Did You Know

Interesting Facts about Bahrain

Trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits about Bahrain.

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Did You Know?

17 curious facts about Bahrain.

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.
Bahrain was the first country in the Arabian Gulf in which oil was discovered. It was originally discovered in 1902, although it was not fully exploited until the 1930s.
Some Bahrainis participate in the traditional sport of falconry, the breeding and training of birds of prey.
Local folklore maintains that henna strengthens the hands and feet and helps to prevent balding. For ceremonies and special occasions, Bahraini women decorate their hands and feet using henna.
Most Bahraini women who work in the health profession are nurses. However, under Islamic law a woman may not be examined by a male doctor, so the government has encouraged the training of female doctors.