Bahrain is a small island country located in the Persian Gulf, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the west and Qatar to the south. The capital city is Manama, and the official language is Arabic. Bahrain has a population of around 1.7 million people, with a majority of the population being Bahraini citizens and a significant number of expatriates.

Bahrain has a diverse economy, with a mix of industries including oil and gas, finance, and tourism. The country is known for its production of oil and natural gas, as well as its status as a regional financial hub. Bahrain also has a growing tourism sector, particularly in areas such as the capital city and the islands of Muharraq and Amwaj.

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy, with a King serving as the head of state and a Prime Minister serving as the head of government. The country has a bicameral legislature, with an elected lower house and an appointed upper house. Bahrain is a member of the United Nations, the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), among other international organizations.

Bahrain has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history as a center of trade and commerce in the Persian Gulf. The country has a variety of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the Bahrain Grand Prix, a Formula One race that takes place annually in March.

Bahrain is known for its stunning architecture, particularly in the capital city of Manama, which has a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic buildings such as the Bahrain National Museum and the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. The country is also renowned for its traditional music, art, and cuisine.

Despite its many strengths, Bahrain faces challenges such as political repression and limited freedom of speech, as well as concerns about human rights abuses and discrimination against minority groups. The country has taken steps to address these issues, including implementing reforms to the legal system and increasing protections for migrant workers.

National holiday
National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 was the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 was the date of independence from British protection

Telephone Code
973

Local Emergency Phone
999

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Arid; mild, pleasant winters and very hot, humid summers

Currency (Code)
Dinars (BHD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages
Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu

Major Religions
Muslim 73.7%, Christian 9.3%, Jewish 0.1%, other 16.9%

Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Adhari Park; Al Areen Wildlife Park; Manama (includes National Museum, Al Khamis Mosque, Al-Qudaibiya Palace); The Tree of Life; Arad Fort; Qal'at al-Bahrain- ancient harbor & capital of Dilmun

Major Sports
Soccer, mixed martial arts, cricket, car racing

Cultural Practices
If eating a meal on the floor, it is considered taboo to let one's feet touch the food mat. To avoid this situation, sit cross legged or kneel.

Tipping Guidelines
While there is often a 10% service charge at restaurants, it is still customary to leave a 10% tip for wait staff. Taxi drivers expect a 10% tip and porters will be happy with about 100 dinars per bag.

Souvenirs
Red-clay pottery, handwoven cloth, pearls/pearl jewelry, luxury goods

Traditional Cuisine
Kabsa — rice combined with various meats, vegetables, and spices

Geography
Area
total: 760 sq km
land: 760 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Natural resources
oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls

People and Society
Population
1,553,886 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Bahraini 46%, Asian 45.5%, other Arab 4.7%, African 1.6%, European 1%, other 1.2% (includes Gulf Co-operative country nationals, North and South Americans, and Oceanians) (2010 est.)

Languages
Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu

Religions
Muslim 73.7%, Christian 9.3%, Jewish 0.1%, other 16.9% (2017 est.)

Population growth rate
0.85% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
constitutional monarchy

Capital
name: Manama

Economy
Economic overview
heavily dependent oil/gas economy, has suffered due to lower prices and COVID-19 demand reductions; diversification struggles driven by unemployment and low-skilled labor force; deployed fiscal balancing efforts; emerging tourism industry hit hard by COVID-19 disruptions

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$72.267 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$49,400 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
mutton, dates, milk, poultry, tomatoes, fruit, sheep offals, sheep skins, eggs, pumpkins

Industries
petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, iron pelletization, fertilizers, Islamic and offshore banking, insurance, ship repairing, tourism

Exports
$30.097 billion (2018 est.)

Exports - partners
United Arab Emirates 31%, Saudi Arabia 12%, Japan 8%, United States 8% (2019)

Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, aluminum and plating, crude petroleum, iron ore, gold (2019)

Imports
$27.187 billion (2018 est.)

Imports - partners
United Arab Emirates 27%, China 11%, Saudi Arabia 7%, United States 5%, Brazil 5%, Japan 5%, India 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
cars, iron ore, jewelry, gold, gas turbines (2019)