Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf, offering a blend of ancient and modern. Skyscrapers share the landscape with majestic mosques, embodiments of Islamic art, culture and architecture. Manama, Bahrain’s capital, is modern, dominated by a Manhattan-style skyline. The souk lies in the centre of the old town, near the archway of Bab al-Bahrain and, although much of the surrounding area is modern, the street layout follows traditional lines. To sample some of Bahrain’s past, a visit to the A’ali Burial Mounds (the world’s largest cemetery) is recommended. Other sites of antiquity include The House of Al Jasra (birthplace of the Amir, the ruler of Bahrain) and the Al Fateh Grand Mosque (Bahrai’s largest mosque). Other attractions include long stretches of sandy beaches and coral reefs. The largest and most pleasant beach can be found at Al Jazair. Arabic food is spicy and strongly flavoured. Lamb is the principal meat, while chicken, turkey and duck are also eaten. Arak (grape spirit flavoured with aniseed) and beer are the most common drinks. Restaurants, nightclubs and cinemas showing English and Arabic films can be found in the main towns.

Middle East, Gulf Coast.

GMT + 3.

710.9 sq km (274.5 sq miles).

666,442 (official estimate 1999).

937.5 per sq km.

Manama. Population: 140,401 (1992).

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf, situated between Saudi Arabia’s east coast and the Qatar peninsula. At the centre of the island is the highest point, Jebel Dukhan. The majority of Bahrain’s oil wells are to be found in this area. The main island has the valuable asset of an adequate supply of fresh water, unique in the region, both on land and offshore. There are extensive date gardens to the north with irrigated vegetable and fruit gardens. The strategic 24km- (15 mile-) long King Fahad Causeway links Bahrain with Saudi Arabia.

Constitutional monarchy. Gained full independence from the UK in 1971 (had been a British Protectorate from 1861). Head of State: King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa since 1999. Head of Government: Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa since 1971. Recent history:
Sheikh Isa was succeeded by his son, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, in 1999. While the new Sheikh has retained ultimate control over the Bahraini political system, there undoubtedly have been significant moves to open up the political system. Among Sheikh Hamad’s first actions was to declare an amnesty for political opponents. Then, in February 2002, he declared Bahrain a constitutional monarchy with himself as Head of State and announced that majlis elections would be held. These took place in October 2002. Women were allowed to stand as candidates for the first time, provoking complaints from traditionalist Islamists, while Islamist candidates were themselves allowed to stand for the first time. A small majority was secured by a bloc of independent and secular candidates. The first woman to be appointed to head a government ministry was Nada Haffadh in 2004, who was made Health Minister: a symbolic turn of events that hinted at genuine progress in women's rights in Bahrain.
In addition, a prominent opposition figure, Majid al-Alawi, recently returned from exile, and was appointed to a ministerial post in the new government. Early in 2003, there were further protests against the impending war against Iraq, and Bahrain’s role in hosting American and British forces. In May 2003, thousands of victims of alleged torture petitioned the King to cancel the law that prevents them from suing suspected torturers. These protests instigated a general concern for security in Bahrain, and in 2004, the protests against fighting in Iraqi cities once again materialised. However, the King sacked his Interior Minister after police tried to prevent the protests. These kind of moves seem to render the country more stable and Sheikh Hamad appears to have succeeded in quelling the Shia opposition – at least for the time being.
Bahrain was a traditional Arab monarchy, ruled since 1782 by an Emir selected from the al-Khalifa dynasty through an appointed cabinet led by a Prime Minister. Constitutional changes introduced by the current Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, in February 2002, establish him as Head of State of a constitutional monarchy. The Emir governs with the support of an appointed cabinet of Ministers. He is also advised by the Majlis as-Shura (People’s Council), which was elected for the first time in October 2002. Its 40 members serve in single-seat constituencies for a four-year term.

The official language is Arabic. English is widely spoken.

Islam is practised by around 85 per cent of Bahraini society (of which 60 per cent is Shi’ite and 40 per cent Sunni). There are also other faiths, including Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism.

230 volts AC, 50Hz (Awali, 110 volts AC, 60Hz). Lamp fittings are of both the bayonet and screw types. Plug fittings are normally of the 13-amp pin type.

Traditional beliefs and customs are strong influences and people are generally more formal than Westerners. Attitudes to women are more liberal than in most Gulf States. Homosexuality, however, is illegal. Video cassettes will be withheld on arrival at the airport. It is illegal for Muslims to purchase alcohol from retail outlets. It is acceptable to sit cross-legged on cushions or sofas in people’s homes but it is still insulting to display the soles of the feet or shoes or to accept food or anything else with the left hand. It is polite to drink two small cups of coffee or tea when offered. Guests will generally be expected to share a bedroom since guest bedrooms and privacy are almost unknown. Sports clothes may be worn in the street and short dresses are acceptable; however, revealing clothing should be avoided. Smoking is very common and cheap by European standards.