Bahrain's Bapraka: A Cultural And Historical Treasure

Bapco, short for Bahrain Petroleum Company, is a subsidiary of the Standard Oil Company of California (Socal). It was one of the first companies in the Gulf to discover oil and build a refinery. Bapco discovered oil at Jabal al-Dukhan in 1931, and production began the following year.

Bahrain's history and politics

Bahrain, officially known as the Kingdom of 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 name Bahrain is derived from the Arabic term 'al-baḥrayn', which means 'two seas'.

Bahrain has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It is believed to be the site of the ancient Dilmun civilisation and has been a centre for pearl fisheries, which were considered the best in the world until the 19th century. Bahrain was one of the earliest regions to embrace Islam during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad in 628 AD. Over the centuries, it has been ruled by various empires, including the Portuguese Empire and Safavid Iran, before coming under the control of the Al Khalifa royal family in 1783.

In the late 19th century, Bahrain became a protectorate of the British Empire and gained independence in 1971. The country has experienced political upheaval, including protests inspired by the Arab Spring in 2011, and criticism for human rights violations. Bahrain transitioned from an emirate to a semi-constitutional monarchy in 2002, with Sharia law as a principal source of legislation.

The country has a bicameral National Assembly, consisting of the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives. While elections are held, the political system is dominated by the Al Khalifa family, who have close ties with the United States and other regional powers. Bahrain's economy, while initially dependent on oil, has diversified into banking, tourism, and other sectors, earning recognition as a high-income economy by the World Bank.

Bahrain's economy

Bahrain has a nominal GDP of USD 46.0 billion in 2023, with a GDP per capita of USD 28,698 compared to the global average of USD 10,589. The economy recorded an average annual growth of 2.8% in the decade to 2022, with an average real GDP growth of 2.9% over the last decade. Services accounted for 55% of overall GDP in 2021, with manufacturing at 20%, other industrial activity at 25%, and agriculture at 0%. Bahrain's monetary policy rate ended 2022 at 5.25%, up from 0.50% a decade earlier.

Bahrain has developed one of the first post-oil economies in the Persian Gulf, with decades of investment in the banking and tourism sectors. The country is home to many of the world's largest financial institutions, and its banking and financial services sector, particularly Islamic banking, have benefited from the regional boom driven by demand for oil. Petroleum production and processing are Bahrain's most exported products, accounting for 60% of export receipts, 70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP.

Bahrain offers 100% foreign ownership in most of its thriving non-oil-based sectors, with minimum hurdles for creating and operating a company. The country has a free economy, with a supportive business environment designed to help companies flourish. The Bahrain Economic Development Board is the first point of call for entities looking to establish their business in Bahrain, providing assistance in finding business locations and navigating legal requirements.

Bahrain's pre-oil economy was largely based on pearl fisheries, which were considered the best in the world until the 19th century. The country has since diversified, with aluminium production as the second-most exported product, followed by finance and construction materials. Bahrain's port of Mina Salman is the main seaport, consisting of 15 berths. The country has a well-developed road network, with modern bridges and causeways connecting the main islands.

Unemployment, depletion of oil and underground water resources, and over-reliance on food imports are long-term economic challenges for Bahrain. The country has the smallest hydrocarbon reserves of any Persian Gulf state, with gas reserves expected to last less than 27 years. Bahrain's public debt in 2020 was $44.5 billion, or 130% of GDP, and is projected to increase to 155% of GDP in 2026, largely due to military expenditure.

Bahrain's population and demographics

Bahrain's population is approximately 1.6 million, with a density of 2,115 people per square kilometre. The country is 100% urban, with most people living in the two principal cities of Manama and Al Muharraq. Bahrain is the third-smallest nation in Asia and the fourth most densely populated sovereign state in the world.

Bahrain's population is ethnically diverse, with a large proportion of non-nationals (52.6% in 2020). Immigrants make up about half of the population, with the majority coming from South and Southeast Asia. There are also sizeable communities from the UK, the US, and other Arab countries. Bahrain is also home to a small Jewish community, with around 40 citizens in 2022.

