Skip to main content
CountryReports

Select language

ENEnglishESEspañolZH中文HIहिन्दीFRFrançais
Sign In
Bahrain flag

Bahrain

Al Bahrayn

Capital:Manama
Population:738,004
Currency:Bahraini dinars (BHD)
Language:Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu
Bahrain woman in Manama

Declare Your Relationship to Bahrain

See full leaderboard →

CountryReports Community

  • Studying1
  • From Bahrain1
  • Bahrain heritage0
  • Visited1
  • Want to visit0

Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Bahrain.

Bahrain Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

Extended family is very important.

Cultural Attributes

Extended family is very important.

Bahrain woman in Manama

The Island of Two Seas

Greetings, Gestures & Visiting

Arabic is the primary language therefore the most common greeting is Salam malaikum "Peace be with you"  to which one would reply Malaikum salam  (and to you peace).  Marhaba  is (hello) and thank you is Shokran.  Arabs have long names consisting of their first name, their father's name, their paternal grandfather's name and finally their family or last name.

It is disrespectful to show others the soles of one's shoes.

Islam influences visiting and greetings in Bahrain. "Assalam alikumof" (The peace of Allah be upon you) is how one is greeted by good friends of the same sex, kissing a number of times on the right and left cheeks. Handshakes are common and may last the length of the conversation. It is socially unacceptable for a man to greet a woman unless it is part of business protocol. Bin and Ibn mean "Son of" Abu meas "Father of."

Bahraini dress is influenced by the Islamic and Arab Bedouin roots. Men wear a long robe that reaches the ankles or "Thobe". The head is covered by a light cloth headdress or "Gutra" The Gutra is held on the head by a heavy cloth ring or "Ocal" In the cities, men may modify the traditional dress by wearing a sports coat over the Thobe and shoes instead of sandals.

Diet

Breakfast consists of Fresh unleaven bread, or Kobouz scrambled eggs mixed with thin noodles and sprinkled with sugar and cooked beans. People eat while seated on an Arabic sofa. Everyone eats out of communal dishes.Usually there is an hour or so before dinner when conservation takes place with no conversation during dinner. After the meal coffee is served and then any guests may leave. Coffee may also be served before the meal as a welcoming for guests. Vegatables, lamb, fish, chicken and beef are common foods. Because of the Islamic influence pork is forbidden. Many meals include a dish made with basmati rice. A popular dish is ghouzi, a chicken stuffed with rice, nuts, onions and shelled hard-boiled eggs which is placed inside a whole slaughtered lamb which is sewn up and cooked on a spit.

People eat while seated on an Arabic sofa. Everyone eats out of communal dishes. Breakfast consists of Fresh unleaven bread, or Kobouz scrambled eggs mixed with thin noodles and sprinkled with sugar and cooked beans. Usually there is an hour or so before dinner when conservation takes place with no conversation during dinner. After the meal coffee is served and then any guests may leave. Coffee may also be served before the meal as a welcoming for guests. Vegatables, lamb, fish, chicken and beef are common foods. Because of the Islamic influence pork is forbidden. Many meals include a dish made with basmati rice. A popular dish is ghouzi, a chicken stuffed with rice, nuts, onions and shelled hard-boiled eggs which is placed inside a whole slaughtered lamb which is sewn up and cooked on a spit.

New housing development

Family

Extended family is important in Bahrain. The father is the head of the house.

Dating Customs

Marriage celebrations often last for three days with separate events for men and women. Many marriages are arranged and those that are not typically have parental approval.

Recreation

Soccer is the most popular sport followed by Cricket and basketball. Camping is a favorite family recreation. Drinking tea and chatting in coffee houses is a popular pastime for men.

Holidays

  • National Day

    12/16

    Independence

    15 August 1971 is the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 is the date of independence from British protection

Dates of Interest

  • July - August

    Ramadan, the greatest religious observance in Islam, is an annual month of fasting. The exact dates of Islamic holidays cannot be determined in advance, due to the nature of the Islamic lunar calendar. Estimates are based on the expected visibility of the hilal (waxing crescent moon following a new moon) and may vary according to location.

