mesopotamian religious texts, where it was lauded in mythological terms. Archaeologists believe that Dilmun's role as a port where ships took on food and water may have contributed to its glorified image among the Sumerians and later the Babylonians.
While modern scholars dismiss the speculations of Bahrain/Dilmun as the Garden of Eden, the abundance of freshwater springs and lush vegetation in ancient Dilmun certainly bear a resemblance to the biblical description of paradise.
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The country's natives love coffee
Coffee is an integral part of social life in Bahrain. The natives consider the ritual of drinking coffee one of the most important aspects of their social interactions. Coffeehouses, or qahwa in Modern Standard Arabic, are places where people, mostly men, meet to socialise over games, coffee, and water pipes (shisha or argille).
Arabic coffee, or Qahwa, is a version of brewed coffee made from Coffea arabica beans. It is typically spiced with cardamom or saffron and served without sugar. Arabic coffee is bitter, and it is usually served in a small cup called a finjān.
In Bahrain, coffee is often flavoured with cardamom or saffron, giving it a distinct taste compared to European coffee. There are many coffee shops across the country where people can enjoy a cup of coffee while socialising with friends. The coffee scene in Bahrain is thriving, with new coffee shops and roasters opening up regularly.
The tradition of drinking coffee has a long history in the country, dating back to the 15th century when it was brought to the region from Yemen. Coffee played an important role in the cultural and social life of the country, and it continues to be a significant part of Bahraini culture today.
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Frequently asked questions
Bahrain is the third-smallest country in Asia, covering an area of 295 square miles.
Bahrain has been an independent nation for less than 50 years. The country has been ruled by the Al Khalifa family since the 18th century and was previously under the rule of the British, Portuguese, Persian Empire and others.
Bahrain is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Dilmun-era burial mounds, which date back to 2200 BC. It also has the world's largest underwater theme park, spanning more than 100,000 square metres.
Seafood is a big part of Bahrain's cuisine, with fish and shrimp often served over fragrant rice. Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken and taught in schools.
