Bahrain

Bellin - Karte von der Küste von Arabien c.1745 (crop)

AncientTombsOfBahrain.svg

Muhammad Bahrain letter facsimile

Persia 600ad

Bahrain Fort overview.jpg

Country in the Persian Gulf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Manama
• Dilmun
• King Fahd Causeway
• Bahrain Grand Prix
• Economy of Bahrain
• Culture of Bahrain

References

   Coordinates:
   
       26°02 
       N°50
   

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Bahrain

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  RBNS Sabha (FFG 90) Bahrain
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  Royal Bahraini Air Force F-16 Block 70 lands at Edwards Air Force Base