How do people greet each other in Bahrain?

Arabic greetings dominate, with the common "Salam malaikum" (Peace be with you) answered by "Malaikum salam." Islam strongly influences social greetings, and good friends of the same sex greet by kissing on the right and left cheeks.

Do

  • Say "Marhaba" for hello and "Shokran" for thank you
  • Use handshakes, which are common and may last the length of the conversation
  • Greet good friends of the same sex with kisses on both cheeks

Don’t

  • Don't have a man greet a woman unless it is part of business protocol

Good to know

  • Arab names are long: first name, father's name, paternal grandfather's name, then family name
  • "Bin" and "Ibn" mean "Son of" and "Abu" means "Father of"

What are dining customs like in Bahrain?

Meals are eaten seated on an Arabic sofa from communal dishes, with coffee marking hospitality. Conversation happens before dinner, but there is no conversation during the meal.

Do

  • Eat while seated on an Arabic sofa
  • Share from communal dishes
  • Expect coffee served after the meal, after which guests may leave

Don’t

  • Don't expect pork, which is forbidden due to Islamic influence
  • Don't converse during dinner

Good to know

  • Coffee may be served before the meal as a welcome for guests
  • Common foods include vegetables, lamb, fish, chicken and beef, often with basmati rice
  • A popular dish is ghouzi: chicken stuffed with rice, nuts, onions and hard-boiled eggs inside a whole lamb, cooked on a spit

How do people dress in Bahrain?

Dress reflects Islamic and Arab Bedouin roots. Men wear a long ankle-length robe called a "Thobe."

Good to know

  • The head is covered by a light cloth headdress ("Gutra") held on by a heavy cloth ring ("Ocal")
  • In cities, men may wear a sports coat over the Thobe and shoes instead of sandals

Are there gestures to avoid in Bahrain?

Yes, footwear placement carries meaning.

Don’t

  • Don't show others the soles of your shoes, as it is disrespectful

What is the role of family in Bahrain?

Extended family is very important, and the father is the head of the house.

Good to know

  • Many marriages are arranged, and those that are not typically have parental approval
  • Marriage celebrations often last three days with separate events for men and women

What do people do for recreation in Bahrain?

Soccer is the most popular sport, followed by cricket and basketball, while camping is a favorite family activity.

Good to know

  • Drinking tea and chatting in coffee houses is a popular pastime for men

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Bahrain

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency
.376
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Climate
Bahrain, with a desert climate, is one of the world's hottest areas. Its hottest and most humid weather is from June through September with temperatures over 110°F most days. The weather is pleasant from November through May (55°-85°F) with infrequent rainfall. The combination of poor soil drainage and few storm sewers can result in muddy city streets and puddles. A narrow strip of land along the northern and northwestern coasts of Bahrain Island is cultivated with date palms, alfalfa, and vegetables. These garden areas are rapidly disappearing due to depleted water resources and development. A desert, punctuated by a north-south plateau, extends south of the cultivated area. Surrounding this plateau is a rolling basin surrounded by overhanging bluffs sloping into the sea. The ground is hard and infertile with a gravel surface until the spring when a pale, soft green covering appears in the desert following the winter rains. It provides a welcome contrast to the summer's aridity. The highest point in Bahrain is the Jebel Dukhan, 134 meters above sea level. The majority of Bahrain's oil wells are in this area. The Arabian Gulf has an average depth of only 35 meters but is much shallower in the vicinity of Bahrain.
Airports
4
Recommended Vaccinations
How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important shots. Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. Which vaccinations you need will depend on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
Premium Content

Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.

View full travel guide

Recipes

Featured Dish

Badam Halwa (Pudding)

Dessert

Browse all 5 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient Dilmun

    3000 BCE – 300

    Bahrain formed the heart of the ancient Dilmun civilization, one of the oldest trading cultures in the Persian Gulf, mentioned in Sumerian texts as a sacred land and commercial hub linking Mesopotamia with the Indus Valley. The archipelago's freshwater springs and strategic location made it a prosperous entrepôt. Dilmun later came under Kassite, Assyrian, and eventually Greek influence following Alexander the Great's campaigns.

