Country code: 973. Blue phone booths are coin-operated, red booths are phonecard operated and silver booths are operated by both cards and coins. Facilities are provided for video conferencing, digital data networks and mobile links.

Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is average.

Available in large cities and resorts.

Airmail service to Europe takes three to four days. The main post office is near Bab al-Bahrain in Manama. Efficient one-day international courier services operate out of Bahrain.

Post office hours: Sat-Thurs 0700-1930.

Bahrain's domestic radio and television stations are state-run. Some households have satellite TV. Bahrain is keen to promote itself as a regional media hub, and the London-based pan-Arab satellite broadcaster MBC chose Bahrain as the base for its MBC-2 channel. Journalists have the legal right to operate independently and freely, but can be imprisoned for some offences, which include insulting the king. Self-censorship is practised.

• Private daily newspapers include Al-Ayam and Al-Wasat.
• Leading newspapers in English are Bahrain Tribune and the Gulf Daily News.

• Bahrain Radio & Television Corporation (BRTC) is state-run and operates five terrestrial TV networks.

• Bahrain Radio & Television Corporation (BRTC) is state-run and operates General Programme in Arabic.
• Second Programme deals with cultural and local issues.
• Other stations include Holy Koran Programme, Radio Bahrain, which is an English-language service, and Sports Service.