Bahrain Overview

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated September 25, 2019

Country Profile

Bahrain is an island located southwest in the Persian Gulf. Its full name is the Kingdom of Bahrain. Bahrain means “two seas” in Arabic. Covering an area of 70.65 square kilometers, it has a population of 690 000, with Bahrainian people accounting for 63%, with the rest from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and so on. Residents are Muslim. Arabic is the official language, and English is also spoken. Bahrain dinar is the currency. The capital is Manama (Al Manaman).

Bahrain National Flag

The flagpole side of the flag is white, with red on the right. The border between red and white is sawtooth-shaped.

History Summary

In 3000 BC, the city was built. In 1000 BC, the Phoenicians came to this. In the 7th century AD, it was part of the Arab Empire, under the Basra province. From 1507-1602, it was occupied by the Portuguese. From 1602-1782, it was under the rule of the Persian Empire. In 1783, the Al-Khalifa family dynasty was established and the country was known as the emirate of Bahrain. In 1820, the British invaded Bahrain. In 1880, it was reduced to a British “protectorate.”In March 1971, Britain announced that the Persian Gulf emirates would have treaties signed by the end of the year. The same year, on August 14, the State of Bahrain declared its independence. On February 14, 2002, a new emir came to the throne, becoming the country called the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Economy and Culture Overview

Bahrain, a small country with limited arable land, coupled with poor water and soil quality, has limited agricultural development. Food and meat are imported. Agriculture is focused on the northern coast of Bahrain Island. Dates are the main crop, along with seedling alfalfa, vegetables, wheat, and tropical springs.

Bahrain is an island country with abundant resources. Its pearl industry is world-famous. It is the center of Persian Gulf pearl collection. Natural gas and oil resources are abundant. It has developed into the banking and financial center of the Persian Gulf, with the capital of Manama gaining a reputation as the “Zurich of the Arab world.” Industry mainly involves oil and gas exploration, refining, and aluminum smelting, as well as shipbuilding, textiles, and building materials.

Ceramics is an old industry, mainly the production of everyday utensils in a unique style. Bahrain produces fine coffee utensils. A handmade waist knife, the scabbard carved and set with pearls, is a popular gift items in the Arab world.

In Bahrain, the statutory engagement price of a bride is a gold lira. In the marriage ceremony, the village boys bring to the groom to the bride’s home. After combing the bride’s hair, smearing ointment on her hands and feet, putting on Na Shale, and women with a carpet-hsiang up the bride, the groom reads: “may God bless you!” Then the bride’s veil can be lifted.

Pearl Tower Manama

Manama is Bahrain’s political, economic, and cultural center. On the city streets, there are a variety of dates and palm trees. The ancient Arab-style houses, a labyrinth of meandering lanes, provides sharp contrast to the modern banks and hotels. Manama has a Block “Pearl” monument, whose six major pillars hold up a large pearl 90 meters high. At night, the big pearl is illuminated by light.