  2. Persian & Islamic Eras

    300 – 1521

    Bahrain passed through Sasanian Persian control before the rapid spread of Islam incorporated the islands into the Arab-Muslim world in the 7th century CE. The region became a center of the Qarmatian movement, a radical Ismaili sect that established a powerful state in the 9th–10th centuries and briefly disrupted hajj routes. Subsequently, Arab tribal confederacies and Persian governors contested control, while pearl diving and Gulf trade sustained the local economy.

  3. Portuguese Rule

    1521 – 1602

    Portuguese forces seized Bahrain in 1521, incorporating it into their Indian Ocean commercial empire and constructing the fortified Qal'at al-Bahrain as a garrison. Their rule was marked by heavy taxation of the lucrative pearl trade and periodic local resistance. In 1602, Safavid Persian forces under Shah Abbas I expelled the Portuguese and reasserted Persian sovereignty over the archipelago.

  4. Safavid & Al Khalifa Rise

    1602 – 1820

    Bahrain remained under Safavid and later Omani and competing tribal control for much of the 17th and early 18th centuries. In 1783, the Bani Utbah confederation led by the Al Khalifa family decisively expelled the Persian-backed rulers and established the dynasty that governs Bahrain to the present day. The early Al Khalifa period was defined by inter-Gulf rivalries, pearling wealth, and shifting alliances among the major powers of the region.

  5. British Protectorate

    1820 – 1971

    A series of treaties beginning in 1820 and culminating in an 1880 exclusive agreement drew Bahrain firmly into the British sphere of influence, effectively making it a protectorate. Britain managed Bahrain's foreign affairs and defense while the Al Khalifa ruled internally; oil was discovered in 1932, transforming the economy. The 1913 treaty formally recognized Bahrain's distinct status, and Iran renounced its long-standing sovereignty claim in 1970, clearing the path for full independence.

  6. Independent Kingdom

    1971 – present

    Bahrain declared full independence on August 15, 1971, signing a friendship treaty with Britain and joining the Arab League and United Nations. The country navigated regional turbulence — including participation in the 1991 Gulf War coalition and Shia-Sunni sectarian tensions — while diversifying its economy into banking and petroleum refining as oil reserves declined. In 2002, Amir Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa proclaimed Bahrain a constitutional monarchy, introduced parliamentary elections, and extended voting rights to women.

Overview

Sharjah Mosque, built in the 1980s in traditional style Figure 2. Persian Gulf States: Topography THE FIVE COUNTRIES covered in this volume--Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman--are all Arab states on the Persian Gulf that share certain characteristics. But they are not the only countries that border the gulf. Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia share the coastline as well, and they too shared in the historical development of the area. Of the five states covered in this volume, Oman has a particular culture and history that distinguish it from its neighbors. It also is the state with the shortest coastline along the Persian Gulf. Most of Oman lies along the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (see bahrain/bh00_05a.pdf"> fig. 1). The main element that unites these countries is the nature of their involvement with people and nations beyond the region. The gulf has been an important waterway since ancient times, bringing the people who live on its shores into early contact with other civilizations. In the ancient world, the gulf peoples established trade connections with India; in the Middle Ages, they went as far as China; and in the modern era, they became involved with the European powers that sailed into the Indian Ocean and around Southeast Asia. In the twentieth century, the discovery of massive oil deposits in the gulf made the area once again a crossroads for the modern world. Other factors also bring these countries together. The people are mostly Arabs and, with the exception of Oman and Bahrain, are mostly bahrain/bh_glos.asp#Sunni">Sunni (see Glossary) Muslims. Because they live in basically tribal societies, family and clan connections underlie most political and economic activity. The discovery of oil and the increasing contact with the West has led to tremendous material and social changes. Important distinctions exist, however, among the five countries. Bahrain is an island with historical connections to the Persian Empire. Kuwait is separated from the others by Saudi Arabia. In Oman high mountain ranges effectively cut off the country’s hinterland from the rest of the region (see unavail.asp"> fig. 2). Moreover, various tribal loyalties throughout the region are frequently divisive and are exacerbated by religious differences that involve the major sects of Islam-- bahrain/bh_glos.asp#Sunni">Sunni and bahrain/bh_glos.asp#Shia">Shia (see Glossary)--and the smaller Kharijite sect as well as Muslim legal procedures.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1913

    Treaty recognizing the independence of Bahrain

    Britain and the Ottoman government sign a treaty recognizing the independence of Bahrain but the country remains under British administration.

