Bahrain

BAHRAIN

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a state in the Persian Gulf located on an archipelago consisting of several dozen islands with a total area of ​​780 sq. km. The capital is Manama. The official language is Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu are also used.

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy ruled by a king, government and a bicameral parliament, half of whose members are elected by popular vote. At the same time, there are no political parties.

The history of civilization here goes back more than one thousand years. Back in the Bronze Age, this area was an important trade center. At different times, the islands were under the influence of Assyria, Babylon, Ancient Greece, the Arab Caliphate, Portugal, and Britain. Since 1971, the state has been counting down its sovereignty.

Population

Bahrain has a population of more than 1.5 million, of which about half are immigrant workers and their non-citizen family members. The bulk of the inhabitants are Muslims, there are also Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and those who do not consider themselves to be any religion.

Economy

The main sectors of Bahrain’s economy are oil and gas production and pearl fishing. Offshore banking accounts for about 20% of the country’s GDP. Tourism is well developed – over 8 million tourists visit the kingdom annually. Bahrain is also one of the three free trade zones of the Persian Gulf. Despite the fact that only less than 4% of the area is suitable for agriculture, the population is actively engaged in agriculture – date palms, citrus fruits, fruits and vegetables, nuts, and forage crops are grown in the oases. In addition, residents are engaged in fishing and shrimp fishing, handicrafts – making gold and pottery, jewelry, embroidery.

The main export items are petroleum products and oil, aluminum, ores, ferrous metals and articles thereof, pearls, and plastics. Imported into the country: oil and oil products, equipment for nuclear reactors, electrical machinery and equipment, vehicles, inorganic chemical products, ores, consumer goods. Major export and import partners: Saudi Arabia, China, UAE, USA, Oman, Egypt, India, China, Australia.

Transport

You can get to Bahrain by plane, bus, car or ferry. The country’s international airport receives daily flights from about 30 airlines. All in all, there are 3 airports and 3 seaports. The main mode of transport within the country is automobile. The length of the roads is about 3500 km, of which more than 2600 km are paved. There are no railways in the country.

Interesting

Bahrain’s climate is transitional from tropical to subtropical, marine. The main territory is dominated by deserts. In the coastal zone, underground springs of fresh water are gushing from the bottom of the sea. The coastal waters are home to about 400 species of fish, and the numerous coral reefs abound in crabs, lobsters, shrimp, shellfish and sea turtles.

Until the late Middle Ages, the word “Bahrain” was used to describe the entire coastal strip of Eastern Arabia.

Bahrain does not have an individual income tax. The standard work week is from Saturday to Wednesday.

The national currency is the Bahraini dinar.

GMT: +3 hours.