Manama

CAPITAL CITY OF Bahrain: Manama
LANGUAGE OF Bahrain: Arabic
CURRENCY OF Bahrain: Bahraini dinar (BHD)
COMMENTS ABOUT Bahrain:
The Kingdom of Bahrain is a Middle Eastern archipelago in the Persian Gulf.
Cities: Manama (capital), Hamad Town, Isa Town, Jidd Hafs, Muharraq, Riffa, Sitrah
Electricity : 220V/50Hz UK plug
Calling Code : +973
Time Zone : UTC +3
Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and has transformed itself into an international banking center. The new amir, installed in 1999, has pushed economic and political reforms and has worked to improve relations with the Shi'a community. In February 2001, Bahraini voters approved a referendum on the National Action Charter - the centerpiece of the amir's political liberalization program. In February 2002, Amir HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa proclaimed himself king. In October 2002, Bahrainis elected members of the lower house of Bahrain's reconstituted bicameral legislature, the National Assembly.
CLIMATE OF Bahrain: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
RELIGION OF Bahrain: Shi'a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30%
POPULATION OF Bahrain: 677,886>
ECONOMY OVERVIEW OF Bahrain: In well-to-do Bahrain, petroleum production and refining account for about 60% of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 30% of GDP. With its highly developed communication and transport facilities, Bahrain is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. Bahrain is dependent on Saudi Arabia for oil granted as aid. A large share of exports consist of petroleum products made from refining imported crude. Construction proceeds on several major industrial projects. Unemployment, especially among the young, and the depletion of oil and underground water resources are major long-term economic problems.