Bahrain is a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, connected to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Causeway. It is known for its long history as a pearling and trading hub, as well as its modern reputation as a financial and business center in the Middle East. The country is made up of over 30 natural islands along with additional artificial islands created through land reclamation.
- Capital
- Manama
- Continent
- Asia
- Region
- Western Asia
- Area
- 765 km²
- Coordinates
- 26° N, 51° E
- Languages
- Arabic
- Currency
- BHD .د.ب
- Domain
- .bh
- Calling code
- +973
On the world map
Bordering countries
No land borders — this is an island nation.
Country facts
- Bahrain was one of the first Gulf states to discover oil, with commercial production beginning in 1932.
- The name 'Bahrain' is Arabic for 'two seas,' likely referring to the freshwater springs found beneath the saltwater of the Gulf.
- Bahrain was an ancient trading civilization known as Dilmun, mentioned in Sumerian texts thousands of years ago.
- The country's national animal is the Arabian oryx, a striking white antelope that was once extinct in the wild.
- Bahrain has a strong pearling heritage, and its historic pearling trail is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Capital facts
- Manama has served as Bahrain's capital since the country became a British protectorate in the early twentieth century.
- The Bahrain National Museum, located in Manama, houses artifacts from the ancient Dilmun civilization.
- Manama is home to the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world by capacity.
- The city's Bab Al Bahrain, meaning 'Gateway of Bahrain,' is a historic archway and landmark at the entrance to the old souq.
- Manama is consistently ranked among the most livable and business-friendly cities in the Arab world.