  2. 1961

    Sheikh Isa Bin-Salman Al Khalifah becomes ruler of Bahrain.

    Sheikh Isa Bin-Salman Al Khalifah becomes ruler of Bahrain.

  3. 1970

    Iran renounces its claim to sovereignty over Bahrain

    Iran renounces its claim to sovereignty over Bahrain after a United Nations report shows that Bahrainis want to remain independent.

  4. 1971

    Bahrain declares independence and signs a new treaty of friendship with Britain.

    Bahrain declares independence and signs a new treaty of friendship with Britain.

  5. 1972

    Elections are held for a Constituent Assembly

    Elections are held for a Constituent Assembly.

  6. 1973

    Constitution comes into force and elections are held

    After the constitution comes into force on 6 December, elections are held on 7 December for a National Assembly, an advisory legislative body, with 44 members (14 cabinet members and 30 elected by male voters) .

  7. 1991

    Bahrain participates in the coalition “Operation Desert Storm” against Iraq.

    As part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Peninsula Shield Force, Bahrain participates in the coalition “Operation Desert Storm” against Iraq (the Gulf War).

View full timeline (15 events)
Premium Content

Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.

View expanded history

Interesting Facts

  • Bahrain is the world's least taxed country.

  • Bahrain derives its name from an Arabic word meaning “ two seas,” which refers to the blend of fresh water springs and salt sea water in Bahraini territory.

  • Traditionally, Bahraini streets were narrow to provide shade against the heat of the day. The narrow pathways blocked the sun, but deflected cool breezes upwards so devices called badgirs (wind catchers) were created to deflect the air downwards.

  • The land area of Bahrain has expanded over time because of land reclaimed from the sea. Sand and stone dredged up from the sea bed to deepen the port at Manama has been deposited around the shoreline.

  • Bahrain has one of the only wildlife conservation areas in the Persian Gulf. Al-Areen Park, which covers 10 square kilometers on Bahrain Island, is home to indigenous species, including the Arabian oryx, zebras and gazelles.

  • Traditionally, the marriage transaction centred on the pearl. The groom would decorate a plain wooden chest with carved brass and fill it with pearls specially gathered for his bride. The chest, which was originally the diver's chest for storing his catch, was given in marriage to the bride. The pearl was associated with fertility.

Premium Content

See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.

View all interesting facts

Geography and Environment

close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf, through which much of the Western world's petroleum must transit to reach open ocean
Terrain
mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment
Climate
Bahrain, with a desert climate, is one of the world’s hottest areas. Its hottest and most humid weather is from June through September with temptures over 110ºF most days. The weather is pleasant from November through May (55º-85ºF) with infrequent rainfall. The combination of poor soil drainage and few storm sewers can result in muddy city streets and puddles. A narrow strip of land along the northern and northwestern coasts of Bahrain Island is cultivated with date palms, alfalfa, and vegetables. These garden areas are rapidly disappearing due to depleted water resources and development. A desert, punctuated by a north-south plateau, extends south of the cultivated area. Surrounding this plateau is a rolling basin surrounded by overhanging bluffs sloping into the sea. The ground is hard and infertile with a gravel surface until the spring when a pale, soft green covering appears on the desert following the winter rains. It provides a welcome contrast to the summer’s aridity. The highest point in Bahrain is the Jebel Dukhan, 134 meters above sea level. The majority of Bahrain's oil wells are in this area. The Arabian Gulf has an average debth of only 35 meters but is much shallower in the vacinty of Bahrain.
Natural Hazards
periodic droughts; dust storms
Current Environmental Issues
desertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable land, periods of drought, and dust storms; coastal degradation (damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation) resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations; lack of freshwater resources, groundwater and seawater are the only sources for all water needs
Premium Content

Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.

