Bahrain

Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and has transformed itself into an international banking center. The new amir, installed in 1999, has pushed economic and political reforms and has worked to improve relations with the Shi'a community. In February 2001, Bahraini voters approved a referendum on the National Action Charter - the centerpiece of the amir's political liberalization program. In February 2002, Amir HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa proclaimed himself king. In October 2002, Bahrainis elected members of the lower house of Bahrain's reconstituted bicameral legislature, the National Assembly.

In 2001, the International Court of Justice awarded the Hawar Islands, long disputed with Qatar, to Bahrain.
(Source: CIA - The World Factbook)

other Gulf States: Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

Bahrain is a member state of the League of Arab States

Official Name:
Mamlakat al Bahrayn
short form: Al Bahrayn
int'l long form: Kingdom of Bahrain
int'l short form: Bahrain

ISO Country Code: bh

Time:
Local Time = UTC +3h

Country Calling Code: +973

Capital City: Manama (pop. 148 000)

Other Cities: Al Muharraq

Government:
Type: Constitutional hereditary monarchy.
Independence: 15 August 1971 (from the UK).

Geography:
Location: an archipelago of 33 islands in the Persian Gulf located off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia.
Area: 707 sq. km. ( 274 sq. mi.)
Terrain: Low desert plain.

Climate: Arid; mild, pleasant winters with maximum temperatures average 20-30C (68-86F); very hot and humid from May-September, with average highs ranging from 30-40 C (86-104 F).

People:
Nationality: Bahraini(s).
Population: 670 000, including about 230 000 non-nationals.
GNI per capita PPP: $ 19 748 (year)
Ethnic groups: Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%.
Religions: 98% Muslim (Shi'a 70%, Sunni 30%), small Christian, Jewish and Hindu communities.
Languages: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, and Urdu are also widely spoken.
Literacy: 90%

Natural resources: Oil, natural gas, fish, pearls.

Agriculture products: Fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish.

Industries: Petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, iron pelletization, fertilizers, offshore banking, ship repairing; tourism.

Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BHD)

Bahrain in Figures
Bahrain kaey statistical data.