Bahrain is a small island state in the Persian Gulf with a population of 708,573. The country has a flat, arid archipelago of thirty-three islands and experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Bahrain is known for its religious tolerance and has been inhabited by various groups throughout history. The country’s economy is supported by the oil industry, commercial fishing, international banking, and tourism. Manama is the capital and most populous city, and the official language is Arabic. The government is a constitutional monarchy with a two-chamber legislature.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is an island state located on a flat, arid archipelago of thirty-three islands in the Persian Gulf. It is the smallest Arab state, with a total area of 413 square miles (665 sq km). In 2007, the population was estimated at 708,573. The islands consist mostly of sea-level desert plains, gently rising to 400 feet (122 m) at Jabal ad Dukhan, the highest point in the country. As the country is close to the equator, Bahrainis experience hot, humid summers and fairly mild winter weather. The official religion is Islam, and while most residents practice it, there are some who follow other religions, such as Christianity and various Asian religions. Indeed, Bahrain is known for its religious tolerance.
Manama is the capital and is also the most populous city in the country, with approximately 155,000 residents as of 2007. The official language is Arabic, although some residents speak English, Urdu and Farsi. The government of Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy headed by a king or queen, and control of government rests with the prime minister, who is advised by a twenty-three-member cabinet. Additionally, the government includes a two-chamber legislature. Both legislative houses have forty members.
Bahrain has been inhabited for a long time. Due to its strategic location, it was variously occupied by Assyrians, Greeks, Persians, Babylonians and Arabs. After such ancient times, Nestorian Christians controlled Bahrain until the arrival of Islam in 629 AD. In 899 AD, the Qarmatians, a sect of Islam, took over. The Portuguese arrived in 1521 and from then until 1743 control went back and forth between the Portuguese and the Iranians. In the late 1700s, Qatar took over and signed a treaty with the United Kingdom that made Bahrain a British protectorate. Oil was discovered in 1932, bringing modernization to Bahrain. After the Second World War, there were widespread riots due to anti-British sentiment. Iran temporarily claimed Bahrain in 1970, but gave up those claims in others to gain more land, so the Bahrainis declared independence and the British withdrew in 1971.
Pearl fishing was the main industry until the early 20th century when cultured pearls were invented and oil was discovered in the area. Due to the oil industry, the economy experienced rapid growth in the early 2000s. Bahrain’s economy is also supported by commercial fishing, Bahrain’s status as an international banking center, and its popularity as a tourist destination as well.
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