Bahrain flagBasic Facts of Bahrain
Official name: Kingdom of Bahrain,
Capital: Manama,
Area 707 sq km, 273 sq mi,
Population: 718,306 (2008 estimate),
Population density: 1,080 persons per sq km, (2008 estimate),2,798 persons per sq mi
Urban/rural distribution:
Share urban 90 percent,
Share rural 10 percent (2003 estimate)
Largest citie:
Manama, Ar Rifa, al Gharbi, Al Muarraq, Madinat ‘Isa,
Languages: Arabic (official), English, Persian (Farsi), Urdu,
Religious affiliations :
Muslim 60 percent,
Christian 9 percent & Other 6 percent,
Life expectancy:
Total 74.9 years ,
Female 77.5 years,
Male 72.4 years (2008 estimate)
Literacy rate:
Total 90 percent,
Female 86.4 percent,
Male 92.6 percent (2005 estimate),
Form of government: Monarchy
Total number of military personnel 11,200 (2004)
Introduction:
Bahrain or Bahrein, officially Kingdom of Bahrain, independent Arab nation in western Asia, part of the region known as the Middle East. Bahrain is made up of 36 islands on the western side of the Persian Gulf, between Saudi Arabia to the east and Qatar to the west. The main island, also known as Bahrain, is home to the country’s capital and largest city, Manama.
Manama, Bahrain
Manama, the capital and largest city of Bahrain, is a modern city whose growth and development has been funded by oil profits.
King Fahd Causeway
The King Fahd Causeway, opened in 1986, links the island nation of Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.
Guest Palace, Bahrain
An emir rules the archipelago country of Bahrain, located in the Persian Gulf. For handling national administrative affairs, the emir appoints a cabinet, headed by a prime minister. For local concerns, the emir selects municipal councils. One of the palaces associated with the emir and his family is pictured here.
Shopping in Bahrain
Most Bahrainis enjoy a high standard of living, especially in cities such as the capital, Manama. Arab dress is common in Bahrain, but Western-style clothing is popular among young people.
Desert Agriculture
Two workers make adjustments to an irrigation system that has transformed barren soil into green fields in Bahrain. The country taps underground aquifers for water to grow fruit and vegetables as well as for drinking and industrial use.
Al-fateh-grand-mosque, Manama
Bahrain World Trade Center, Manama, Bahrain