Bahrain
Kingdom of Bahrain مملكة البحرين
| |
---|---|
Anthem: Bahrainona | |
Capital and largest city | Manama |
Official languages | Arabic |
Government | Unitary constitutional monarchy |
Legislature | National Assembly |
Consultative Council | |
Council of Representatives | |
Area | |
• Total | 780 km2 (300 sq mi) (174th) |
Population | |
• 2020 estimate | 1,701,575 |
• Density | 2,173/km2 (5,628.0/sq mi)
|
GDP (PPP) | 2020 estimate |
• Total | $77.662 billion |
• Per capita | $48,504 |
GDP (nominal) | 2020 estimate |
• Total | $38.574 billion |
• Per capita | $24,086 |
Currency | Bahraini dinar (BHD) |
Time zone | UTC+3 (AST) |
Driving side | right |
Calling code | +973 |
ISO 3166 code | [[ISO 3166-2:BH
|BH ]] |
Internet TLD | .bh |
Bahrain (Arabic: مملكة البحرين ), officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a country in the Persian Gulf. The island nation comprises a small archipelago made up of 50 natural islands and an additional 33 artificial islands, centered around Bahrain Island, which makes up around 83% of the country's landmass. Bahrain is situated between the Qatar peninsula and the northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia, to which it is connected by the King Fahd Causeway.
History[edit | edit source]
Bahrain has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was home to the Dilmun civilization, an important trading center linking Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. The country later came under the influence of the Assyrian Empire, Babylonian Empire, and the Persian Empire. In the 7th century, Bahrain became one of the first regions to convert to Islam. In the 19th century, Bahrain became a British protectorate. It gained independence in 1971 and declared itself a kingdom in 2002. The country has since developed a diversified economy, with banking and tourism being significant sectors.
Government and Politics[edit | edit source]
Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The King of Bahrain is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The National Assembly is a bicameral legislature consisting of the Consultative Council and the Council of Representatives.
Economy[edit | edit source]
Bahrain has a high-income economy, with the Bahraini dinar being one of the most valuable currencies in the world. The economy is heavily dependent on oil and natural gas, but the government has been working to diversify it. Key sectors include banking, finance, and tourism. The country is also known for its Bahrain International Circuit, which hosts the annual Bahrain Grand Prix.
Demographics[edit | edit source]
Bahrain has a population of approximately 1.7 million people. The majority of the population is Arab, but there are also significant communities of South Asians, Iranians, and Western expatriates. Arabic is the official language, but English, Farsi, and Urdu are also widely spoken.
Culture[edit | edit source]
Bahrain has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its history and its position as a trading hub. The country is known for its traditional music, dance, and art. The annual Bahrain International Music Festival and the Spring of Culture festival are significant cultural events.
Education and Health[edit | edit source]
Bahrain has a well-developed education system, with free education provided for all citizens. The country also has a robust healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals and clinics.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD