Country Details
| Land Area |
620 sq km |
Population |
666441 |
| Capital City |
Manama |
People |
Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8% |
| Language |
Arabic, Farsi, English, Urdu |
Religion |
Shi'a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30% |
| Government Type |
constitutional monarchy |
Life Expectancy |
73.2 years |
| HIV/AIDS Rate |
0.15% (1999 est.) |
GNP per Capita |
$15,900 |
| Currency |
Bahraini dinar (BHD) |
Major Exports |
petroleum and petroleum products 61%, aluminum 7% |
| National Holiday |
National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 is the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 is the date of independence from British protection |
Dialing Code |
973 |
| Electricity |
220V |
Malaria Risk |
|
| Water Quality |
Unsafe |
Inoculations |
Yellow Fever, Polio, Typhoid, Cholera |
| Crime |
|
Driving License |
International Driving Permit |
| Photography |
|
Entry Regs |
Passport, British citizens do not need a visa othe |
| Time Zone |
GMT+3 |
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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.
