Bahrain

Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in West Asia. It is located near the western shore of the Persian Gulf and consists of 33 natural islands and 50 artificial islands, with Bahrain Island making up most of the land. The country is small, covering about 760 square kilometres, and has a population of around 1.6 million people, with many coming from other countries.

Historically, the area was home to the ancient Dilmun civilisation and was famous for its pearl fisheries. Bahrain became an early follower of Islam and has been ruled by various groups over time, including the Portuguese Empire and later the Al Khalifa royal family. Today, Bahrain is known for its modern economy, focusing on banking and tourism, and it is one of the first countries in the Persian Gulf to move beyond oil wealth.

Bahrain is a member of several international organisations, including the United Nations, the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Despite its small size, it plays an important role in the region and continues to grow as a centre for finance and business. The capital city, Manama, is a key hub for these activities.

Etymology

The name Bahrain comes from an Arabic word meaning "two seas." Over time, it has come to refer specifically to the island country we know today.

People have debated what the "two seas" might mean. Some think it refers to the different kinds of water found around the island, like fresh water and salt water. Others suggest it refers to bodies of water near the island. Historically, the term "Bahrain" was used for a much larger area, including parts of nearby countries.

History

Main article: History of Bahrain

Bahrain has a long and rich history. In ancient times, it was known as Dilmun, an important trading center linking Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Later, it was ruled by the Sumerians, Babylonians, and the Achaemenid Empire.

During the classical era, the ancient Greeks called it Tylos, where it was famous for pearl trading. Bahrain was also part of the Hellenised world, with Greek influence on language and culture. In the Middle Ages, the Qarmatians, a Muslim sect, took control and later the Uyunid dynasty ruled the region.

In more recent history, Bahrain was under Portuguese rule before becoming part of the Safavid Iran. The Bani Utbah clan took control in 1783, and later the Al Khalifa family became the rulers. In the 19th century, Bahrain became a British protectorate. The discovery of oil in 1932 brought economic growth.

Bahrain gained independence from Britain in 1971 and joined the United Nations and the Arab League. The country has seen periods of political change and development, including the adoption of a new constitution in 2002, changing its name to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Bahrain

Bahrain is a flat and dry group of islands in the Persian Gulf. It is made up of many natural and artificial islands, with Bahrain Island being the largest. The highest point is 134 meters above sea level. The country has a total area of 780 square kilometers today, thanks to land reclamation projects.

Bahrain has mild winters and very hot, humid summers. The country has some natural resources like oil, natural gas, and fish. However, much of Bahrain is desert, with only a small amount of land suitable for farming. Environmental challenges include desertification, coastal damage from oil spills, and issues with groundwater quality.

Main article: Climate of Bahrain

The climate in Bahrain is very hot in the summer, with temperatures sometimes reaching 40°C. Winters are mild, and rainfall is scarce, usually occurring in winter. Dust storms can affect the country, especially from June to July.

Main articles: Wildlife of Bahrain and List of birds of Bahrain

Bahrain is home to many bird species, including migratory birds and breeding birds. The Socotra cormorant breeds in large numbers on the Hawar Islands. Bahrain's national bird is the bulbul, and its national animal is the Arabian oryx. Other animals found in Bahrain include gazelles, desert rabbits, and hedgehogs. The country has several protected areas, including the Hawar Islands, which are important for birdlife and marine species.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of Bahrain

Bahrain is a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by King Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The king has wide powers, including appointing the prime minister and ministers, and commanding the Bahrain Defence Force. Bahrain has a bicameral National Assembly with 40 appointed and 40 elected members.

The country held its first parliamentary elections in 1973. The period between 2002 and 2010 saw three parliamentary elections. Bahrain plays a modest role in regional politics and is a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Military

The kingdom has a small but professional military called the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), with around 8,200 personnel. The BDF is primarily equipped with American-made equipment, including F-16 Fighting Falcons and M60A3 tanks. Bahrain has close relations with America and hosts an American naval base. The country also participates in international military efforts, such as the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Bahrain

Bahrain has established bilateral relations with many countries worldwide. It maintains embassies and consulates and hosts many foreign embassies. Bahrain is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council and supports Arab League views on Middle East peace. Relations with Iran are tense, and Bahrain cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016. Bahrain and Israel established relations in 2020.

Human rights

Main article: Human rights in Bahrain

After reforms in 1999, human rights improved but later declined. Issues include suppression of dissent, restricted freedom of expression, and unfair trials. Consensual homosexual relations between adults over 21 are legal in Bahrain. Reports by human rights groups continue to highlight concerns about the treatment of citizens and opposition figures.

Women's rights

Main article: Women's rights in Bahrain

Women in Bahrain gained voting rights and the right to stand in elections in 2002. The first female cabinet minister was appointed in 2004. Despite some progress, women’s rights activists argue that reforms have been limited and that the government has hindered independent women’s groups.

Media

The predominant forms of media in Bahrain consist of weekly and daily newspapers, television, and radio. Newspapers are available in multiple languages. The television and radio networks are mostly state-run. Internet use is widespread but subject to strict filtering and monitoring. Journalists face risks and self-censorship is common.

