The capital of Bahrain is Manama, located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island. It is also the country's largest city, with a population of around 297,502 as of 2012. Manama has long been an important trading centre in the Persian Gulf, and is known for its diverse population. The city was first mentioned in Islamic chronicles in around 1345 CE, and has since been under Portuguese, Persian, and British rule. In 1971, Manama became the capital of an independent Bahrain.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Name | Manama |
Location | Northeastern tip of Bahrain Island |
Population | 297,502 (as of 2012) |
Status | Capital and largest city of Bahrain |
History | First mentioned in Islamic chronicles in 1345 CE; occupied by the Portuguese (1521) and Persians (1602); became the capital of independent Bahrain in 1971 |
Economy | Important financial hub in the Middle East; centre of numerous banks; trade, financial, and commercial centre |
What You'll Learn
Manama is the capital of Bahrain
Manama has a rich history that dates back to the 14th century. It was first mentioned in Islamic chronicles around 1345 CE and has since been under the control of various empires, including the Portuguese and the Persians. In 1783, the ruling Āl Khalīfah dynasty established themselves in Manama, and the city became the capital of independent Bahrain in 1971.
The discovery of petroleum in Bahrain in 1932 transformed Manama's economy and landscape, with the construction of modern buildings and infrastructure. Today, Manama is a thriving financial and commercial hub, known for its diverse population and cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is a popular destination for visitors, especially from neighbouring Saudi Arabia, who come to enjoy the city's restaurants and nightlife.
As the focal point of Bahrain's economy, Manama is home to numerous banks and financial institutions. The city has also diversified its industries, with growth in sectors such as aluminium smelting, ship repair, and tourism.
Manama's road network has expanded significantly over the years to accommodate the increasing vehicle population. The city is well-connected to other parts of Bahrain and neighbouring countries through roads, bridges, and causeways.
In addition to its modern developments, Manama also offers a glimpse into Bahrain's history and culture. The city's historic core, including the Manama Souq and the Manama Fort, has undergone revitalisation efforts to preserve its cultural heritage.
Overall, Manama, the capital of Bahrain, is a dynamic and diverse city that plays a crucial role in the country's economy, culture, and tourism.
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Manama is the largest city in Bahrain
Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain. It is located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island and is home to a diverse population of around 297,502 people as of 2012.
Manama has been an important trading centre in the Persian Gulf for centuries, with a history that dates back to the Bronze Age. The city was first mentioned in Islamic chronicles in around 1345 CE and has since been under Portuguese, Persian, and British rule before Bahrain gained its independence in 1971.
Today, Manama is a cosmopolitan city known for its modern buildings, restaurants, and bars. It is a popular destination for visitors from neighbouring Saudi Arabia, especially on weekends. The city has a well-developed road network and is a hub for the country's road transport system.
Manama's economy has traditionally relied on pearling, fishing, boatbuilding, and import trade. However, the discovery of petroleum in 1932 transformed the city, leading to the development of the financial, commercial, and trade sectors. Manama is now a financial hub in the Middle East, with numerous banks and financial institutions.
In addition to its economic significance, Manama also has a rich cultural heritage. It is believed to be the site of the ancient kingdom of Dilmun and has a number of historical sites, including the Grand Mosque, the Bahrain Fort, and the Qal'at al-Bahrain. The city is also known for its diverse ethnic and religious population, with both Shia and Sunni Muslims coexisting for centuries.
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Manama is located on the northern end of Bahrain Island
Manama, the capital of Bahrain, 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.
Manama has been an important trading centre in the Persian Gulf for centuries. It was first mentioned in Islamic chronicles in 1345 CE, and has since been under Portuguese and Persian control, as well as briefly under the rule of the ruling dynasty of Saudi Arabia and Oman. Bahrain gained independence in 1971, and Manama became its capital city.
Manama's economy has historically relied on pearling, fishing, boatbuilding, and import trade. The discovery of petroleum in 1932 transformed the city, leading to the construction of modern buildings and the development of trade, financial, and commercial centres. Manama is now a hub for banks and financial institutions, and is considered a financial centre of the Middle East.