View full geography

People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu

  • Arabic
  • Farsi
  • Urdu

Population

Population
738,004
Population in Major Urban Areas
MANAMA (capital) 262,000
Nationality Noun
Bahraini(s)
Ethnic Groups
Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%

Education

Literacy Definition
Age 15 and over can read and write
Premium Content

Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.

View full people and society

Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Bahrain
Full Country Name
Kingdom of Bahrain
Local - Long
Mamlakat al Bahrayn
Local - Short
Al Bahrayn
Former Name
Dilmun

Government Structure

Government Type
constitutional hereditary monarchy
Legal System
based on Islamic law and English common law
Executive Branch
chief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa (since 6 March 1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al Khalifa (son of the monarch, born 21 October 1969) head of government: Prime Minister Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al Khalifa (since 11 November 2020); note: Crown Prince Salman also serves as Prime Minister following the death of longtime Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa in November 2020 cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; the prime minister is appointed by the monarch
Legislative Branch
bicameral Parliament consists of Shura Council (40 members appointed by the King) and House of Deputies (40 members directly elected to serve four-year terms) elections: House of Deputies - last held 31 October 2002 (next election to be held in September 2006) election results: House of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Sunni Islamists 12, Shia grouping 7, other groupings and independents 21 note: first elections since 7 December 1973; unicameral National Assembly dissolved 26 August 1975; National Action Charter created bicameral legislature on 23 December 2000; approved by referendum 14 February 2001; first legislative session of Parliament held on 25 December 2002
Judicial Branch
High Civil Appeals Court
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
adopted late December 2000; Bahrani voters approved on 13-14 February 2001 a referendum on legislative changes (revised constitution calls for a partially elected legislature, a constitutional monarchy, and an independent judiciary)
Independence
15 August 1971 (from UK)
National Holiday
National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 is the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 is the date of independence from British protection

Capital City

Capital Name
Manama
Capital - geographic coordinate
26 14 N, 50 34 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

name derives from the Arabic "al-manama" meaning "place of rest" or "place of dreams"

Military

Branches: Bahrain Defense Force (BDF): Royal Bahraini Army (RBA), Royal Bahraini Navy (RBN), Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF), Royal Bahraini Air Defense Force (RBADF)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

The U.S. Embassy in Manama

Building No. 979

Road 3119, Block 331

Zinj District

Manama

Telephone: (973) 1724-2700

Emergency after-hours telephone: (973) 1727-5126

Facsimile: (973) 1725-6242

The workweek in Bahrain is Sunday through Thursday.

Premium Content

Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.

View full government details

Economy

Bahrain has one of the more diversified economies in the Gulf region, though hydrocarbons remain central to government finances. Oil and gas continue to account for a substantial share of government revenues—historically around 75%—and roughly 18% of GDP, reflecting ongoing efforts to broaden the economic base. With well-developed communication and transport infrastructure, Bahrain continues to serve as a regional hub for banking, finance, and multinational firms operating across the Gulf. The country relies on the Abu Saafa offshore field, shared with and largely operated by Saudi Arabia, for a significant portion of its crude oil output and associated revenues. A substantial share of export earnings derives from refined petroleum products processed at the Bapco refinery, which recently completed a major modernization and expansion project raising its capacity to around 380,000 barrels per day. In recent years, the government has pursued large-scale construction and industrial projects as part of its Economic Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at expanding the private sector and reducing dependence on oil. Public debt, which has climbed above 120% of GDP, along with persistent fiscal deficits, remains a significant challenge, prompting the implementation of value-added tax and other fiscal balance measures. Unemployment, particularly among Bahraini youth and women, remains a concern, as does the long-term depletion of domestic oil reserves and freshwater resources. The financial services sector has grown considerably and now represents one of the most important non-oil contributors to the economy, alongside tourism, logistics, aluminum production, and manufacturing.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Bahraini dinars (BHD)
GDP — official exchange rate
$11,010,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
5.9%
GDP by Sector
agriculture: 1% industry: 35% services: 64%

