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History... |
Humans have inhabited Bahrain for some 7000 years. The ancient Dilmun Empire arose around 3200 B.C. Through the millennia, however, Babylonians, Sumerians, Greeks, Persians, Portuguese, and Turks have occupied Bahrain, among others. In 1783, the Al-Khalifa family arrived in Bahrain, a land they rule benevolently to this day.
Pearls and a few agricultural staples, like dates, were Bahrain’s primary economic product throughout its history until 1932, when the discovery of oil changed the course of our history. Bahrain has, no doubt, enjoyed the benefits of this natural resource. Still, oil is a finite commodity and Bahrain has made great strides toward diversification of our economy with help from global economic friends like the US. Today, Bahrain stands as a model of Arab/Western partnership and proof that such relationships can be strong and mutually beneficial. Having reduced our dependence on oil to a fraction of our economy Bahrain is today known as a center for banking and finance in the Middle East and aluminum has become a major export product in addition to oil and natural gas.
In 2000, as promised, the Amir inaugurated a new era of democracy in Bahrain. October witnessed substantial political reforms. Citizens voted in elections that established a bi-cameral parlaiment. In 2001, women were allowed to vote for the first time. Bahrainis today enjoy a greater voice in the laws that govern them—an uncommon freedom in the Gulf. |
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Geography... |
Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands, with a total land area in excess of 700sq.kms.Its name is derived from two Arabic words "thnain Bahr" meaning "two seas" and refers to the phenomenon of sweet water springs under the sea which mingle with the salty water. This phenomenon is believed to be responsible for the unusual luster of Bahrain's natural pearls, the country's major economy before the advent of oil. In addition, the land was once blessed with a remarkable number of natural springs, which irrigated the fertile north and western belts for centuries. The central area is low lying and barren limestone rock covered with saline sand, which supports only hardiest desert vegetation.
The highest point of Bahrain is the Jabel Dukhan, 134 meters above the sea level. The majority of Bahrain's oil wells are in this area. The country offers a fascinating blend of eastern and western cultures as high rise buildings vie for space with more traditional dwellings and ancient traditions and historical sites mix with modern developments and cosmopolitan living. Bahrain's population of around 600,000 consists of a significant percentage of expatriates from all over the world. Locals and expatriates live together and interact in a rare bond of fraternity and brotherhood. Such charms, along with an excellent network of hotels, apartments and restaurants, attract an increasing number of regional and international tourists. |
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Business... |
The independent State of Bahrain consists of a group of 35 islands situated in the Arabian Gulf between the Qatar peninsula and the north-east coast of Saudi Arabia. The capital city is Manama which is also the main commercial centre. Other major cities include Isa Town, Rifa, Hamad Town and Al Muharraq which has Bahrain's international airport, major fishing and ship building industry. Sitra is the main industrial island and Awali is an oil town located on the main island of Bahrain.
The official language is Arabic, however English, Farsi and Urdu are widely spoken. The local currency is the Bahraini dinar (BD) broken into 100 fils.
Bahrain is a monarchy.
Bahrain has one oil field Awali, with proven oil reserves of 148 million barrels. The field was discovered in 1932. The country is more important as a refining centre. It has a refinery south of Manama with a capacity of 248,900 bbl/d. The Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) refinery is undergoing a modernisation project that began in 1998, and is expected to be completed in 2004. Bahrain is in a dispute with Qatar over the Hawar Islands off Qatar's west coast. The Hawar Islands may contain oil deposits.
Bahrain has natural gas reserves of about 3.9 trillion cubic feet (Tcf), most of which consists of associated gas from the Awali oilfield.
Bahrain has transformed itself into an international banking centre, focusing on mainly offshore banking utilizing the country's excellent communication and transportation facilities. Principal agricultural products are mainly dates, melons and tomatoes. The country produces meat, dairy and poultry as well as fish for domestic consumption and export purposes.
The transport system in Bahrain is excellent and there is an international airport in Al Muharraq. You can fly to Bahrain from most countries in Europe and the Middle East.
The international time zone is GMT + 3. The international dialing code is + 973. All nationals' require visas unless they hold passports from the Gulf Co-operations Council (GCC) states or the UK.
The state of health, the current immunisation status, location and the local disease situation lead to the risk of contraction of hepatitis A and B. A yellow fever certificate is required if entering from a yellow fever zone. |
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Culture... |
Bahrain is a constitutional hereditary monarchy led by His Highness King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa. The Kingdom places great value on harmonizing the conveniences of modern life and the strength of traditional values.
Historically, Bahrain was one of the first territories outside mainland Arabia to peacefully adopt Islam. While Islam is the religion of some 80% of Bahrain’s 650,000 inhabitants, there is considerable presence of other faiths and religious freedoms are respected. Christian churches, for instance, are found throughout the country, serving the needs of the large expatriate community. |
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Government... |
His Majesty The King, Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, came to power on the 6th of march 1999, following the path of the late Amir. His Majesty the King Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa has continued in steering the country towards prosperity, glory and success. Evidence of the achievement are found in every sector of the economy and is a source of pride and inspiration.
The country is widely respected by the international community for its progressive policies and programmes, thanks to the judicious leadership of His Highness and his wise government, led by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Sulman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister and the continuous support of His Highness Shaikh Sulman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa the Crown Prince and Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force.
Apart from providing a stable government, it has been an active policy to encourage foreign investment and support private enterprise
Bahrain became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League in 1971. In 1981 it joined its five neighbours - Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar - to form the strategic alliance called the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).
Bahrain has an independent legal and judicial system with a framework of commercial laws and, on this strength and its well developed infrastructure, has become an international and GCC arbitration centre. |
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Transport... |
Transportation of Passengers, Goods and Information has essentially evolved to become one of the prominent roles in the advancement of the economy worldwide. The availability of and dependability upon transportation and telecommunication services characterizes a development measurement for countries and its advancement. Therefore, the Ministry of Transportation is keen on providing new policies, developing vital premises and strengthening the infrastructure of these important sectors; the Public Transport, Postal Services, Telecommunications and Civil Aviation. It has been constantly working on developing and improving these sectors by drawing up plans and developing new policies and programs to reach high level of services quality at customer expectations. |
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Tour Guide... |
The 1980s saw a boom in tourism, caused partially by the opening of the 25km causeway linking the island to the East Coast of Saudi Arabia. The government responded to the influx which today is in excess of 2 million people annually by launching a series of tourist strategies aimed at developing the island's potential as a weekend retreat.
In addition to regional tourism, current initiatives are promoting Bahrain as a tourist resort and are bringing tourists from Scandinavia, Russia and even the United States.
While Bahrain's modern facilities cater to the needs of both tourists and locals, the authorities are very concerned about preserving the country's rich cultural heritage. And there is every indication that the formula is working and that Bahrain will retain its popularity with visitors and grow as an international destination. |
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