The official language of Bahrain is Arabic, though English is widely spoken. Other languages spoken include Balochi, Persian, and Urdu.

Islam is the official religion, with Muslims making up 74% of the population. The majority of Bahraini Muslims are Shia, though the country's rulers, the Al Khalifa royal family, are Sunni. Christians make up about 14.5% of the population, while Hindus are the third-largest religious group.

Bahrain has a young population, with a median age of 33.2 years. The country has a high youth unemployment rate and is facing water scarcity due to reservoir depletion. Despite these challenges, Bahrain has a high-income economy, recognised by the World Bank.

Bahrain's climate and geography

Bahrain is an archipelago of islands situated in the Persian Gulf, close to the shore of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a small, flat, arid country, consisting of a low desert plain that rises gently to a low central escarpment. The highest point is the Jabal ad Dukhan (Mountain of Smoke), which rises to 134m (440 ft). Bahrain has a total area of 665 km2 (257 sq mi), but land reclamation projects have increased this to 780 km2 (300 sq mi). The country's land boundary is 0 km, but it has a coastline of 161 km (100 mi).

Bahrain's climate is arid, with mild winters and very hot, humid summers. Summer temperatures can reach 40 °C (104 °F) and sometimes higher. The combination of intense heat and high humidity makes this season uncomfortable. Winters are cooler, with temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 20 °C (50 °F to 68 °F). However, humidity often rises above 90% in winter.

Bahrain receives little precipitation, with average annual rainfall of 72mm (2.8 inches), usually confined to the winter months. There are no permanent rivers or streams on the islands, and rainwater is not saved for irrigation or drinking. However, there are numerous natural springs in the northern part of the country and on adjacent islands, which have been an important source of drinking water for Bahrain.

The seabed around Bahrain is rocky and covered by extensive coral reefs, mainly off the northern part of the island. Most of the land is low-lying and barren desert, with outcroppings of limestone forming low rolling hills, stubby cliffs, and shallow ravines. The limestone is covered by various densities of saline sand, capable of supporting only the hardiest desert vegetation, such as thorn trees and scrub. There is a fertile strip along the northern coast where date, almond, fig, and pomegranate trees grow.

Bahrain's culture and leisure activities

Bahrain, officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a small island country in the Persian Gulf with a rich cultural heritage and modern attractions. The country combines modern Arab culture with the archaeological legacy of a 5,000-year-old civilisation.

Cultural Attractions

Bahrain boasts an impressive array of cultural attractions that draw tourists from all over the world. Here is a list of some notable cultural sites:

• Museums and Galleries: Bahrain National Museum in Manama showcases the country's history and culture. The Al Riwaq Art Space in Adliya is a popular contemporary art gallery.
• Historic Landmarks: Bahrain Fort and Qal'at al-Bahrain are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Bahrain World Trade Center features three wind turbines that power the building.
• Festivals and Events: The Bahrain Grand Prix and Bahrain International Music Festival are popular events. The Bahrain International Airshow, held biennially, features aerobatic displays and aircraft exhibits.

Leisure Activities

Bahrain offers a range of leisure activities, including:

• Shopping: Modern malls like the Bahrain City Centre and traditional souqs offer a variety of local and international brands.
• Outdoor Activities: With beaches, deserts, and islands, Bahrain provides opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking at destinations like the Amwaj Islands and Bahrain Bay.
• Dining and Socialising: Bahrainis enjoy a rich culinary heritage, and socialising often revolves around dining out and drinking tea and coffee. Traditional Bahraini dishes include machbous and muḥammar.

Sports

Sports are an integral part of Bahraini culture:

• Football: Football is the most popular modern sport, with the Bahrain Grand Prix being a prestigious event on the Formula One calendar.
• Horse Racing: Horse racing is a national pastime, with weekly races held on Bahrain Island's large racecourse, which can seat 10,000 spectators.
• Traditional Sports: Wealthier Bahrainis still practice traditional sports such as falconry, gazelle and hare hunting, and camel racing.

Frequently asked questions