Banknotes

Bahrain Money - Front
Bahrain Money - Front
Bahrain Money - Back
Bahrain Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$3,447,000,000 (USD)
Public Debt (% of GDP)
51.5%
External Debt
$6,831,000,000 (USD)
Investment (% of GDP)
14.7%
Current Account Balance
$1,569,000,000 (USD)
Reserves of Foreign Exchange
$2,147,483,647 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
industry; commerce; and service 79%; government 20%; agriculture 1% (1997 est.)
Industries
petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, offshore banking, ship repairing; tourism
Agriculture Products
fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish
Export Commodities
petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles
Export Partners
US 4.5%, India 3.2%, Saudi Arabia 2.1%
Import Commodities
crude oil, machinery, chemicals
Import Partners
Saudi Arabia 29.5%, US 11.4%, Japan 7%, Germany 6.4%, UK 5.5%

Energy

Oil Production
188,300 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
26,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
124,000,000 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
9,650,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
9,650,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
92,030,000,000 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
General Assessment: modern system Domestic: modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network with a rapidly growing use of mobile cellular telephones International: country code - 973; landing point for the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States; tropospheric scatter to Qatar and UAE; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite earth station - 1
Internet Country Code
.bh

News & Weather

Current Weather

Loading current conditions…
Loading forecast…

Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

Bahrain, with a desert climate, is one of the world's hottest areas. Its hottest and most humid weather is from June through September with temperatures over 110°F most days. The weather is pleasant from November through May (55°-85°F) with infrequent rainfall. The combination of poor soil drainage and few storm sewers can result in muddy city streets and puddles.

A narrow strip of land along the northern and northwestern coasts of Bahrain Island is cultivated with date palms, alfalfa, and vegetables. These garden areas are rapidly disappearing due to depleted water resources and development. A desert, punctuated by a north-south plateau, extends south of the cultivated area. Surrounding this plateau is a rolling basin surrounded by overhanging bluffs sloping into the sea. The ground is hard and infertile with a gravel surface until the spring when a pale, soft green covering appears in the desert following the winter rains. It provides a welcome contrast to the summer's aridity.

The highest point in Bahrain is the Jebel Dukhan, 134 meters above sea level. The majority of Bahrain's oil wells are in this area. The Arabian Gulf has an average depth of only 35 meters but is much shallower in the vicinity of Bahrain.

Videos

1 curated YouTube videos.

