The State of Bahrain (which means "two seas" in Arabic) is named after the largest island of the archipelago,which is thought to have derived its name from the fact that sweet water springs from the middle of the salty sea.
Head of State:
His Highness the Amir of Bahrain, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, whose Accession Ceremony took place in 1961, has reflected the harmony begun by his great grandfather over a hundred years ago.
Geography:
The State of Bahrain consists of an
archipelago of 33 small islands situated halfway down the Arabian
Gulf, 24 kilometres by causeway from the eastern coast of Saudi
Arabia, and 28 km from the coast of Qatar, having a total area of 676
sq km.The largest is Bahrain island (578 sq km) from which the state
takes its name. It is connected by causeways to Muharraq, the second
largest, and to Sitra. Other islands of significant size include
Nabih Saleh to the east and Jiddah and Um Al-Nassan to the
west.
To the south-east lies a group of 16 small islands; the largest of these is similar in shape to Bahrain, which is probably why it was given the name Hawar, meaning young camel in Arabic. The majority of the surrounding islands are uninhabited, save by the extensive variety of migrating birds which pay regular visits each year. Most of Bahrain is low-lying desert-with a surface of limestone rock covered with saline sand, it supports only the hardiest vegetation. However, a strip of land three miles (five kilometres) wide on the northern coast of the island is irrigated by fresh water springs and artesian wells to provide an area for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. It is also in the northern area of Bahrain that the population of over half a million is largely concentrated.
People
and Customs:
A long tradition of association with other races, stable Government, and a strong sense of national identity have resulted in Bahrain being a pleasant place to live. Bahrain is one of the few countries in the region where nationals are in the majority. Demographically Bahrain's population is young, with almost half under twenty. Illiteracy, which used to be a problem, has virtually disappeared among young people and a very high proportion of Bahrainis speak English which is taught as a compulsory second language in schools.
A
Strategic Location:
The opening
of the King Fahad causeway between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in
November 1986 ended the island's 6000 years of isolation and opened
up a multitude of benefits for both countries. Indeed traffic
crossing the 15.5 mile (25 kilometre) bridge comes from as far a
field as Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE and even Jordan. Due to its
centralised location within the Gulf region and its excellent port
and airport services, Bahrain has become both an attractive local
tourist resort and also an important business centre. In addition,
Bahrain's increasing popularity as a stopover point for major
international flights has resulted in the reinforcement of its strong
international outlook, making it a hub of communications not only
within the Gulf states but worldwide.
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Area: |
676 square kilometres |
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Population: |
516,444 (medium projection of population- 1991) |
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Capital: |
Manama (1991) Population Census: 144,343 |
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Climate: |
Hot and humid in summer and mild in winter. The climate is pleasant from about December to March with temperatures ranging from 10 degrees C to 20 degrees C. Humidity is high in July, August and September with temperatures averaging 36 degrees C. |
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Language: |
Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken and used in business. |
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Religion: |
Islam is the state religion and more than 85 percent of the population are Muslims. There are also Christians, Jews, Bahai, Hindu and Parsee minorities. |
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Weights & Measures: |
The Metric System |
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Gross Domestic Product (GDP): |
BD 1,637 million (1992) |
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Gross National Product (GNP): |
BD 1,381 million (1992) |
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Per Capital Income: |
BD 2,659 (1992) |
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Electricity: |
220 Volts, 50 Cycles, AC throughout Bahrain except Awali which has 110 Volts, 6O Cycles. |
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Time: |
GMT + 3 |
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Currency: |
The unit of currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BD) which is divided into 1000 fils: Notes: 500 fils, 1, 5,10, 20 dinars. Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 fils.There are no restrictions on import or export of currency. |
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Entry and Visas: |
Visitors to Bahrain require entry visas, except those holding passports from the United Kingdom and the GCC states. 72 hour transit visas are available on arrival at Bahrain Airport on production of a confirmed return or onward air ticket.This visa can be extended if a Bahraini sponsor applies to the Immigration Department stating the reason for the extension and payment of a BD 4 fee. Aseven-day visitors' visa may be obtained by businessmen, and established merchants known for their trading activity, conference and exhibition delegates, dependants and servants accompanying GCC families at a cost of BD 5. Tourist groups may also avail themselves of the visitors' visa provided previous arrangements have been made with the Directorate of Tourism and Archaeology at the Ministry of Information office or with any private agency such as hotels, travel agents and tourist organisers in Bahrain. Travellers are required to pay BD 3 Departure Tax at the airport. |
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Health Regulations: |
Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required by those coming from infected areas. |
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Customs Regulations: |
200 cigarettes, half a pound of tobacco and one bottle of spirits are allowed duty free.Pornographic and obscene literature and pictures, arms and ammunitions, cultured or undrilled pearls are all prohibited. |
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Business Hours: |
Friday is the weekly day of rest, when nearly all business is closed, and most shops. Many businesses close early on Thursday. The 36 hour week with Thursday and Friday as weekend applies to all branches of the Civil Services and schools. |
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Government Offices: |
7:00 to 14:15 Saturday to Tuesday 7:00 to 14:00 Wednesday |
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Commercial Organisations: |
07:00 -12:00 and 14:30 -17:30 Saturday to Thursday |
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Shopping Hours: |
08:00 -12:30 and 15:30 -18:30 Saturday to Thursday. Some shops are open in the souk on Fridays for a few hours. |
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Banking Hours: |
07:30 -12:00 Saturday to Wednesday 15:30 -17:30 Saturday to Wednesday (for some banks) 07:30- 11:00Thursday |
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Communications: |
Bahrain's telecommunications services are among the most advanced in the world, with direct dialling to most countries. Postal services are speedy and reliable. Bahrain International Airport and the port of Mina Sulman are to international standards and well serviced. |
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