The Kingdom of Bahrain: A Small Island Country

Introduction:

Bahrain, officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a small island country located in the Persian Gulf. With a population of around 1.7 million people, it is one of the smallest countries in the Middle East. Despite its small size, Bahrain has a rich history, diverse culture, and a rapidly growing economy. In this blog post, we will explore the various aspects of Bahrain, including its history, geography, politics, infrastructure, economy, demographics, social indicators, natural resources, technology, international relations, major problems, capital, festivals, and food.

History:

Bahrain has a long and rich history that dates back to the Bronze Age. It was ruled by several empires, including the Babylonians, the Assyrians, the Persians, and the Greeks. In the 16th century, the Portuguese invaded Bahrain and ruled it for over 100 years before being expelled by the Persians. In the 19th century, Bahrain became a British protectorate and remained under British rule until it gained independence in 1971. Today, Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with a king as the head of state.

Geography:

Bahrain is an archipelago made up of 33 islands, the largest of which is Bahrain Island. It is located in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia and west of Qatar. Bahrain is a flat and arid country with a total area of 765.3 square kilometers. The country has a hot and humid climate, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 45°C.

Map Image web link: https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/map/google_map_Bahrain.htm

Politics and Governance:

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with a king as the head of state. The country has a unicameral parliament, called the National Assembly, which is made up of 40 members. The parliament has limited powers, and the king has the final say in most matters. Bahrain has a mixed legal system, with elements of Islamic law, English common law, and civil law. The country is known for its progressive stance on women’s rights, and women have been allowed to vote and run for office since 2002.

Flag image web link: https://www.worldometers.info/img/flags/bh-flag.gif

Official website: https://www.bahrain.bh/wps/portal/Bahrain

Infrastructure:

Bahrain has a well-developed infrastructure, with modern roads, bridges, and airports. The country has two international airports, Bahrain International Airport and the new Bahrain International Airport, which is currently under construction. The King Fahd Causeway connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, and there are plans to build a new causeway connecting Bahrain to Qatar. Bahrain also has a well-developed telecommunications network and is home to several large data centers.

Economy:

Bahrain has a diversified economy, with a focus on finance, oil, and tourism. The country is home to the Bahrain Financial Harbour, a large business and financial center that houses many international banks and financial institutions. Bahrain is also a major oil producer, with oil and gas accounting for around 20% of the country’s GDP. Tourism is another important sector, with many visitors attracted to the country’s beaches, historical sites, and shopping malls.

Demographics:

Bahrain has a population of around 1.7 million people, with the majority of the population being expatriates. The official language of Bahrain is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. Islam is the dominant religion in Bahrain, with around 70% of the population being Muslim. Bahrain is also home to a significant expatriate community, with workers from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and other parts of the world.

Social Indicators:

Bahrain has made significant progress in improving its social indicators over the past few decades. The country has a high literacy rate of 96%, and the government has invested heavily in education. Bahrain has several universities and colleges, including the University of Bahrain, the Arabian Gulf University, and the Bahrain Polytechnic. Healthcare in Bahrain is also of a high standard, with many hospitals and clinics providing quality care.

Natural Resources:

Bahrain is a small country with limited natural resources. The country’s main natural resource is oil and gas, which accounts for around 70% of its total exports. Bahrain also has some limited reserves of copper, gold, and other minerals. The country is known for its pearl industry, which was once a major source of income for Bahrainis.

Technology:

Bahrain is home to a growing technology sector, with several tech startups and innovation hubs in the country. The Bahrain Economic Development Board has launched several initiatives to promote the growth of the technology sector, including the establishment of a dedicated startup ecosystem and the provision of funding and support for tech entrepreneurs. Bahrain is also home to several large data centers, which provide hosting and cloud services to businesses in the region.

International Relations:

Bahrain has close ties with the United States and is a key strategic ally in the region. The country has also established close ties with other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Bahrain is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the Arab League.

Country Code:

The country code for Bahrain is +973.

