Bahrain is an island country in the Middle East, situated on the Persian Gulf. It is a small archipelago consisting of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, with Bahrain Island making up around 83% of the country's landmass. The country is located between Qatar and the northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia, to which it is connected by the King Fahd Causeway. The capital and largest city is Manama.
Bahrain is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain and is ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family. It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1971 and has since developed a high-income economy, with a focus on banking and tourism. The country has a population of around 1.5 million people and is known for its rich history, including the ancient Dilmun civilization.
What You'll Learn
Bahrain is an island country in West Asia
Bahrain is located in one of the world's chief oil-producing regions, but its economy has long relied on processing crude oil from neighbouring countries. In recent times, the financial, commercial services, and communications sectors have grown markedly, as has tourism.
The country's chief city, port, and capital, Manama, 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. The people of Bahrain, however, remain conservative in their lifeways. This sentiment is enshrined in the country's constitution, which affirms that "the family is the cornerstone of society, the strength of which lies in religion, ethics, and patriotism."
Bahrain's total land area is slightly greater than that of Singapore. Saudi Arabia lies to the west across the Gulf of Bahrain, while the Qatar peninsula lies to the east. The King Fahd Causeway, a 15-mile (24 km) causeway, links Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain is believed to be the site of the ancient kingdom of Dilmun, a commercial centre that traded with ancient Sumer. It has been settled and colonized by various groups, including the Khalīfah family (Āl Khalīfah), a native Arab dynasty that has ruled Bahrain since the late 18th century. Recognizing the islands' strategic importance, the Khalīfah have opened Bahrain's port facilities to the naval fleets of foreign countries, including the United States.
Bahrain's Demographics: Who Lives in This Country?
You may want to see also
It is situated in the Persian Gulf
Bahrain is an island country in West Asia, situated in the Persian Gulf. It is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and around 30 smaller islands, with a total land area of about 770 square kilometres. The country is located in one of the world's chief oil-producing regions, but it has small stores of petroleum. Instead, its economy relies on processing crude oil from neighbouring countries.
Bahrain is connected to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Causeway, a 15-mile-long highway crossing the gulf. To the west of Bahrain lies Saudi Arabia, while Iran is to the north and Qatar to the east. The country's capital, Manama, is located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island.
Bahrain's physical features include a central rocky and barren region, with the country's highest point, Al-Dukhan Hill, rising to 440 feet above sea level. The southern and western regions consist of a sandy plain with some salt marshes, while the northern and northwestern coasts feature a narrow belt of date palms and vegetable gardens irrigated by springs and wells that tap artesian water.
The country's climate is hot and humid during summers, with temperatures frequently exceeding 90 °F. Winters are cooler and more pleasant, with temperatures dipping to around 70 °F. Rainfall is limited to the winter months and averages about three inches annually.
Best Places to Buy Helium Balloons in Bahrain
You may want to see also
Bahrain is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain
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 some 30 smaller islands. Its name is derived from the Arabic term "al-baḥrayn", meaning "two seas".
Bahrain is located in one of the world's chief oil-producing regions but has only small stores of petroleum. Instead, its economy has long relied on processing crude oil from neighbouring countries. More recently, the financial, commercial services, and communication sectors have grown markedly, as has tourism.
The country's chief city, port, and capital, Manama, 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.
Bahrain Island accounts for seven-eighths of the country's total land area and is surrounded by smaller islands. The second group of islands consists of the Hawar Islands, which are situated near the coast of Qatar. A dispute with Qatar over ownership of the islands was resolved in 2001 when the International Court of Justice awarded them to Bahrain.
Bahrain's total land area is slightly greater than that of Singapore. Saudi Arabia lies to the west, while the Qatar peninsula lies to the east. The King Fahd Causeway, measuring 15 miles (24 km), links Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain's population is estimated to be around 1.4 million to 1.6 million as of 2023/2024, with the capital, Manama, having a population of around 148,000 to 150,000. The country has a diverse population, with roughly half being Arab, and the other half consisting of foreign-born inhabitants, mostly from Iran, India, Pakistan, Britain, and the United States.
Bahrain is ruled by a Sunni king, whose family holds the main political and military posts. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1971 and became a kingdom in 2002.
Bahrain's International Flight Plans: When Will They Take Off?
You may want to see also
The country is made up of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands
The Kingdom of Bahrain is an island country in West Asia, situated on the Persian Gulf. It is made up of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, centred on Bahrain Island, which makes up around 83% of the country's landmass. The country's total land area is slightly greater than that of Singapore.
Bahrain is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and about 30 smaller islands. The name Bahrain is derived from the Arabic term 'al-baḥrayn', meaning 'two seas'. The two groups of islands extend about 30 miles from north to south and 10 miles from east to west. The main island is surrounded by smaller islands, including Al-Muḥarraq and Sitrah, which are joined to Bahrain Island by causeways. The second group of islands consists of the Ḥawār Islands, which are situated near the coast of Qatar.
The small islands are rocky and low-lying, while the main island is more varied, consisting of gently folded layers of sedimentary rocks. The central region is rocky and barren, with the country's highest point, Al-Dukhān Hill, reaching 440 feet above sea level. The southern and western lowlands consist of a bleak sandy plain with some salt marshes, while the northern and northwestern coasts form a narrow belt of date palms and vegetable gardens irrigated by prolific springs and wells.
Bahrain's economy has long relied on processing crude oil from neighbouring countries, but it has recently shifted towards tourism, financial services, and agricultural ventures. The country is well-known for its large groves of date palms, which thrive in its warm and humid climate.
Exploring Manama's Best Drinking Spots in Bahrain
You may want to see also
Bahrain is home to around 1.5 million people
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 some 30 smaller islands. The country's name is derived from the Arabic term 'al-baḥrayn', meaning 'two seas'.
Bahrain's population was estimated to be 1,620,418 as of November 14, 2024, with a median age of 33.2 years. The population is expected to reach 1.59 million in 2020 and 2.128 million in 2030. Bahrain is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with a population density of 2,115 people per square kilometre.
Bahrain is characterised by its cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity. The country is home to Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Baha'is, Buddhists, and Sikhs. The population is distributed across five governorates: the Capital Manama, Muharraq, Northern, Central, and Southern.
Bahrain has a complex system of courts, based on diverse legal sources, including Sunni and Shia Sharia (religious law), tribal law, and civil codes. The country has a bicameral parliament, consisting of a 40-member elected Council of Representatives and a 40-member Shura Council appointed by the King.
The capital and largest city, Manama, is located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island. It is a strikingly modern and cosmopolitan city, known for its restaurants and bars. While the people of Bahrain are conservative in their lifeways, the country has a growing financial, commercial services, and communications sectors, as well as a thriving tourism industry.
Buy Bitcoin in Bahrain: Your Easy Guide to Getting Started
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Bahrain is a country. Officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, it is a small island country in West Asia.
Bahrain is located in the Middle East, in the Persian Gulf. It is situated between Qatar and the northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia, to which it is connected by the King Fahd Causeway.
Bahrain spans some 760 square kilometres (290 sq mi), making it the third-smallest nation in Asia. It consists of a small archipelago made up of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, centred on Bahrain Island, which makes up around 83% of the country's landmass.
The capital and largest city of Bahrain is Manama.
As of May 14, 2023, the population of Bahrain was 1,501,635, with 712,362 being Bahraini nationals.