Bahrain's reputation as a relatively liberal
and modern Persian Gulf state has made it a favourite with travellers
in the region and an excellent introduction to the Gulf. It
was once the seat of one of the great trading empires of the
ancient world, and is redolent of the past.
While their neighbours staked everything on
oil, Bahrainis diversified their economy and created some of
the region's best education and health systems. Years of British
influence have made English widely spoken. Development has been
swift, but it hasn't swallowed up everything.
Full country name: Kingdom of Bahrain
Area: 707 sq km
Population: 668,000
People: Bahraini (63%), Asian (13%), Iranian (8%), other Arab
(10%)
Language: Arabic, Persian, English
Religion: Shi'a Muslim (70%), Sunni Muslim (15%), other religions
and indigenous beliefs
Government: constitutional hereditary monarchy
Head of State: King Sheikh Hamad bin `Isa Al Khalifah
Head of Government: Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa
GDP: US$7.7 billion
GDP per capita: US$13,000
Annual Growth: 3%
Inflation: 0%
Major Industries: Petroleum processing and refining, aluminum
smelting, offshore banking, tourism
Major Trading Partners: Saudi Arabia, India, US, Japan, UAE
