What is the Capital of Bahrain? Manama

Bahrain Manama

Capital City of Bahrain: Manama

City Overview

Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, a small island nation in the Arabian Gulf. As the economic and political center of Bahrain, Manama plays a pivotal role in the country’s development and modernization. Its strategic location on the northeastern coast of Bahrain Island makes it a key commercial hub, facilitating trade between the Gulf countries, the Middle East, and the wider world.

With a population of around 700,000 people, Manama is known for its modern skyline, blending contemporary high-rise buildings with historical architecture. The city has grown exponentially over the last few decades, transitioning from a small fishing village into a global business center. The rise of the banking and finance sectors, coupled with the city’s position as a regional leader in tourism, has fueled its development. Manama’s rich cultural history, influenced by both Arab and Persian traditions, creates a diverse and vibrant atmosphere.

In addition to being Bahrain’s financial hub, Manama also serves as the country’s cultural heart. The city hosts numerous museums, art galleries, and festivals, which celebrate both the country’s heritage and its modern achievements. It is home to the Bahrain International Circuit, a Formula 1 track that hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix, attracting visitors from around the globe.

City Facts

  • Area: 267.8 square kilometers
  • Population: Approximately 700,000 (2023)
  • Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST), UTC +3
  • Highest Mountain: Jabal ad Dukhan (134 meters / 440 feet), located to the southwest of Manama.
  • Longest River: Bahrain has no significant rivers, as the country is a small island nation with an arid climate.

Manama’s layout includes a blend of old and new, with the financial district filled with modern skyscrapers, while areas like the Manama Souq (marketplace) preserve the city’s ancient trading history. The city’s harbor also plays a significant role in Bahrain’s maritime trade, with the Port of Khalifa bin Salman being a major commercial port for the country.

Major Landmarks in Manama

  1. Bahrain National Museum: Located along the coast, the Bahrain National Museum is the largest museum in Bahrain and an important cultural site. It houses a large collection of archaeological artifacts, ranging from the Dilmun civilization to Islamic art, showcasing the island’s long and diverse history.
  2. Al-Fateh Grand Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the world, Al-Fateh Mosque is a stunning example of Islamic architecture. With its vast prayer hall, the mosque can accommodate up to 7,000 worshipers. It is a prominent feature of Manama’s skyline, offering tours that educate visitors about Bahrain’s religious traditions.
  3. Bahrain World Trade Center: Completed in 2008, the Bahrain World Trade Center is one of the tallest buildings in Bahrain. It is a modern architectural marvel, with two twin towers connected by three sky bridges. The building is a symbol of Bahrain’s global presence in finance and trade.
  4. Manama Souq: This traditional marketplace is a must-visit for those looking to experience the authentic atmosphere of the old city. The Souq is filled with narrow alleyways offering goods such as spices, textiles, perfumes, and traditional Bahraini handicrafts. It is a great place to explore the local culture and buy souvenirs.
  5. Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort): A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bahrain Fort dates back to the 16th century and offers a glimpse into the island’s rich history. Visitors can explore the ruins of the fort and its surrounding archaeological sites, which include ancient relics from the Dilmun civilization.
  6. King Fahd Causeway: This iconic bridge connects Bahrain with Saudi Arabia and spans 25 kilometers (16 miles) across the Gulf. The Causeway is a significant piece of infrastructure that allows for easy travel between the two nations, and its striking views of the water make it a landmark in itself.
  7. The Avenues Mall: A modern shopping destination, The Avenues Mall is located along the waterfront and offers a variety of retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It’s one of the most popular malls in Manama, attracting both locals and tourists.
  8. Tree of Life: Situated about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the city center, the Tree of Life is a solitary tree that grows in the middle of the desert, far from any water source. This phenomenon has mystified locals and visitors alike, becoming a symbol of resilience in the harsh Bahraini environment.
  9. Bahrain International Circuit: Located just outside of Manama, this world-famous racetrack is home to the Bahrain Grand Prix, part of the Formula 1 racing calendar. The circuit draws visitors from around the world and has hosted some of the most exciting races in recent history.

Climate Overview

Manama experiences a hot desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F) during the summer months, and humidity levels are high. Rain is rare but typically falls in the cooler months of the year. The best time to visit is during the winter months, when temperatures are more comfortable.

Month Average Temperature (°C) Average Precipitation (mm) Sunny Days
January 18°C 40 mm 24 days
February 19°C 38 mm 25 days
March 21°C 35 mm 26 days
April 25°C 20 mm 27 days
May 28°C 10 mm 29 days
June 31°C 5 mm 30 days
July 34°C 0 mm 31 days
August 35°C 0 mm 31 days
September 33°C 5 mm 30 days
October 28°C 10 mm 29 days
November 23°C 15 mm 26 days
December 20°C 30 mm 25 days

Other Cities That Have Served as the Capital of Bahrain

Although Manama has been the capital of Bahrain since the country’s early modern history, Bahrain has seen some changes in the administration of the islands in earlier centuries.

1. Muharraq (Pre-20th Century)

Muharraq, located just north of Manama, was the capital of Bahrain before Manama’s rise in the early 20th century. As the center of the pearl diving industry and trade, it served as the political, economic, and cultural hub of Bahrain for centuries.

  • Area: 6.9 square kilometers
  • Population: Historically a bustling port town, with over 100,000 in recent years.
  • Significance: Muharraq was the focal point of Bahrain’s pearl diving industry, which formed the backbone of the economy until the discovery of oil.

Country Facts: Bahrain

Bahrain is a small island nation located in the Persian Gulf, just off the coast of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the richest countries in the Middle East, thanks to its strategic location and oil resources, though the country has diversified its economy to include banking, finance, and tourism.

Key Country Facts

  • Population: Approximately 1.7 million (2023)
  • Area: 765.3 square kilometers
  • Capital: Manama
  • Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
  • Official Language: Arabic
  • ISO Country Codes: BH (Alpha-2), BHR (Alpha-3)
  • Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST), UTC +3
  • Religion: Predominantly Muslim, with a Shia majority and a Sunni minority.

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy, with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa serving as the monarch since 1999. The country is known for its progressive approach to economic development, its banking and finance sector, and its status as a regional leader in innovation. Despite its small size, Bahrain plays a significant role in regional and global affairs, balancing tradition and modernization.

Bahrain Location Map