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Bahrain is made up of 36 small islands situated in the Arabian Gulf about 24 km from the East coast of Saudi Arabia, and 28 km from the West coast of Qatar. The capital and chief port is Manama.

Bahrain has always served as an important maritime trade centre linking Europe and the Middle East with the Indian subcontinent. The land became a sheikhdom in 1783 and a British-protected state in 1861. Independence was declared in 1971. A new national charter, establishing a constitutional monarchy, was approved in 2001, and Bahrain was proclaimed a kingdom in 2002.

The majority are the Muslim Arab Bahrainis, other residents include other Arab nationals with Iranians, Indians, and other Asians making up over 35% of the population. About 75% are Shiite Muslims; most of the rest are Sunnis.

Bahrain is famous for its local pottery, Arabic coffee pots, paintings,
prints, basket and cloth weaves and jewelry. In special venues, cultural extravaganzas are held regularly. Local artists present the best of traditional ceremonial dance and music, with occasional poetry reading, lectures and exhibits.

Economic activities are centered on the production of crude oil and natural gas and on refining petroleum products. Other industries include ship repair, aluminum refining, and light manufacturing. Bahrain is home to no less than 355 local and international financial institutions, making it the premiere financial capital of the Middle East.

Bahrain undergoes two season changes-- summer and winter. During the summer, between April and October, the temperature  rises from 43°C up to 52°C and the weather gets extremely hot and humid. By winter, the weather gets more pleasant with temperatures going down to 20°C or below.

A state-of-the-art motorsport venue built at a staggering cost of 150
million US$ or 56.2 million Bahraini Dinars. Home of Formula One
in the region.

Purebred Arabian horses at the Sakhir area racetrack, in a grandstand with a seating capacity of 10,000 spectators.

The 6,875 yards, par 72 championship standard 18-hole grass
course is purpose designed to be challenging and fair. Situated in
the Riffa Valley and overlooked by the historic 18th century Riffa
Fort. Tel. 17 750 777

A total of 33 natural islands offer a myriad of panoramic shorelines
and open resort for beach and sea lovers with various water sports and recreational facilities and seafood restaurants. Visit the Al-Dar Islands, Hawar Island, Marina Beach & Park, Le Royal Meridian Hotel beach and Al-Bander Resort.

Visit the pearl diving sites or check out the underwater scenery with over 30 species of coral and in excess of 200 species of fish on the northern offshore reefs of Bahrain or at the Hawar Island,
Tel. 17849 111.

A solitary tree in the middle of a barren desert, a unique and mysterious phenomenon that’s almost 400 years old.