|
 |
|
Bahrain General Info |
 |
|
Area
710.9 square kilometres (274.5 square miles)
Population
724,000 people (the 2003 estimate).
Population
Density
937.5 people per square kilometre
Capital
Manama.
Manama Population
140,401 people (the 1992 official estimate).
Geography
Some key geographical facts:
Bahrain, located between the Qatar peninsula and Saudi Arabia’s
east coast, boasts a group of 33 small islands in the Arabian Gulf.
The
highest spot in the country is at the heart of the island, called
Jebel Dukhan.
Most of the country’s oil wells are to be found in this area.
The main island has the valuable possession of an sufficient supply
of fresh water, which is unique to the region, both on land and
offshore.
There are considerable date gardens to the north with irrigated
vegetable and fruit plantations.
The strategic 24 kilometre (15 mile) long King Fahad Causeway connects
Bahrain with Saudi Arabia.
Government
Bahrain is part of a Constitutional Monarchy.
Bahrain became completely independent in 1971 after having been
governed and controlled by the United Kingdom from 1861.
King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa has been the Head of
State since 1999.
Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa has been the
Head of Government since 1971.
Language
Bahrain's official language is Arabic; however,
English is spoken throughout the country.
Religion
About 85% of Bahraini society is Muslim of which 60% is Shi’ite
and 40% is Sunni. There are also other faiths, including Christianity,
Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Buddhism.
Time
Zone
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 3.
Electricity
230 volts AC/50Hz. Lamp sockets are either bayonet or screw type.
Plug fittings are generally of the 13 amp pin type. |
|
|
|
|
