Bahrain - Tourism and Travel

The Kingdom of Bahrain is made up of more than 30 islands in the Persian Gulf, off the coasts of Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain has an area of 267 square miles (691 square kilometers).

Most of the islands of Bahrain are small and rocky.

Bahrain Island is the largest island. A causeway connects it to the other islands and to the Arabian mainland.

The capital of Bahrain is Manama.

791,000 people live in Bahrain.

70% are Bahraini. There are also other Arabs, Iranians, Indians, Pakistanis and Europeans.

Arabic is the official language.

99% of the people are Muslim, mostly Shi'a Muslim.

Oil and oil processing are the most significant industries.

However, the economy is diversifying, and Bahrain is now the most important financial and commercial center in the Persian Gulf.

Bahrain has a mixed monarchical-parliamentary system of government.

The official currency is the Bahraini dinar, which equals 1,000 fils.