Manama is the largest city in Bahrain, with a population of approximately 297,502 as of 2012. It is part of the Capital Governorate, one of four governorates in the country. The city's road network has been substantially developed to accommodate increasing vehicle traffic.
As in the rest of Bahrain, the land in Manama is generally flat and arid. The city experiences extremely high temperatures, with summer temperatures reaching 45°C (113°F). Winters are cooler, with temperatures as low as 7°C (45°F). Rainfall is minimal and mostly confined to the winter months.
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Manama is a cosmopolitan city
Manama, the capital of Bahrain, has long been described as a cosmopolitan city. As a regional port city in the Persian Gulf, Manama has been a hub for migrant workers, with its population consisting of people from diverse backgrounds. In 1904, it was estimated that Manama's population numbered 25,000, out of which half were believed to have been foreigners from Basra, Najd, al-Hasa, Iran, India, and Europe.
The two main branches of Islam, Shia Islam and Sunni Islam, have coexisted in Manama for centuries and are represented by distinct ethnic groups. The Shia community is represented by the native Arab Baharna, the Hasawis and Qatifis of mainland Arabia, and the Persian Ajam. The Sunni community is represented by Arab Bedouin tribes who migrated in the eighteenth century, along with the Bani Utbah and the Huwala.
Manama has been an important trading centre in the Persian Gulf for centuries. In the early 20th century, its economy relied heavily on pearling, shipbuilding, fishing, and boatbuilding. The discovery of oil in 1932 revolutionized the city's economy, leading to the construction of modern buildings and infrastructure. Manama is now a financial hub for the Persian Gulf region and a centre of Islamic banking, with over two hundred financial institutions and banks based in the city.
Manama is also a cultural hub, with notable sites such as the Bab Al Bahrain and the adjacent souq area. The historic core of Manama has undergone revitalisation efforts, and the city hosts cultural festivals such as the Spring of Culture, which features internationally renowned musicians and artists.
The city has a well-developed road network and is the main hub of Bahrain's road system. Manama is also served by an international airport and has a bus service that launched in 2015.
With its diverse population, modern infrastructure, and cultural attractions, Manama is a cosmopolitan city that attracts visitors and expatriates from around the world.
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Manama is a favourite destination for visitors from neighbouring Saudi Arabia
Manama, the capital of Bahrain, is a favourite destination for visitors from neighbouring Saudi Arabia. Located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island, Manama is a strikingly modern city with a diverse population. It is relaxed and cosmopolitan, and its restaurants and bars are popular with Saudis, who converge on the city at weekends.
Manama has long been an important trading centre in the Persian Gulf. In the 20th century, Bahrain's oil wealth helped to spur rapid growth, and in the 1990s, a concerted diversification effort led to expansion in other industries. This helped transform Manama into an important financial hub in the Middle East.
The city's historical core is located in what is now known as the Manama Souq and the Manama Fort (now the Ministry of Interior). However, Manama has grown to include a number of newer suburban developments, as well as older neighbouring villages. The city's road network is currently undergoing substantial development to deal with the rapid increase in vehicle numbers.
Manama is the focal point of the Bahraini economy. While petroleum has decreased in importance in recent years due to depleting reserves, it is still the mainstay of the economy. Heavy industry (e.g. aluminium smelting, ship repair), banking and finance, and tourism are among the industries that have experienced recent growth.
The city has a diverse population, with the two main branches of Islam, Shia and Sunni, coexisting for centuries. The city is also cosmopolitan, with a large number of foreigners from places such as India, Iran, the US, and the UK.
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Frequently asked questions
Manama is the capital of Bahrain.
As of 2012, Manama had a population of approximately 297,502.
Manama is also known as Al-Manāmah.
The name Manama is claimed to be derived from the Arabic word الْمَنَامَة (el-Menâme), meaning "the place of rest" or "the place of dreams".
Manama was first mentioned in Islamic chronicles around 1345 CE. It was taken by the Portuguese in 1521 and by the Persians in 1602. It has been held, with brief interruptions, by the ruling Āl Khalīfah dynasty since 1783.