Ruqayyah Snyder
Bahrain is a small but fascinating country in the Middle East, full of rich history and culture. It is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain and consists of a main island and around 30 smaller islands in the Arabian/Persian Gulf. Bahrain is famous for its pearls, growing economy, and blend of ancient and modern influences. Here are some interesting facts about Bahrain:
- Bahrain is the third-smallest country in Asia and the smallest sovereign state in the Middle East.
- It has a long history, dating back several millennia, and was once part of the ancient Dilmun civilisation.
- Bahrain was one of the earliest adopters of Islam, converting as early as 628 AD.
- It has a thriving economy and is an important hub for trading and economics in the Middle East.
- Bahrain hosted the first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Middle East in 2004, putting it on the map for many people.
- The country is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Dilmun-era burial mounds and the 'Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy'.
- Bahrain boasts the world's largest underwater theme park, 'Dive Bahrain', which spans over 100,000 square metres.
- The mysterious Tree of Life, a mesquite tree planted in the 16th century, stands alone in the southern desert with no obvious water sources.
- Bahrain has a diverse population, with half of its residents being Arab and the other half consisting of expats from various countries.
What You'll Learn
Bahrain is the third-smallest country in Asia
Bahrain is an archipelago made up of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, with the largest being Bahrain Island, which makes up around 83% of the country's landmass. The capital and largest city, Manama, is located on Bahrain Island.
Despite its small size, Bahrain is a key player in Middle Eastern trading and economics. It has a thriving economy with a rich history and is known for its pearl trade. The country has a blend of ancient and modern influences, with a growing tourism sector.
Bahrain's small size might be surprising, given its influence in the region and its status as a hub in the Middle East. Its size, however, has not hindered its economic development and global connections.
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It's home to the world's largest underwater theme park
Bahrain is home to the world's largest underwater theme park, Dive Bahrain, which spans an area of 100,000 square metres. The park features a 70-metre-long decommissioned Boeing 747, the largest aircraft ever to be intentionally submerged, as its centrepiece. The underwater park also includes a replica of a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant's house, artificial coral reefs, and sculptures that provide a safe haven for coral reef growth and ensure a sustainable habitat for marine life.
The project was developed by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) to boost tourism and promote the country's natural assets. The eco-friendly park provides researchers with a rich source of information on marine ecologies and enhances environmental awareness about preserving marine life.
Dive Bahrain is located near Bahrain International Airport, and visitors can organise trips to the park through registered dive centres. The underwater theme park offers a unique diving experience and is expected to attract global recognition as an international tourist attraction.
With its size, location, and eco-friendly design, Dive Bahrain showcases Bahrain's commitment to eco-tourism and marine wildlife preservation while offering divers and tourists an unforgettable experience.
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It was one of the earliest adopters of Islam
Bahrain is thought to have converted to Islam as early as 628 AD, during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad. This would have made it an Islamic nation four years before the Prophet's death.
In 628 AD, Muhammad sent his first envoy, Al-Ala'a Al-Hadrami, to Munzir ibn Sawa Al Tamimi, the ruler of the historical region of Bahrain, inviting him to Islam. Munzir announced his conversion, and all the Arab inhabitants of Bahrain and Qatar, as well as some Persians living in Qatar, also became Muslim. This was the beginning of the Islamic era in Bahrain.
The Al-Khamis Mosque, which dates back to 692 AD, was Bahrain's first mosque and is one of the oldest and most important mosques in the world.
Bahrain was ruled by various empires before the arrival of Islam, including the Persians, Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Portuguese, Arabs, and British.
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It's famous for its pearls
Bahrain is famous for its pearls. The island kingdom is historically known for its pearling, thanks to the uniquely abundant oyster pearl beds that hug the nation's coast.
Before the discovery of oil, Bahrain's economy relied on pearl harvesting. Bahraini freedivers would spend months at sea, capturing pearls that were prized by the region's royal families and European fashion houses. The natural pearl trade crashed after the Great Depression of the 1930s and the development of cultured pearls in Japan, which are cheaper and easier to produce.
However, Bahrain is still known for its natural pearls, which are considered some of the most sustainable and ethical luxury gems in the world. With pearl beds bigger than Manhattan, Bahrain is the only country to ban the cultivation of artificial pearls to maintain its prized cultural tradition.
Natural pearls occur in only 1 in 10,000 oysters, and each one grows organically over several years into a unique shape, making every natural pearl both rare and inimitable. No two natural pearls are identical, making them highly desirable.
Bahrain has one of the most respected pearl labs in the world, the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT), which was established in 2017 to support a national plan to revive the pearl sector. DANAT monitors and shields the health of the pearl beds, periodically suspending diving in certain areas to allow for growth. The institute also tests and certifies the pearls, ensuring that consumers can trust that they are purchasing genuine natural pearls.
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It's an archipelago of 33 islands
Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands, with an additional 51 artificial islands created from land reclamation projects. Five of the six principal islands are linked by a causeway system. The largest island, Bahrain Island, is about 30 miles long and 10-12 miles wide, and is home to the capital city of Manama. The remaining islands include Muharraq, Sitra, Nabih Saleh, and Um al-Nassan.
The archipelago nation is located in the Persian Gulf, halfway down the east coast of Saudi Arabia, and is connected to the Saudi mainland by the King Fahd Causeway. This 25km roadway, opened in 1986, is the only bridge in the world where women could drive on one side (Bahrain) but not the other (Saudi Arabia), due to the latter country's ban on women driving, which was lifted in 2018.
Bahrain is the third-smallest country in Asia, with a total land area of about 300 square miles. Despite its small size, it is a key player in Middle Eastern trading and economics, with a thriving economy and a rich history. The nation is known for its incredible blend of ancient and modern influences, from its archaeological sites dating back to the Dilmun Empire (3200-330 BC) to its modern skyscrapers and Formula One Grand Prix track.
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Frequently asked questions
Bahrain is the third-smallest country in Asia, with a land area of about 300 square miles.
Bahrain's history dates back several millennia, with a Golden Age spanning from 2200-1600 BC. It has been ruled by various empires, including the Persians, Portuguese and British, and became an independent nation in 1971.
Bahrain's culture is similar to its neighbouring Arab countries. Extended family is important, with the father as the head of the house. The country's dress, language and religion are influenced by its Islamic and Arab Bedouin roots.
Bahrain has a mix of modern and traditional attractions. It has a burgeoning art and food scene, ancient ruins, stunning natural landscapes, and the world's largest underwater theme park.