Leading Newspaper:

181	Bahrain:	Gulf Daily News	https://www.gdnonline.com/
182	Bahrain:	Bahrain News Agency	https://www.bna.bh/en/
183	Bahrain:	Al Bilad	https://www.albiladdaily.com/

The leading newspaper in Bahrain is the Gulf Daily News, which is published in English.

Major Problems:

Bahrain has faced several major problems in recent years, including political unrest and sectarian tensions. The country experienced widespread protests in 2011 during the Arab Spring, with protesters calling for political reforms and greater democracy. The government responded with a crackdown on protesters and opposition activists, leading to allegations of human rights abuses. Sectarian tensions between the Sunni and Shia Muslim communities in Bahrain have also been a source of tension, with periodic outbreaks of violence and unrest.

Capital:

The capital of Bahrain is Manama, which is located on the northern coast of Bahrain Island. Manama is a modern city with a vibrant culture and a rich history. The city is home to several historical sites, including the Bahrain Fort and the Bab Al Bahrain, a historic gate that serves as a symbol of the city.

Festival and Time and Specialty of Country:

Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, and National Day

Bahrain celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, and National Day. Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and gift-giving. Eid Al-Adha is a festival that celebrates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. National Day is celebrated on December 16th each year and marks the anniversary of Bahrain’s independence from British rule.

International Music Festival

Bahrain is also known for its traditional festivals, including the Bahrain International Music Festival, the Bahrain Grand Prix, and the Bahrain Shopping Festival. The Bahrain International Music Festival is a popular event that features music from around the world. The Bahrain Grand Prix is a Formula One race that takes place each year at the Bahrain International Circuit. The Bahrain Shopping Festival is a month-long event that features discounts, promotions, and entertainment.

Food:

Machboos

Bahrain has a rich culinary tradition that is influenced by its history and culture. Some of the traditional dishes in Bahrain include Machboos, a rice dish with meat or fish, and Gabout, a type of bread that is commonly eaten with dips and spreads. Bahrain is also known for its seafood, with fresh fish and prawns being a popular choice for many of its traditional dishes. Another popular dish is Shawarma, which is a Middle Eastern sandwich made with thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and sauce.

Coffee culture

Bahrain is also famous for its coffee culture, with traditional Arabic coffee being a popular drink. The coffee is typically served in small cups with dates, which are considered a symbol of hospitality in Bahraini culture. Another popular drink is tea, with mint tea being a favorite among locals.

In recent years, Bahrain has also seen an increase in international cuisine, with many restaurants serving a variety of dishes from around the world. Some popular international cuisines in Bahrain include Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Italian.

Overall,

Bahrain is a small but diverse country with a rich history and culture. Despite facing several challenges in recent years, Bahrain has made significant progress in improving its infrastructure, economy, and social indicators. The country’s focus on innovation and technology is helping it to diversify its economy and position itself as a hub for startups and entrepreneurs in the region. With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, Bahrain offers a unique experience for travelers and visitors alike.

Conclusion:

Bahrain may be small, but it offers a rich experience for travelers and visitors. From its ancient history to its modern infrastructure, the country offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Its culinary traditions are a reflection of its diverse cultural heritage, with influences from the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. The country’s focus on technology and innovation is positioning it as a hub for startups and entrepreneurs in the region, and its strong ties with the international community make it an important player on the global stage. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or technology, Bahrain is a destination worth exploring.

Resources:

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority: https://www.btea.bh/
Gulf Daily News: https://www.gdnonline.com/
Bahrain Economic Development Board: https://www.bahrainedb.com/
Bahrain Government Official Portal: https://www.bahrain.bh/
Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mofa.gov.bh/
Bahrain Central Informatics Organization: https://www.cio.gov.bh/en/home
Bahrain International Circuit: https://www.bahraingp.com/
Arabian Gulf University: https://www.agu.edu.bh/
University of Bahrain: https://www.uob.edu.bh/
Bahrain Polytechnic: https://www.polytechnic.bh/