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Location
Middle East, Gulf Coast.
Time
GMT + 3.
Area
710.9 sq km (274.5 sq miles).
Population
754,000 (UN estimate 2005).
Population Density
1060.6 per sq km.
Capital
Manama. Population: 139,000 (2003).
Geography
Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf, situated between Saudi Arabia’s east coast and the Qatar peninsula. At the centre of the island is the highest point, Jebel Dukhan. The majority of Bahrain’s oil wells are to be found in this area. The main island has the valuable asset of an adequate supply of fresh water, unique in the region, both on land and offshore. There are extensive date gardens to the north with irrigated vegetable and fruit gardens. The strategic 24km- (15-mile-) long King Fahad Causeway links Bahrain with Saudi Arabia.
Government
Constitutional monarchy. Gained full independence from the UK in 1971 (had been a British Protectorate from 1861).
Head of State
King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa since 1999.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa since 1971.
Recent History
In February 2002, Sheikh Hamad declared Bahrain a constitutional monarchy with himself as head of state and announced that majlis elections would be held. Women were allowed to stand as candidates for the first time, provoking complaints from traditionalist Islamists, while Islamist candidates were themselves allowed to stand for the first time. The second such elections took place in November 2006. No group won an outright majority, but the main Shia opposition group took over 40% of the vote.
Language
The official language is Arabic. English is widely spoken.
Religion
Islam is practised by around 85% of Bahraini society (of which 60% is Shi’ite and 40% Sunni). There are also other faiths, including Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz (Awali, 110 volts AC, 60Hz).
Social Conventions
Traditional beliefs and customs are strong influences and people are generally more formal than Westerners. Attitudes to women are more liberal than in most Gulf States. Homosexuality, however, is illegal. Video cassettes will be withheld on arrival at the airport. It is illegal for Muslims to purchase alcohol from retail outlets. It is acceptable to sit cross-legged on cushions or sofas in people’s homes but it is still insulting to display the soles of the feet or shoes or to accept food or anything else with the left hand. It is polite to drink two small cups of coffee or tea when offered. Guests will generally be expected to share a bedroom since guest bedrooms and privacy are almost unknown. Sports clothes may be worn in the street and short dresses are acceptable; however, revealing clothing should be avoided. Smoking is very common and cheap by European standards.