  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Bahrain?
The population of Bahrain is approximately 738,004.
How do people greet each other in Bahrain?
Arabic greetings dominate, with the common "Salam malaikum" (Peace be with you) answered by "Malaikum salam." Islam strongly influences social greetings, and good friends of the same sex greet by kissing on the right and left cheeks. Do: Say "Marhaba" for hello and "Shokran" for thank you Use handshakes, which are common and may last the length of the conversation Greet good friends of the same sex with kisses on both cheeks Don't: Don't have a man greet a woman unless it is part of business protocol Arab names are long: first name, father's name, paternal grandfather's name, then family name "Bin" and "Ibn" mean "Son of" and "Abu" means "Father of"
What are dining customs like in Bahrain?
Meals are eaten seated on an Arabic sofa from communal dishes, with coffee marking hospitality. Conversation happens before dinner, but there is no conversation during the meal. Do: Eat while seated on an Arabic sofa Share from communal dishes Expect coffee served after the meal, after which guests may leave Don't: Don't expect pork, which is forbidden due to Islamic influence Don't converse during dinner Coffee may be served before the meal as a welcome for guests Common foods include vegetables, lamb, fish, chicken and beef, often with basmati rice A popular dish is ghouzi: chicken stuffed with rice, nuts, onions and hard-boiled eggs inside a whole lamb, cooked on a spit
How do people dress in Bahrain?
Dress reflects Islamic and Arab Bedouin roots. Men wear a long ankle-length robe called a "Thobe." The head is covered by a light cloth headdress ("Gutra") held on by a heavy cloth ring ("Ocal") In cities, men may wear a sports coat over the Thobe and shoes instead of sandals
Are there gestures to avoid in Bahrain?
Yes, footwear placement carries meaning. Don't: Don't show others the soles of your shoes, as it is disrespectful
What is the role of family in Bahrain?
Extended family is very important, and the father is the head of the house. Many marriages are arranged, and those that are not typically have parental approval Marriage celebrations often last three days with separate events for men and women
What do people do for recreation in Bahrain?
Soccer is the most popular sport, followed by cricket and basketball, while camping is a favorite family activity. Drinking tea and chatting in coffee houses is a popular pastime for men
What is the capital of Bahrain?
Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, serving as the country's political, commercial, and financial hub. Situated on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island, Manama has grown from a traditional pearl-trading port into a modern metropolis and one of the Gulf region's leading international banking centers. The city reflects Bahrain's rapid modernization while retaining historic neighborhoods and souks that speak to its centuries-old mercantile heritage.
Where is Bahrain located?
Bahrain is a small island nation situated in the Persian Gulf, off the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East. The country consists of a low-lying archipelago of some 33 natural islands, with Bahrain Island being by far the largest. Its central position among the Gulf states — lying between Saudi Arabia to the west and Qatar to the east — has historically made it a strategic crossroads for trade and diplomacy in the region.
What are Bahrain's ocean and sea borders?
As an island nation, Bahrain is surrounded entirely by the waters of the Persian Gulf. The country shares maritime boundaries with Saudi Arabia to its west — to which it is connected by the 25-kilometer King Fahd Causeway — and with Qatar to its southeast. The name Bahrain itself derives from the Arabic for "two seas," a reference to the remarkable coexistence of freshwater springs and saltwater within its territory, a phenomenon that has shaped the region's identity for millennia.
What religion is practiced in Bahrain?
Islam is the predominant religion of Bahrain, practiced by the vast majority of the population. Shia Muslims constitute the largest share at approximately 69 percent, while Sunni Muslims account for around 29 percent — a demographic divide that has historically influenced the country's politics and social structure. The remaining roughly 2 percent includes Christians, Hindus, and other faiths, reflecting Bahrain's status as a relatively cosmopolitan Gulf state with a sizeable expatriate community.
What currency does Bahrain use?
Bahrain's official currency is the Bahraini dinar (BHD), which is pegged to the US dollar and is one of the highest-valued currency units in the world. The dinar is subdivided into 1,000 fils, an unusually granular denomination reflecting the currency's high face value. Bahrain is widely noted as one of the world's least-taxed countries, a policy that, combined with its open financial system, has helped establish Manama as a premier regional banking and investment hub.
What languages are spoken in Bahrain?
Arabic is the official and most widely spoken language of Bahrain, used in government, media, and public life. English functions as a dominant second language in business and finance, reflecting the country's deep integration into the global economy. Farsi and Urdu are also officially recognized languages, spoken primarily among Bahrain's communities of Persian and South Asian heritage respectively — a linguistic diversity that mirrors the archipelago's long history as a Gulf trading crossroads.
What is the geography of Bahrain like?
Bahrain is a flat, low-lying archipelago in the Persian Gulf, composed of roughly 33 islands that are predominantly arid and sandy. The terrain is largely desert scrubland with a central escarpment on the main island rising to modest elevations. Fertile areas are limited to the northern coast, where underground freshwater springs — the phenomenon historically referenced in the country's name — have historically supported date palm cultivation. Bahrain's small land area has encouraged significant land reclamation projects to accommodate its growing urban and industrial needs.
What is Bahrain known for?
Bahrain is known for its ancient pearl-diving heritage, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural tradition, and for the Bahrain International Circuit, which hosts the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The country is a regional leader in petroleum refining and Islamic finance, having diversified its economy well beyond raw oil extraction. Traditional architecture enthusiasts seek out Bahrain's historic wind-catcher towers, called badgirs, built to channel desert breezes into narrow, shaded streets — an elegant pre-modern solution to the Gulf's intense heat.

Last reviewed 2026

Video LibraryCompareArticlesGlobal ContentActivitiesLessonsRecipesBlogInternet CitationGlossary