Governorates

Main article: Governorates of Bahrain

Bahrain is divided into four governorates.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Bahrain

Bahrain has one of the fastest-growing economies in the Arab world. Its economy is strong in banking, finance, and oil production. Petroleum is the biggest export, followed by aluminium and construction materials. The government has worked to change Bahrain’s economy with plans like "Vision 2030" to make it more diverse and sustainable.

Bahrain is also known for tourism. Visitors enjoy its mix of modern Arab culture and ancient history, with places like forts, museums, and natural wonders. Popular activities include bird watching, scuba diving, and shopping. The country has many malls and markets that attract visitors from nearby regions.

Infrastructure

Main article: Transport in Bahrain

Bahrain has one main international airport, the Bahrain International Airport (BAH), located on the island of Muharraq in the northeast. In 2019, the airport handled almost 100,000 flights and more than 9.5 million passengers. A new terminal opened in January 2021, which can handle 14 million passengers and supports the country's growth.

Bahrain has a well-developed road network, especially in Manama. The discovery of oil in the early 1930s led to the building of many roads and highways. Today, the country has over 3,000 kilometers of roads, linking towns and villages. Bridges and causeways connect different islands, including a major causeway to Muharraq Island and the King Fahd Causeway linking Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.

Main articles: Telecommunications in Bahrain and Internet in Bahrain

The telecommunications sector began in 1981 with the start of Batelco. Today, there are several companies providing mobile and internet services. Bahrain has been online since 1995, and the number of internet users has grown from 40,000 in 2000 to 250,000 in 2008. A nationwide metro system is being built and is expected to open by 2025.

Science and technology

Bahrain is working to build a strong science and technology sector. The country has created special centers and agencies to promote learning and innovation. For example, the Bahrain Science Centre offers hands-on exhibits for young people about topics like engineering, health, and Earth sciences.

Bahrain also started its National Space Science Agency in 2014. This agency works on agreements about space and plans to build tools to study both space and Earth. The University of Bahrain plays a big role in research, with many students and faculty working on projects. Scientists in Bahrain publish studies in international journals and often work together with researchers from other countries.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Bahrain

Bahrain's population was about 1.2 million in 2010. Most people living there are from the Middle East, but many also come from South Asia. In 2008, around 290,000 people from India, especially from the southern state of Kerala, lived in Bahrain, making them the largest group of people from outside the Middle East living there.

Bahrain is one of the most crowded countries in the world, with 1,646 people living in each square kilometer. The north part of the country is very busy and full of people, while the south is much quieter. The busy northern area is often thought of as one big city.

Ethnic groups

Main articles: Bahrani people and Ethnic, cultural and religious groups of Bahrain

People in Bahrain come from many different backgrounds. Most Bahrainis are either Shia or Sunni Muslims. Shia Bahrainis are mainly from two groups: the Baharna, who are Arab, and the Ajam, who have roots in Persian culture. Sunni Bahrainis are also from different groups, including Arabs and people from Iran. There are also smaller groups from Africa and other places.

Religion

Main articles: Freedom of religion in Bahrain, Muharram in Bahrain, Islam in Bahrain, and Hinduism in Bahrain

The main religion in Bahrain is Islam, with most people being Muslim. About half are Sunni and half are Shia Muslims. There are also smaller groups of Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism in the country. Bahrain also has small communities of people who follow no religion or other faiths. There is a small Jewish community as well.

Languages

Arabic is the official language of Bahrain, but English is also commonly spoken. Many people also speak languages such as Balochi, Persian, Urdu, Nepali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Bangla, and Hindi. Signs and business places usually show words in both English and Arabic.

Education

Main article: Education in Bahrain

Education is required for children aged 6 to 14 in Bahrain. The government provides free education for Bahraini citizens in public schools. Boys and girls go to separate schools. In the early 1900s, children mainly learned about the Qur'an, but later, modern schools began to open. Today, Bahrain has many schools, including international ones that follow British, American, or other curricula. There are also several universities and colleges offering higher education.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Bahrain

Bahrain is an island country where Islam is the main religion. People there are known for being tolerant of other faiths. Many Bahrainis marry people from other countries, creating a rich mix of cultures. Women in Bahrain usually wear a hijab or an abaya, but the rules are not as strict as in some other nearby places. Men often wear a thobe, but many also wear Western-style clothes.

Bahrain has a long history of art, with modern art beginning in the 1950s. Popular art forms include expressionism, surrealism, and calligraphic art. The country is also known for its pottery and weaving. The Bahrain National Museum shows many kinds of art, including modern pieces. Traditional Bahraini literature is written in classical Arabic, but younger writers are now using free verse and writing about many different topics.

Bahrain’s music is similar to that of its neighbors. The Khaliji style, a type of folk music, is very popular. Another popular style is sawt, which uses instruments like the Oud, violin, and mirwas. Bahrain was the first place in the Persian Gulf to have a recording studio.

The country enjoys many sports. Football is very popular, and Bahrain’s national team has won important cups. The country also has a strong presence in mixed martial arts and has hosted big international competitions. Bahrain has a famous race track where the Bahrain Grand Prix is held each year. The sport of cricket has also grown in popularity recently.