22 Facts About Bahrain

Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in western Asia. 

Bahrain is situated east of Saudi Arabia and north of Qatar. 

Although Bahrain lies in one of the world’s major oil-producing regions, its own petroleum reserves are relatively limited. For this reason, the country developed a diversified economy based on oil refining, aluminium production, and international banking.

Bahrain’s capital and largest city is Manama, which serves as the country’s political, financial, and cultural center. The official currency is the Bahraini dinar, one of the highest-valued currencies in the world.

The country’s name comes from the Arabic al-Bahrayn, meaning “the two seas,” a reference to the surrounding waters and underground freshwater springs historically found beneath the sea.

Bahrain is not a single island but an archipelago of more than 30 islands, with the main island making up most of its land area. It is one of the smallest countries in Asia by size.

The highest point in Bahrain is Jabal ad-Dukhan, which rises only about 134 meters above sea level and is known as the “Mountain of Smoke” because of the haze that often surrounds it.

Bahrain has no rivers or lakes and relies heavily on groundwater from the Dammam aquifer, desalination plants, and imported water. Water scarcity and environmental pressures remain long-term challenges for the country.

In ancient times, Bahrain was known as Dilmun, a major trading center linking Mesopotamia with the Indus Valley during the Bronze Age.

According to historical tradition, Islam reached Bahrain during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad, and the region became one of the earliest areas outside Arabia to adopt Islam.

Bahrain’s legal system combines elements of Islamic law and modern civil law, with different courts handling religious and civil matters.

Citizens benefit from a wide social welfare system, including free public healthcare and support such as pensions, unemployment assistance, and maternity benefits.

Seafood plays an important role in Bahraini cuisine, often served with rice, alongside popular dishes such as grilled meats and shawarma. Guests are traditionally offered coffee flavored with cardamom or saffron.

Football is the most popular sport in Bahrain, while horse racing and camel racing also have cultural importance.

Bahrain does not levy personal income tax, and government revenue mainly comes from oil, business activity, customs duties, and value-added tax.

The country imports most of its food but also grows crops such as dates, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and alfalfa in limited agricultural areas.

Public education is free for children, and Bahrain has one of the highest female literacy rates in the Gulf region.

Bahrain has experimented with environmental innovation, including artificial reef projects designed to protect marine life and support tourism.

In the 1970s, Bahrain became one of the Middle East’s early aviation hubs, including serving as a destination for Concorde supersonic flights from London.

The Bahrain World Trade Center was among the first skyscrapers in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design as a source of renewable energy.

To promote tourism and preserve its pearl-diving heritage, Bahrain opened one of the world’s largest underwater theme parks, featuring a submerged aircraft as part of an artificial reef system.

Hospitality is deeply rooted in Bahraini culture, and visitors are traditionally welcomed with generosity and respect.